The Superwomen Behind the Stethescope

Subscribe to the video podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@SomaSays/videos

In this inspiring episode of Soma Says, Dr. Soma Mandal welcomes Dr. Susan Landers—retired neonatologist, author, and speaker—for a powerful conversation about the emotional complexity of working motherhood and the long road to healing from burnout.

With over 30 years of experience in neonatal intensive care, Dr. Landers opens up about her memoir, So Many Babies, which chronicles the challenges of balancing a high-stakes medical career while raising three children. Together, Dr. Soma and Dr. Landers explore the unspoken toll of maternal guilt, work-related depression, and the difficulty of asking for help.

This episode offers valuable insights for midlife women who may be redefining their identities, careers, and personal priorities. Whether you're a working mom, a healthcare professional, or simply someone seeking to reclaim your energy—this conversation is a compassionate reminder that your story matters.

Topics Discussed: – Balancing motherhood with a demanding medical career – How burnout shows up (and how to name it) – Postpartum and work-related depression in high-achieving women – The role of support systems and community – Redefining success after retirement – Empowerment and self-discovery in midlife

Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction and Disclaimer 01:06 – Meet Dr. Susan Landers 02:17 – Balancing Motherhood and Medicine 03:14 – The Challenges of Being a Working Mother 04:54 – Navigating Burnout and Mental Health 08:42 – The Importance of Support Systems 16:48 – Dealing with Working Mom Burnout 23:00 – Identifying the Problem of Burnout 23:35 – Navigating Life's Challenges 24:58 – Support Systems for Single Mothers 26:02 – Resources for Defeating Burnout 28:03 – The Importance of NICU Stories 32:24 – Balancing Career and Family 35:37 – Reflections on Retirement 43:28 – Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Guest Bio: Dr. Susan Landers is a neonatologist, author, and speaker with over three decades of experience in medicine—and just as many years navigating the challenges of working motherhood. In her memoir So Many Babies, she shares the emotional highs and lows of being both a doctor and a mother. Today, she empowers women to recognize burnout, reconnect with themselves, and write a more balanced second chapter.

📘 Learn more at www.susanlandersmd.com