Your Questions Answered: A Q&A with a Work-from-Home Pregnant Mom

Hey there, I'm Ashley, the one-woman show behind October Dreams Studios. If you're new here, welcome to the chaos and the creativity! I’m currently navigating life as a work-from-home mom, 30 weeks pregnant with baby number two, and wrangling a spirited 17-month-old daughter—all while running a business that I’m absolutely passionate about. Over the past few months, I’ve been getting tons of questions about how I juggle everything, and I thought it was time to sit down and answer some of the most common ones. So grab a coffee (or a mocktail if you’re in the same boat as me), and let’s dive into this open, no-holds-barred conversation. And hey, if I miss something, hit me up in the comments—I’m all about keeping the conversation going!

Common Questions About Work-from-Home Tips

Let’s kick things off with what seems to be on everyone’s mind—how the heck do you stay productive while working from home? Spoiler: it’s not always smooth sailing, but I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve.

How do you stay productive while working from home?

For me, it’s all about setting boundaries—both physical and mental. I’ve carved out a little corner of my home that’s strictly for work. When I’m in that space, I’m in “boss mode.” I also swear by time blocking; it’s like my secret weapon for staying on track. I break my day into chunks, tackling the most important tasks when my energy is at its peak (hello, morning people!).

Another thing, and not everybody likes to hear this, but I wake up at 5:00 am to get 2 hours of work in before my daughter wakes up!

What tools or apps help you manage your time effectively?

Honestly, I’d be lost without my Google Calendar, Rella, and Monday.com. Google Calendar keeps my schedule in check, while Rella and Monday.com help me visualize my to-dos and projects. I also use a timer at my desk to keep me on track during those crucial work blocks—25 minutes on, 5 minutes off. It works wonders!

How do you create a work-life balance when home is your office?

This is the million-dollar question, right? For me, it’s all about flexibility and knowing when to switch gears. When my daughter needs me, work gets paused, and that’s okay. I’ve learned to be kinder to myself and accept that some days are more work-focused, while others are more mom-focused. Balance isn’t a one-day achievement; it’s a constant ebb and flow.

Questions About Managing Pregnancy with a Toddler

Now let’s talk about the wild ride that is being pregnant while chasing after a toddler. It’s a whole different ballgame, and I’m here for all the questions you’ve thrown my way.

How do you manage your energy levels throughout the day?

Naps. For both of us. That’s my secret weapon! Seriously though, I’ve learned to listen to my body. When I’m feeling low on energy, I don’t push it. I take a break, have a snack, and do something low-energy like reading or playing quiet games with my daughter. Also, staying hydrated and snacking regularly keeps my energy levels more stable. HYDRATION IS KEY!

What are your go-to activities to keep your toddler entertained while you rest?

I’ve got a few tricks! Our living room is completely optimized for our girl to climb, fall, and play. She has a Nugget couch that she loves and lots of other great toys. I can usually leave her in there for 30 minutes and she is happy to play independently. I also have coloring books that I will give her when she wants to do something else, and I have different toys in my office so they are “new” when she doesn’t want to be alone, but I need to focus. We do ZERO screen time for her, so lots of shuffling around to keep her entertained throughout the day.

She is obsessed with Llama Llama books, so sometimes rest is me reading the same book to her over and over but she’s laying next to me completely calm.

How do you prepare your toddler for a new sibling?

We’re in the thick of this right now! I’m trying to involve her as much as possible, talking about the baby and letting her feel my belly when the baby kicks. We’ve also been reading books about becoming a big sister, and practicing hugging baby dolls. We will soon be teaching her how to bring diapers and bottles to mama so she can help out when her baby brother arrives!

Parenting Tips and Hacks Shared

Let’s get into some of the parenting hacks I’ve picked up along the way—because if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that every little bit helps!

Meal prepping ideas that save time and energy:

One word: batch-cooking. I’ll cook up a big batch of something like pasta, chili, or stir-fry and then portion it out for the week. It saves so much time, and I always have something ready to go when the day gets hectic. Freezer meals are also a lifesaver—soups, meatballs in sauce, and pre-chopped veggies are my go-tos.

Organizing your home to reduce stress and clutter:

I’m all about baskets, bins, and labels! Having a place for everything keeps the clutter at bay. I also tidy up every evening so I’m not waking up to chaos. It’s amazing how much more peaceful the house feels when it’s not buried under toys and random stuff.

Odessa’s toys are also kept in the living room (we have it gated) so that does keep her toys from completely overtaking the house!

Effective ways to involve your toddler in daily tasks:

I’ve found that involving my daughter in what I’m doing helps keep her entertained and teaches her new skills. Whether it’s “folding” laundry, putting away toys, or “helping” with the dishes, she loves being part of the action. I give her small, manageable tasks, and she gets so proud of herself when she’s done! We also get her a toddler “meal prep” kit on Amazon that allows her to help cut up veggies to go with her breakfast!

Personal Experiences and Advice Given

I’ve learned a lot on this journey, and I’m happy to share some personal stories and advice with you all. Here’s a peek into my life as a work-from-home, pregnant mom.

A day in the life of balancing work, pregnancy, and motherhood:

Every day is a juggling act, but I’ve found my rhythm. Mornings are for work—I dive into client projects while my daughter is with her nanny. Afternoons are all about her—we play, we read, we explore. And evenings? That’s my time to unwind, catch up on any lingering work, and spend time with my husband. It’s a delicate balance, but it works for us. Waking up early has really helped me become more productive.

Overcoming unexpected challenges:

There have been days when nothing goes as planned—a sick toddler, a looming deadline, or just feeling completely wiped out. My advice? Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Whether it’s leaning on family and friends or hiring a part-time nanny, it’s okay to admit you can’t do it all on your own. And remember, tomorrow is a new day.

The importance of self-care and how you incorporate it into your routine:

Self-care is non-negotiable. For me, it’s the little things—enjoying a quiet cup of tea, reading a few chapters, or just sitting in silence for a few minutes. I’ve learned that taking care of myself makes me a better mom, wife, and business owner. So, even when the to-do list is endless, I make sure to carve out a little time just for me.

Thanks for hanging out with me today and for all your support. It means the world to me that you’re here, sharing in this journey. I can’t wait to keep these conversations going, build this community, and see where it all takes us. Until next time—take care, stay strong, and keep dreaming big!