Trigger warning: this episode opens with a disclaimer on our stance on the Roe vs Wade SCOTUS decision from June 24, 2022. This Could Have Been an Email aims to have open discussions with authentic women on important topics impacting our lives and create an atmosphere of mutual respect and sensitivity.

While many millennial women are choosing not to have children, many still are and, unfortunately, the careers and employers that helped get us to where we are today, aren't providing the empathy, support, flexibility, or policies to allow us to raise these beautiful tiny humans and maintain our tenacious career goals. Nicole and Alex talk with Ashley, a mom-of-almost-three, about what to expect with work-life balance with your first child, how to create boundaries and advocate for yourself with doctors, employers, and family, the need for something like marine sleep deprivation training, the obscene costs of daycare where your kid isn't even learning Mandarin, and more.

Shout-outs to:

- Luz & Stef of Mamihood, A Thread the podcast
- The Skimm #ShowUsYourLeave