Mama You Belong
Welcome to 'Mama You Belong' - a podcast for moms in the thick of it. We delve into the need for belonging and connection that mothers often face alone and help you feel seen. We acknowledge the dissonance between societal expectations of motherhood and the realities of managing our mental and physical load, with science and trauma-informed support. Co-hosts of 'Mama You Belong' are Kirsten Desmarais, PT, DPT, OCS, CD(DONA) a physical therapist, birth doula, and mother of three, and Molly Hilgenberg, MSW, LICSW, a psychotherapist, singer/songwriter, and new mom.
Kirsten and Molly were both kids who collected rocks, hugged trees and grew up in different towns in Minnesota. They met only a few years ago when Kirsten became Molly's PT and then her birth doula. They bonded when they both realized they could pretty much share anything without judgment and text each other about the moon.
Through shared stories and expert insights, 'Mama You Belong' seeks to empower mothers by creating a supportive space for connection and understanding in their unique journeys. Each episode aims to provide validation, education, and some laughs. By sharing our stories and inviting expert guests in future episodes, we aspire to create a nurturing and inclusive environment for moms.
Mama You Belong
Latest Episodes
Type C Mom Survival: Mom Burnout, Messy Homes, and Parenting an AuDHD Kid
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the invisible load of motherhood...This podcast is for you.Today, Kirsten and Molly talk about the messy middle of motherhood, from spring energy and cluttered homes to the reality that ...
Motherhood Burnout and Community Care: Mother Trees, Mutual Aid, and Why Moms Need Each Other
Kirsten and Molly trace how micro self care rituals, witnessing a transformative birth, and the mother tree metaphor point to a different way of caring and showing up for each other and our children. We share how mutual aid led by moms keeps co...
Parenting in Crisis: Fear, Safety, and What Moms Carry During State Violence
This episode is a brief glimpse into our upcoming interview with Marsh Naidoo on her amazing podcast Raising Kellan. Please subscribe now to her podcast so you can ...
Mother Rage and Grief: Protecting Our Kids in Uncertain Times
We sit with the dissonance of parenting during a state crackdown in Minnesota, holding mother rage and grief while trying to protect childhood for our children. Stories from Minneapolis, a terrifying night terror, and our feelings as mothers.
Daycare Illness, Mom Burnout, and the Mental Load No One Talks About (Where Germs Get Their PhD And Parents Lose Their PTO)
In this episode, we talk openly about updates to toddler sleep struggles, no more night drives just to get a child to sleep, the decision to retire the crib, and how co-sleeping in a king bed changed everything. We unpack how lovin...