As you might imagine, we love when moms are making magic in the workplace! Therefore, we headed to the new goop HQ (you know, THE destination for all things lifestyle) for an afternoon hang with a few of our fave mamas —some preggers, some not—who curate the beautiful world of goop — no big deal. 

Check out these stellar ladies as they talk about managing mom-life and work-life @goop

Cute as can be and pregnant with her second, Kate shares life as a working mom, preparing for baby number two, and her pregnancy style. @kate_wolfson

I would tell her over and over that she’s not alone in this and the baby-related decision making doesn’t fall 100% on her. She has a partner who is a real partner, a tight circle of friends and family who are very comfortable with answering panicked phone calls at all hours, and a responsive, caring pediatrician. I would also tell her that the baby bit is the relatively easy part. And, if she wants to stress about something, it should be the stuff that happens later…like explaining why dinosaurs aren’t around anymore (and why certain animals might not be around much longer either). Or. coaxing him into eating something other than toast and cheesy pasta. And, helping him not be spooked by his poop. You know, things like that.

In bed, with snacks, re-binging one of my many favorite TV shows. So far I’ve watched all of Northern Exposure, Felicity, and now I’m on House.

I’m so lucky to work in a healthy environment surrounded by people who get it, many of whom are also parents. In other words, there are a lot of people that will listen to me complain. For some reason, just being able to verbalize if I’m feeling stressed, tired, worried, or particularly large is helpful.

I am planning on taking the full 12 weeks offered by the company. I didn’t have a super hard time getting back to work the first time around, so hoping for the same this time. I really love what I do, it’s a big part of who I am, and I believe feeling accomplished at work helps me be a better parent.

Before 7 am, we’re sleeping! I know. How dare I?! Sonny is a champion sleeper (I give the bulk of the credit to Dr. Karp’s Snoo bassinet) and usually doesn’t wake up till 7 am…unless it’s garbage collection day and he hears the garbage truck, in which case, we’re all up to watch the action. This arrangement isn’t forever, though, things will change once his little sister is born.

After he’s up, we wouldn’t be able to get through the mornings without Daniel Tiger or Stinky & Dirty (if you know, you know). I realize screen-time is not ideal but having him climb into bed with me for a quick snuggle followed by 20 minutes to pull myself together before turning the focus back on him is invaluable — I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I stick to a somewhat skimpy school-lunch repertoire (Sunbutter sandwiches, ravioli, and quesadillas) but it makes the prep infinitely easier.

I listen to This American Life. There’s something about Ira Glass’s voice that soothes my soul.

Leggy. Lots of dresses and skirts paired with combat boots or sneakers.

Completely smitten, Eileen, mom to Jack, is as lovely as they come. Here, she shares her new mom thoughts, morning routine, and how she spends her commute.

We try our best to stay in bed until 6 am, if possible! Then, from 6 to 7 am, it’s a marathon to get out the door. Technically, my partner is on baby duty so I can make lattes for us and be ready to pull out of the driveway by 7:15 am, somedays this happens and other days not so much.

I religiously listen to The Daily and The goop Podcast. I also get a call into my mother—she loves my commute.

Like most goop gals (and guys), I live in a jumpsuit.

A new one!

Inspiring.

Dry-brush.

A mentor and great fashion editor once said, “Keep it simple, stupid.”  I love that it can be applied to all aspects of life.

I love how swiftly I can change hats— from current and creative one moment to maternal and nurturing the next.

Finding balance, but that is life.

Chill. You can make yourself crazy with all the books, the websites, and the endless amounts of stuff that people say you must have.

Mom of two and total powerhouse, Elise shares her working-mom wisdom, the biggest misnomer of motherhood, and why she leads with curiosity when parenting. @eliseloehnen

Parenthood is an exercise in losing control, right at a moment when controlling everything feels essential. If you don’t relent and flow, the universe will continually remind you that it’s not all up to you.

That there isn’t ambivalence: I love my children so much that I struggle not to smother them with affection, but there are times when I also really want to be by myself.

Before 7 am, I’m hopefully sleeping unless someone wakes me up! Once up, the fire drill starts. I make coffee, breakfast for the kids, shower, and answer emails.

Plus, short hair, don’t care! My routine in the morning is supremely stream-lined now, and my uniform is highly functional. Not a lot of dry-clean-only options in my wardrobe anymore. I don’t have time to be too fussy.

