Every mom knows what it feels like to juggle so many things at once that two arms hardly seem enough. But trying to do it all can take a toll. So, what can help moms feel seen and supported?

In this episode of Momcozy Village: Together We Grow, Natalie Gouché chats with Emily Busby, author of Mommy’s Not an Octopus, a children’s book that teaches kids that moms can’t do it all.

The book grew out of an ordinary family moment: a hectic dinner party where Emily was juggling several things at once. When her kids started calling out requests, her husband told them, “Give your mom a second. She’s not an octopus.” Just like that, an idea and a new Busby family saying were born.

As a college athlete, Emily became used to doing it all: studying, practicing, and competing. However, she realized that bringing the same mindset to motherhood led to burnout and anxiety.

One of the book’s most powerful lessons is that kids can help their moms, and that helping can become something positive, like a game or an activity to do together. Young children may take a while to learn tasks such as unloading the dishwasher or folding clothes, but teaching them to pitch in gives them valuable, foundational skills while helping moms manage the day-to-day load.

Like all moms, Emily sometimes needs a moment to herself to catch her breath during a busy day. Mommy’s Not an Octopus encourages kids to give Mom the space to pause and recharge. After all, moms may have unlimited love, but they don’t have unlimited energy.

Episode Highlights

01:00 – Why Emily wrote Mommy’s Not an Octopus.

02:28 – What the book is about.

04:16 – How Emily’s athletic training played a role in her approach to motherhood.

08:08 – How boundaries are discussed in the book.

11:02 – How the book has changed Emily’s kids.

13:05 – People-pleasing and boundaries.

15:58 – Ways to involve kids in day-to-day activities.

18:01 – Emily’s final thoughts.

About the Guest: Emily Busby
Emily Busby is a mom of two adventurous girls, a wife, a corporate professional, and the owner of EJL Designs, her creative small business. One evening, amid the usual dinnertime bustle of clanging dishes, questions from every direction, and a little chaos, her husband exclaimed, “Mommy is not an octopus!” Her oldest burst into laughter, and just like that, the idea for the book was born. Emily hopes Mommy’s Not an Octopus brings smiles to busy families everywhere and reminds parents that doing their best is more than enough, even without eight arms.

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Momcozy
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Emily Busby
Website

About the Podcast: Momcozy Village – Together We Grow

Momcozy Village: Together We Grow is a podcast where moms gather to learn, share, and support each other. Hosted by Natalie Gouché, each episode features inspiring conversations on motherhood: from career transitions to mental health and beyond.

Backed by Momcozy, makers of innovative wearable breast pumps and cozy nursing bras, the podcast is part of a movement to empower moms through every phase of early motherhood.

Enjoying the Show?
Subscribe so you never miss an episode. If you’re enjoying the conversations, consider leaving us a 5-star review—it helps us grow the village and support more moms.

Follow Koala Tots for more calming bedtime stories, or listen ad-free with bonus sleepy compilations on Koala Tots Plus https://koalatots.supercast.com

Narrated by Abbe Opher

Music by Sokratis Seirlis

Instagram: @koalakids.fm

What moms hope breastfeeding will be like often doesn’t match what really happens. This can leave some moms feeling discouraged or unsure of themselves. So how can moms set realistic expectations for breastfeeding?

In this episode of Momcozy Village: Together We Grow, Natalie Gouché talks with Nicki Davis. Nicki, known as The Baby Whisperer, is a lactation consultant who has spent 20 years helping moms and babies learn to breastfeed with confidence and calm.

Nicki believes many moms think that because breastfeeding is ‘natural,’ it should be easy, but that’s not always true. She also reminds moms that every new baby is a new learning experience for both mom and child. Nicki suggests starting fresh with each baby, since you're both learning together. This way, moms can celebrate small successes and keep their expectations realistic.

In Nicki’s experience, most moms don’t think much about breastfeeding until they start. She recommends joining a breastfeeding support group once the baby arrives. Getting to know the group ahead of time means you’ll have support when you need it most. A consultant can ensure you have support during this sometimes challenging period in your baby's development. She also reminds moms that breastfeeding will look different at different stages of your baby’s development. The time they comfort-breastfeed is short, so enjoy it.

Episode Highlights

02:02 – The myth of breastfeeding coming naturally — especially with multiple kids.

05:21 – Breastfeeding myths that harm expectations.

09:19 –  What's the difference between hospital lactation consultants and private ones?

11:08 –  Moms spend zero time getting prenatal breastfeeding advice.

12:39 –  What's the first step in looking for a lactation consultant?

14:39 – Babies change quickly, and so do their breastfeeding habits.

16:53 – How do family members impact breastfeeding expectations?

18:35 – The mental load of breastfeeding.

22:49 – Breastfeeding isn’t all or nothing.

About the Guest: Nicki Davis
Nicki Davis is known as the Baby Whisperer. She’s a registered nurse, lactation consultant, and proud mom of four kids. With over 20 years of experience working with moms and babies, Nicki has learned that every feeding journey is as unique as the little one in your arms. Her passion for breastfeeding started with her own children. Those early moments of learning to nurse inspired her to help other families find their rhythm too. Nicki combines her nursing background with her experience as a mom to support you at every stage, from pregnancy to late-night feeds and everything in between. Her goal is to help you feel confident, supported, and empowered in your breastfeeding journey.

Connect With Us

Momcozy
Website | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram

Nicki Davis

Website | Spill the Milk Podcast

About the Podcast: Momcozy Village – Together We Grow

Momcozy Village: Together We Grow is a podcast where moms gather to learn, share, and support each other. Hosted by Natalie Gouché, each episode features inspiring conversations on motherhood: from career transitions to mental health and beyond.

Backed by Momcozy, makers of innovative wearable breast pumps and cozy nursing bras, the podcast is part of a movement to empower moms through every phase of early motherhood.

Enjoying the Show?
Subscribe so you never miss an episode. If you’re enjoying the conversations, consider leaving us a 5-star review—it helps us grow the village and support more moms.

Follow Koala Tots for more calming bedtime stories, or listen ad-free with bonus sleepy compilations on Koala Tots Plus https://koalatots.supercast.com

Narrated by Abbe Opher

Music by Sokratis Seirlis

Instagram: @koalakids.fm