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
What is Nervous System "Regulation" When You're a Mom
In this episode, we explore the nervous system and the concept of “regulation” and its impact on mothers facing the challenges of parenthood. Is it really regulating or is it us policing ourselves?
Our discussion begins with a candid reflection on exhaustion and coping methods, transitioning into the pressures society places on mothers in relationship to their ability to “regulate”. We, then, confront the disparity between curated social media portrayals of parenting and the often chaotic reality, emphasizing the need for support and understanding (and for unfollowing unhelpful accounts).
Delving into practical strategies for managing overstimulation, we offer insights on creating a more manageable environment and grounding exercises. We identify that these are simply tools to bring us back into a place where we can be present while knowing that this may not be possible for us at times. We also address the stigma surrounding seeking help, highlighting the necessity of compassion and self-care.
Concluding with actionable tips, we encourage listeners to integrate personal coping mechanisms into their routines in order to see what works for them, reminding them that “regulation” isn’t the end goal, utilizing tools and seeking centeredness/groundedness while embracing life's chaos is a continuous journey.
We hope our stories and ideas resonate with you and your own struggles with dysregulation, sensory overload, and the “shoulds” around the topic of the nervous system.
Here are some resources you might find useful!
Ambient music - environmental shift to ground yourself during times of sensory overload
Need a little more or different support with the auditory overload of motherhood?? Here is an option for noise reducing ear buds Loops - NOT an affiliate
Pregnancy Postpartum Support International - Perinatal mental health resources including support groups, registry of providers, and so much more (your state may have their own resources too! MN is Pregnancy Postpartum Support MN)
Kirsten's Physical Therapy website