I drop my oldest son off on the way to the office. I’ve found we have the most intimate conversations when we’re both facing forward, so I treasure that time with him. We drive with the radio off, and I listen to what he has to say. Then from school to the office, I listen to NPR.

Jeans, a buttondown with a sweater, and Stan Smiths.

When I feel in flow at work—and sometimes at night or on the weekend—I submit. I can be wildly productive when I’m “on,” and so I maximize those periods of productivity to catch-up and get ahead. Somedays, I have meetings back-to-back and not much time to tend to my inbox, so I flag emails for follow-up and then let myself off the hook until I’m back in the flow and ready to go. If I don’t have the energy for work, I don’t push it.

I try to be curious, primarily. And, ask questions too! I don’t want my kids to think that adults are the sole source of truth and information in the world. I’m all around pretty chill and probably too permissive, but it’s challenging to be a hard-ass disciplinarian when my time with them isn’t as constant as I would like!

It’s rad – I love working with strong women who defy all the long-held stereotypes (which were probably never true, to begin with).

I think it’s changing, minimally. It’s changing for people like me who are privileged to work for a primarily female and progressive brand. It’s not changing for all the women and families who do not have paid leave. It is criminal that in this wealthy country, we are one of only a couple of countries (including Papau New Guinea) that does not have federally mandated coverage and protection.

Coffee! I need the ritual.

Representing and knowing that my boys will grow up to marry strong women (or men) since we’re setting an example for them.

Feeling like I’m never doing my best at anything. This is simply the unfortunate reality of being stretched across many things.

“Encounters are planned by the soul.” My favorite Paul Coehlo quote.

Mom to Maddie, Julie is one cool cookie. Here, she shares her number one time-saving hack, why she loves being part of a female-founded team, her (perhaps too lenient) style of momming, and why she’s fortunate to have the support of her mother. 

Don’t be tied to any expectations you might have from listening to other people’s stories or advice. Inevitably, it’ll be different for you.

Wake up, check emails, get ready, and make breakfast for the fam.

I leave a little later in the mornings so that I can miss rush hour. Otherwise, I get to work at the same time but sit in traffic for twice the amount of time.

Simple. Jeans and a sweater.

I’m very fortunate that my mom watches Maddie during the week and helps us out around the house. When I’m at work, I can focus because I know my daughter’s in good hands. Once I get home at night, I don’t check emails or do any work until after Maddie’s gone to bed so I can be present while I’m with her.

I think I’m pretty chill (maybe too lenient to be honest).

It’s so lovely to be part of a team that’s supportive, understanding, and roots for your success both career-wise and as a mom. It’s always challenging to balance the desire to be there for your family as well as work. It’s hard not to feel as if something is being sacrificed. But the workplace seems to be increasingly flexible in helping working moms strike that balance.

I love my job, and I love being a mom, so I’m glad I didn’t have to choose between these two gratifying aspects of my life.

Finding the work-life balance and not feeling guilty.

Mom to Beau, Wendy is a beacon of calm. Here, she shares life as a single working mom, hectic morning routines and her laid-back approach to parenting. @wendylauria

I’m a single mom, so getting out of the house for self-care isn’t always easy. Every so often, I treat myself to an in-home massage timed with Beau’s nap schedule. Apps like Soothe make it so easy.

My son is usually up around 6:30 am. He drinks his milk, I drink my coffee, and we have a little cuddle time before the day officially begins. Although, no matter how hard I try, most mornings, we’re running out the door a few minutes late.

Thankfully, the goop office is pretty casual/California chic, so it’s easy to get dressed for work. I’ve embraced sneaker culture since moving to LA. I have a pair of silver Adidas sneakers that work with everything—dresses, jeans, and skirts.

I think I’m pretty laid-back as a mom! Kids feed off of your energy, so I try to keep it chill in our house.

Though I know it’s not the case in every workplace, I’m lucky to work in an office where it’s valued. GP herself has said it: Working moms will get things done.

Glass (or two) of wine.

While this may sound a bit OCD, but making my bed. No matter how crazy the morning is, I have to make the bed to start the day off on the right foot.

When my son arrived, one of my favorite bosses told me, “The days are long, but the years are short.” I try to remind myself of this whenever we’re having a particularly challenging day. It’s not always easy, but the time can fly by fast, so it’s essential to be in the moment.

The balancing act. I agree with the sentiment that it’s close to impossible to find the perfect balance: Some days I’m a great mom; some days I’m a great employee. However, trying to be both at the same time isn’t always possible.