We’re looking forward to introducing you to Ali Kochtanek. Check out our conversation below.
Ali, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: Are you walking a path—or wandering?
This is such a fun question, because for a really long time, I truly would have said I was wandering. I graduated with a degree in Communications & Business. I knew I wanted to work with people, but I wasn’t exactly sure what that would look like. When I moved back to St. Louis in 2008, jobs were scarce and I had a big “what now?” moment.
I started with an (unpaid) internship in Events at the Saint Louis Zoo, which led to a series of interim roles – from Sales Assistant to Executive Assistant to the President & CEO, and even in the Architecture and Planning Department. At the time I was just grateful to have opportunities, and each one taught me something new. Soon after I stepped into Development as a Major Gift Officer, then a few years after that became Director of Volunteer Services. It was a wild ride of learning, adapting and figuring it out as I went.
In 2016, I had my first child and made the decision to stay home with her. And fast forward to 2020, with three kids under the age of four, I was ready to start something for myself. I felt I had some creative juices flowing and during the pandemic, moms were struggling being isolated, so I launched an Instagram page for new moms (it still exists! @surviveandthrivemama), which inspired me to become a Certified Postpartum Doula, and a couple years later, a Certified Pediatric Sleep Consultant.
Then, I discovered New Mom School – a program redefining how we show up for moms after they give birth. When I learned they were franchising, something clicked. For the first time, every job I had and every experience I had – every detour I thought was “just wandering” – suddenly lined up. It felt like I had been walking a Yellow Brick Road to this exact moment: opening the first New Mom School in St. Louis and supporting moms in one of the most transformational times in their lives.
So while I once thought I was wandering, I now see I was on a very intentional path, preparing me to serve moms and families in this community in the best way possible.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Ali Kochtanek and I am a Certified Postpartum Doula, Certified Pediatric Sleep Consultant, and the proud owner of New Mom School St. Louis – West County. My most important role, though, is being mom to my three kids – Olivia (9), Leo (7), and Kennedy (almost 5) – who are my daily inspiration. I’ve been married to my amazing husband, Kyle, for over a decade, and we’ve called St. Louis home since we graduated college.
Like I mentioned, as we were coming out of the pandemic I began supporting moms virtually by creating groups based on their baby’s age – putting moms of 4–6 month olds together. I provided them with content and education relevant to them, but what I loved the very most was seeing those moms connect with one another. There was something so powerful about witnessing them sharing – both wins and struggles, encouraging one another and continuing their friendships for weeks, months and even years later. It confirmed what I had always felt deep down: we were never meant to mother alone.
One day, New Mom School crossed my desk, and the messaging hit me instantly. It was so aligned with what I had already been doing, but with 10 years of proven success in California. When I learned they were franchising, I had a moment of absolute clarity: I was meant to bring this program to St. Louis.
At the end of the day, our systems aren’t designed to fully support moms after they give birth. Once the baby arrives, their care shifts to the pediatrician and the mother is no longer under the watch of her OB or midwives, and she’s left to navigate her own recovery. This happens at the exact time she’s facing hormonal changes, identity shifts, exhaustion, and the physical demands of healing – making it one of the hardest seasons to go through alone.
So here I am! Bringing the care and support we know moms desperately need to reality!
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
I’d have to say the relationship I have with my children has most shaped how I see myself. Which is wild because these are relationships that I’ve had within the past 10 years. Parenting has a way of holding up a mirror and you get to (for good or for bad) reflect on everything from the choices you make to how you respond in challenging moments. The most important lesson I’ve learned is that perfection doesn’t exist – and it was never the goal. What matters most is trying your best to show up with love, patience (even when it’s extremely difficult), and a willingness to grow alongside them.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
When I was younger, I just wanted to fit in. I searched for approval outside of myself and tried so hard to keep up with what I thought was the “right” way to be or the “cool” thing to do. If I could tell that younger me one kind thing, it would be: You are more than enough exactly as you are. You don’t need to change a single thing to be worthy of love and belonging. Your quirks, your passions, even the things you thought made you feel silly – those are actually your gifts. What makes you truly amazing is staying authentic and true to your beliefs, something you’ve always carried with such conviction. Trust yourself, because the real you is more than enough.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I’m deeply committed to changing the way new moms are supported. For too long, a mother’s health after birth has been an afterthought in our culture. The assumption is that most moms will just “figure it out” (and to be clear they DO, because moms are incredible)! But I believe every mom deserves a community and a safe place to land after birth. It’s a core human need, and our country has simply missed the mark in this transformational time. Whether it takes 5 or 25 years, I’ll keep building systems and spaces where mothers feel truly held, because I know the ripple effect is generational. Healthy, supported moms lead to healthy babies, healthier families, and stronger communities – and that changes everything.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What are you doing today that won’t pay off for 7–10 years?
I want to say parenting because it seems like such an easy answer. But on a personal level, I have really been working hard on my own leadership and nervous system regulation. As someone who supports moms, I know I can only take others as far as I’ve gone myself. That inner work doesn’t pay off immediately (to be quite honest I find myself struggling often). But I feel like in the next 7-10 years I will see the outcome of the work that I’m doing now in order to show up as the best leader, mother and mentor that I can be.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://newmomschool.com/stl-west-county-mo/
- Instagram: @newmomschool_stlwestcounty
