Made for Minnesota Moms | Pregnancy, Birth & Postpartum

Megan Norman I Fresh 48, Newborn + Family Photographer

Made for Minnesota Moms is a podcast for pregnant, postpartum, and new moms in Minneapolis, St. Paul, and across Minnesota who want real, local answers instead of generic internet advice. Hosted by Megan Norman, a Minneapolis newborn and family photographer and mom of three, every episode helps you find trusted local providers, feel more prepared for birth and postpartum, and hear from other Minnesota moms who have been there.Every other week we answer the questions moms actually ask:- Where do I find a good doula, chiropractor, or lactation consultant in the Twin Cities?- What does postpartum recovery really look like, and when should I ask for help?- How do I take care of my pelvic floor, mental health, and body after baby?- What Minnesota resources, businesses, and providers actually support new moms?Unlike national mom podcasts, every guest is a Minnesota expert or local mom, so the resources, recommendations, and stories you hear are ones you can actually use here. From naturopathic doctors and prenatal chiropractors to doulas, lactation consultants, pelvic floor therapists, and postpartum mental health pros, this is the local mom network in podcast form.Press play on any episode and start building your real life Minnesota mom toolkit.  New episodes added regularly. Follow along on Instagram @MadeforMNMoms and subscribe to the newsletter so you don't miss new episodes or what's happening around Minnesota.

Episodes

  1. Pelvic Floor Therapy for Pregnancy & Postpartum with Sarah Glesmann of Sakura Pelvic Health

    5d ago

    Pelvic Floor Therapy for Pregnancy & Postpartum with Sarah Glesmann of Sakura Pelvic Health

    What if the symptoms we have all been told to just live with after having a baby are actually treatable?  In this episode I sit down with Sarah Glesmann, pelvic health physical therapist and owner of Sakura Pelvic Health in St. Paul. Sarah works with women, men, and kids on pelvic pain, pregnancy and postpartum recovery, bladder and bowel concerns, and getting people back to the activities they love and feeling at home in their bodies again.  We get into what pelvic health physical therapy actually is (spoiler: it is so much more than just the pelvic floor), why staying active in pregnancy sets you up for an easier labor and recovery, and what every mom should know about postpartum healing whether you had a vaginal birth or a C-section. Sarah also breaks down diastasis, the postpartum belly, and why the recovery you skip in your 30s shows up in your 40s and 50s.  If you are pregnant, postpartum, or years out and still wondering why things do not feel quite right, this one is worth your time.  What we cover:  What pelvic health physical therapy actually is and who it is for Why everyone has a pelvis, including kids and men - How pregnancy affects the body long before labor begins Why labor is an endurance event and how to train for it - What is normal postpartum and what is not How to recover well after a C-section and what most hospitals still get wrongDiastase recti and how to rebuild your core after baby Why leaking is common but never just something to live with - How postpartum recovery connects to perimenopause and your 40s and 50s A simple tip for postpartum runners Pelvic floor PT for kids and why it is not invasive - When to see a pelvic health PT during and after pregnancy Real Life Rescue Kit: Takeout Rescue - Punch Pizza on Grand Avenue in St PaulWorth The Effort Outing - SkyzoneLocal Mom Resource - Mental Health Therapy - Mothering Roots + Registered Dietitian - Planting Roots NutritionConnect with Sarah:  Website: https://www.sakurapelvichealth.com Instagram: @sakurapelvichealth Medical disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider about your specific situation. About Made for Minnesota Moms Made for Minnesota Moms is a podcast for Minnesota moms navigating pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and early motherhood. Hosted by Minneapolis newborn and family photographer Megan Norman, each episode features trusted local experts sharing practical resources you can actually use. Subscribe to the Newsletter Subscribe on Apple Podcasts  Subscribe on Spotify Watch on YouTube  Follow on Instagram: @MadeforMNMoms

    31 min
  2. What a Night Doula Really Does: Sleep, Healing, and the Village with Hannah Kuduk

    May 27

    What a Night Doula Really Does: Sleep, Healing, and the Village with Hannah Kuduk

    What does an overnight postpartum doula actually do, and why does she start with mom instead of the baby? In this episode, I sit down with Hannah Kuduk, founder of The Folk Doula in Minneapolis, for a real conversation about postpartum support that goes far beyond newborn care. Hannah offers in-home daytime and overnight support, nourishing meal service, and travel doula care for families across and beyond the Twin Cities. Her approach is rooted in traditional, community-based models of care. Less clinical checklist, more village. We get into the difference between a postpartum doula and a newborn care specialist, what actually happens on a first overnight shift, why processing your birth story matters for your healing, and how sleep and mood are biologically linked. Hannah also shares the analogy I have not stopped thinking about since we recorded: we plan for a wedding for a year, but we barely plan for our postpartum at all. If you are pregnant, postpartum, or supporting someone who is, this one is worth your time. What we cover: The real difference between a postpartum doula and a newborn care specialistWhat a first night with an overnight doula actually looks likeWhy postpartum doulas start with the mother, not the babyHow sleep and mental health are biologically connectedBuilding a real postpartum village in a culture set up for isolationThe wedding analogy that reframes postpartum planningBoundaries, imperfect support, and why invitation mattersWhat to look for when hiring a postpartum doula and the questions most people forget to askTravel doula care and when it makes senseThe biggest misconception about postpartum doula supportReal Life Rescue Kit: Takeout Rescue - BrimWorth The Effort Outing - Westwood Hills Nature CenterLocal Mom Resource - Dr. Chrisi at Motherbaby Wellness CoConnect with Hannah: Website: http://www.thefolkdoula.com/Instagram: @thefolkdoulaMedical disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider about your specific situation. About Made for Minnesota Moms Made for Minnesota Moms is a podcast for Minnesota moms navigating pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and early motherhood. Hosted by Minneapolis newborn and family photographer Megan Norman, each episode features trusted local experts sharing practical resources you can actually use. Subscribe to the Newsletter Subscribe on Apple Podcasts  Subscribe on Spotify Watch on YouTube  Follow on Instagram: @MadeforMNMoms

