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
Introduction to Mama You Belong: Exploring Kirsten and Molly's personal experiences with Matresence
In this inaugural episode of the Mama You Belong podcast, we examine the complexities of motherhood and the emotional landscape mothers navigate. Kirsten, a physical therapist and birth doula shares her personal experiences with perinatal mental health challenges, including the impact of a traumatic pregnancy loss and parenting a neurodivergent child. Molly, a mental health therapist, offers insights from her journey through infertility and the realities of postpartum life. We discuss the concept of matrescence, acknowledging the transformational and often tumultuous nature of becoming a mother. (Read the book on matresence with us for future episodes) Our candid conversation aims to illuminate the feelings of inadequacy many mothers face when fitting into societal expectations and to foster a sense of belonging within our community. Through shared stories and expert insights, we seek to empower mothers by creating a supportive space for connection and understanding in their unique journeys.
Kirsten's Physical Therapy website