Motherhood is a beautiful journey, but it often comes with sleepless nights, endless responsibilities, and little time left for oneself. For Shannon Leach, a mom of 5 kids, health advocate, and fitness enthusiast, the challenge has always been finding balance—nurturing her children while also caring for her own body and mind.
In this interview, she shares her challenges and smart skills to find true balance to serve as a guide for new moms.
Namita Nayyar:
Shannon, can you take us back to the early days of motherhood? What were some of the biggest challenges you faced as a new working mom?
Shannon Leach:
Some of the biggest challenges I faced as a new working Mom were honestly a lot related to breastfeeding and the need to pump. I worked in a hospital at the time, and despite being a healthcare worker, there was literally ONE room available for hundreds of nurses. Often, I would try to go pump between patients, and the room wouldn’t be available. Eventually, I requested to have a curtain/frosted window put in my office so I could pump in my office. However, at one point, a fellow employee complained about me pumping in my office. It always felt like a constant battle — I wanted to do what I could to breastfeed my baby and keep her healthy, and yet, it seemed there were so many barriers in the way. Another big challenge was finding childcare — Someone I could really trust with my kiddo (and eventually kiddos) who would nurture them, help them grow, & LOVE on them since I couldn’t be there with them 24/7.
Namita Nayyar:
Many moms struggle with “mom guilt” when trying to balance career, family, and self-care. How did you navigate those emotions?
Shannon Leach:
I definitely struggled with Mom guilt. But the way I navigated those emotions was by being intentional with my children the time I wasn’t working. Maximize the moments with them and really try to stay present. I also tried to remind myself that by being a working Mom, I was/am showing my kiddos an example of how you could be a Mom AND work… I am showing them that I was following my heart with my career as a Nurse Practitioner. I am showing them that it’s important to give to others (not just your family).
Namita Nayyar:
How do you structure your day to manage work responsibilities while still being present for your kids?
Shannon Leach:
Throughout the years of having children (my oldest will soon be 11), I have worked full-time to 32 hours a week, and now, I work just 2 days a week. It is the perfect balance for me at this time as it allows me to use my skillset and education as a Nurse Practitioner, but also have the time to run around with my kids (attend their school activities, sports, etc.). As the adage goes, “the days will feel long, but the weeks and months will fly by.” It really goes SO fast, and I’m thankful for all the time I do get with my kiddos. It’s hard to believe all 5 are now in elementary school! (Our two youngest (twins) just started Kindergarten).
Full Interview is Continued on Next Page
This interview is exclusive and taken by Namita Nayyar, President of womenfitness.net, and should not be reproduced, copied, or hosted in part or in full anywhere without express permission.
All Written Content Copyright © 2025 Women Fitness
Namita Nayyar:
Have there been moments when you felt overwhelmed? If yes, how did you reset or cope during those times?
Shannon Leach:
I have ABSOLUTELY felt overwhelmed at times. I don’t think there is any mom who could say no to that! Especially with 5 young kids (when I had my twins, we then had 5 under 5 for a few weeks). In those moments, I would do deep breathing, remind myself how grateful I am for my kiddos (they were all a result of IVF due to my infertility).
Yoga and meditation. Anytime I can get on a couch or chair with my kiddos in my lap is calming, too… Whether that is just to cuddle or read to them. I also found it was really important to take a minute (or a few moments) to myself in times of overwhelm. Self-care is SO necessary as a Mom — We give so much of ourselves to others… It is important to give back to ourselves.
Namita Nayyar:
What does a typical workout look like for you, and how do you adapt it on days when time is limited?
Shannon Leach:
A typical workout for me is usually either weight lifting or cycling. I like to throw yoga in there to maintain mobility, and, also love to take a long walk to listen to a good podcast or audiobook. It is my ME time. I actually am currently taking a break from exercise, though, as my hormones were really out of whack. So for now, it’s short walks or a short yoga session to allow my body to heal. Even when I’m on a time crunch, I also feel like something is better than nothing — Whether that’s a short spin class (at home), or short lift, or a short walk. I love to move my body in some way on most days.
Namita Nayyar:
Nutrition often gets overlooked in busy schedules—what strategies help you maintain healthy eating for yourself and your family? Do share tips on meal planning, for kids, and your own self?
Shannon Leach:
Nutrition has always been a priority for me as I know it plays a huge role in my overall health and well-being. It impacts my energy levels (and ability to keep up with my busy kids and busy schedule), and I want to be the type of Mom that can keep up with my children (and one day, hopefully, grandchildren, too).
I’m all about balance — I make sure my kids have a protein, fruit, and veggie with each meal, but, if the main course is mac n’ cheese or chicken nuggets, so be it. We allow dessert nightly — nothing is off limits. For me personally, these last few months have been healing as far as it comes to nutrition is concerned. For too long, I fell into the trap of different “diet trends,” whether it was fasting or low-carb nutrition plans. Now, I eat in the same way I approach the way my kids eat. Nothing is off limits.
No foods are “good” or “bad.” I eat what sounds good and is nourishing for me. Meal planning does make a HUGE impact, though, and always has. For the days I am working, I’ll make my lunch and snacks the night prior to ensure I have everything I need to get me through the work day. We have staple meals that we often will have each week (marinated chicken thighs, roasted veggies, and roasted potatoes), and also try to keep it simple on week nights.
I try to get more crafty and creative with meals on the days I don’t work or on the weekend. Variety is the key!
Namita Nayyar:
Many moms struggle with prioritizing their health because they feel selfish doing so. What’s your message to them?
Shannon Leach:
It’s never selfish to take care of yourself. When you take care of yourself, you are being an example to your own children — You want THEM to take care of themselves, right? If you don’t prioritize your own health, you may not be around for all of their special milestones. Your health is not about aesthetics. It is about having the strength to pick up your kiddos. It’s about being able to go on a bike ride with them. It’s being able to get on the floor and play with them. It’s about being able to be present because you aren’t running on empty (which you will be if you don’t meet your own needs!!). It’s not selfish at all.
In fact, it is giving your family the BEST gift when you take care of yourself — They will be getting your true, authentic self that is energized and rested, and patient. There are so many sayings that remind me of this… “You can’t pour from an empty cup” (you are the cup that needs to be full so you can pour into your children’s lives). And then the idea that, on an airplane, the flight attendants always tell you to “put your oxygen mask on first.” If you don’t have oxygen, you won’t be able to help others. The same goes for your health. If you do not prioritize your own health, you will no longer be able to care for others the way that you want to or are capable of.
Namita Nayyar:
What mindset shifts helped you go from feeling stretched thin to feeling empowered in both motherhood and fitness?
Shannon Leach:
The mindset shift that enabled me to feel empowered in motherhood and in fitness is remembering that my body now is exactly as it is meant to be. My body now is NOT expecting to look like it did before I had children. My body doesn’t define me. My body is meant to be LIVED in. And, if I am taking care of myself through proper nutrition, healthy movement of my body (exercise), I will be able to live life to the fullest and be the best Mom I can be to my own children.
It is also such a good reminder to remember that our kids are ALWAYS watching what we do — How we care for our bodies and our health. They will mimic what you do, and, if I keep them at the forefront, it helps me always work toward being the healthiest version of myself.
Namita Nayyar:
How do you think your commitment to health and fitness impacts your children’s habits and outlook on wellness?
Shannon Leach:
I definitely think my commitment to health and fitness plays a role in how my children view wellness. We are a family that skis together and hikes together. We love to be outdoors, and, thankfully, it has instilled a love in THEM for these things, too. They aren’t afraid to try new things as they have seen me do a variety of activities/fitness.
They view sports as a fun and healthy way to move their bodies. They never view physical activity as punishment or something they have to do. They move their bodies in a way that feels right to them — Movement that is fun and brings joy into their lives. And, I am so thankful they have viewed it in this way, as most of our kids are now on a competitive sports team, which is helping them learn such important life skills such as being a good teammate, working hard, persevering, being coachable, etc.
Namita Nayyar:
What are three realistic fitness or self-care tips you would give to working moms with very little time?
Shannon Leach:
3 realistic / fitness tips I’d give to working Moms with little time…
1- Prioritize SLEEP. Sleep is needed to maintain hormonal balance. And if you do have a tiny window to sneak in a workout, if you are RESTED, it is more likely to happen.
2- Focus on nutrition — Again, a fueled body and mind are going to be more energized and healthier. Make sure you’re getting ENOUGH (I see far too many Moms who are so busy they skip meals). You need to ensure your body is getting what it needs (especially if you are also consistently working out).
3- Find physical activity that brings you joy. If you hate running, don’t do it. And, if 10 minutes is all you have that day that is OK! In fact, it’s great. Any amount of time you dedicate toward your own health and in moving your body is something to be celebrated! If you cannot find time to do a workout on your own, incorporate your kids! Maybe it’s a long walk with them or riding bikes with them. It doesn’t have to be anything super structured. But, if you want time for yourself, I could not recommend more that you workout AT HOME. It doesn’t take a ton of equipment, but, weight lifting is going to be essential to incorporate as you get older. — It helps with strength and balance and even helps strengthen your bones. Do not skip the weight lifting.
Namita Nayyar:
Share 3 “mom hacks” that have made a big difference in your daily routine?
Shannon Leach:
Three Mom hacks that have made an important difference in my daily routine:
1- Pack lunches the night before (yours included!) It takes away from the stress of the A.M.
2- If you are working out, do it before the kids wake (if possible). I love getting my workout done first thing in the AM as it sets me up for success the rest of the day. Then, if afternoon activities arise, you have the ability to be spontaneous and flexible!
3- Utilize convenient foods for snacks — Snacks that don’t take a lot of prep at all. Usually, a quick grab. IT doesn’t always have to be fresh foods or anything fancy. Some of my favorite snacks are Bobo bars/aloha bars / mixed nuts / fresh fruit / PB & J on toast/beef sticks / Noka packets
Namita Nayyar:
What’s one lesson motherhood has taught you that also applies to health and fitness?
Shannon Leach:
You have to be patient and flexible. It has taught me how to be resilient and overcome challenges and obstacles. It has taught me the importance of setting boundaries and expectations. It has taught me how to set realistic goals. It has taught me that nothing changes overnight — It takes consistent action / daily habits to see change and growth. It has taught me the importance of finding balance in life. It’s not about being perfect… It is about showing up day in and day out, no matter how hard it feels sometimes.
It has taught me the importance of sleep and rest to feel strong and healthy and perform my best. It taught me that there is no “right” way to do something. Raising children is not easy, and EVERYONE does it slightly differently. The same goes for health and fitness. Your journey is YOUR journey. What works for someone else may not be right for you. And that is OK.
Motherhood has taught me to remember to pause and be grateful and also to never take your health for granted… It may not always be there. So for now, for today, thank your body for all it has done for you and continues to do for you.
Instagram: shannonleach_arnp/
This interview is exclusive and taken by Namita Nayyar President of womenfitness.net, and should not be reproduced, copied, or hosted in part or in full anywhere without express permission.
All Written Content Copyright © 2025 Women Fitness