    41 min
  3. Emery's Playhouse | The Kids Boutique + Play Space Every Twin Cities Mom Needs to Know

    May 13

    Emery's Playhouse | The Kids Boutique + Play Space Every Twin Cities Mom Needs to Know

    Liseli Radko left a career at Target and Macy's after having her daughter in 2024 to open Emery's Playhouse in St. Paul, a kids boutique and play space unlike anything else in the Twin Cities. In this episode, she shares the full story behind how she built it, why she combined a curated shop with a whimsical play space in the back, and what it actually took to walk away from corporate and go all in on something she believed in. We talk about: How her background in graphic design, illustration, and visual merchandising shaped every detail of the storeWhy she added a play space so moms can shop without the chaosHow she thinks about curating pieces that feel different from big box retailThe moment she knew she had to leave corporateHow the store became a community, not just a shopPrivate birthday parties, monthly events, and everything Emery's Playhouse offers beyond the boutiqueIf you're a Twin Cities mom looking for a shop that actually feels like someone cared, or you just love a good story about betting on yourself, this one is for you. Real Life Rescue Kit: Takeout Rescue - Brasa, St. Paul https://www.brasa.us/Worth The Effort Outing - Duck Arcade, Eagan https://www.duck-us.com/Local Mom Resource - Dr. Janet Schaffer, OB-GYN at Methodist HospitalFind Emery's Playhouse:  Website: emerysplayhouse.com Instagram: @emerysplayhouseAbout Made for Minnesota Moms Made for Minnesota Moms is a podcast for Minnesota moms navigating pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and early motherhood. Hosted by Minneapolis newborn and family photographer Megan Norman, each episode features trusted local experts sharing practical resources you can actually use. Subscribe to the Newsletter Subscribe on Apple Podcasts  Subscribe on Spotify Watch on YouTube  Follow on Instagram: @MadeforMNMoms

    28 min
  4. Acupuncture for Fertility, Pregnancy & Postpartum with Meaghan Moakly of Azalea Acupuncture

    Apr 29

    Acupuncture for Fertility, Pregnancy & Postpartum with Meaghan Moakly of Azalea Acupuncture

    If you've ever been curious about acupuncture but weren't sure if it was "really" for you, this episode is your answer. Megan sits down with Meaghan Moakly, licensed acupuncturist and founder of Azalea Acupuncture and Aesthetics in Minneapolis, to talk about how traditional Chinese medicine supports women through every phase of the motherhood journey. Meaghan breaks down what acupuncture actually is (spoiler: it's just one piece of a much bigger system), what to expect at your first appointment, and why your practitioner is asking to look at your tongue. They also get into the real stuff: preconception prep, pregnancy symptoms, baby positioning, labor support, and why postpartum care shouldn't stop at six weeks. Plus, Meaghan shares two incredibly simple wellness habits rooted in Chinese medicine that you can start today, and she opens up about navigating her own fertility journey and first pregnancy while running her practice. In this episode: What traditional Chinese medicine actually includes beyond the needlesHow acupuncture supports fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum recoveryThe first 40 days and why postpartum care is a whole body priorityWhy your digestion and your anxiety might be more connected than you thinkTwo easy habits to improve energy and hormonal balance starting nowWhat to look for when choosing a licensed acupuncturist (hint: look for LAC)Real Life Rescue Kit: Takeout Rescue - BrimWorth the Effort Outing - Explore Minneapolis with your kids like they own the placeLocal Mom Resource - Dr. Britt Stammer (Episode 2)Meaghan's practitioner referral list: azaleampls.comConnect with Meaghan: Website: azaleampls.comInstagram: @azaleamplsMedical disclaimer: This episode is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. About Made for Minnesota Moms Made for Minnesota Moms is a podcast for Minnesota moms navigating pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and early motherhood. Hosted by Minneapolis newborn and family photographer Megan Norman, each episode features trusted local experts sharing practical resources you can actually use. Subscribe to the Newsletter Subscribe on Apple Podcasts  Subscribe on Spotify Watch on YouTube  Follow on Instagram: @MadeforMNMoms

    42 min
  5. What a Postpartum Doula Actually Does with Joy McAfee

    Apr 15

    What a Postpartum Doula Actually Does with Joy McAfee

    What does a postpartum doula actually do? If you're picturing overnight newborn care, Joy McAfee is about to change everything you thought you knew. Joy is a certified postpartum doula, early childhood educator, and trauma-informed care practitioner based in the Twin Cities. She provides daytime postpartum support to help families heal, rest, and find their rhythm after baby arrives -- and her approach is unlike anything I expected. We talked about what postpartum support actually looks like in real life, why Joy focuses on daytime care, how she supports C-section moms, what sibling integration is and why it matters, and why postpartum doula support is not a luxury. Joy also shared her own story of severe postpartum depression after her first child, and how that experience became the foundation for the work she does today. In this episode: What a postpartum doula actually does (and what they don't)Daytime vs. overnight support and why Joy chooses daysThe fourth trimester and why support can matter up to 18 monthsHealing meals, light tidying, and reducing the mental loadEmotional and trauma-informed support after birthC-section recovery and how a doula supports surgical birthSibling integration for growing familiesHow to find a postpartum doula in MinnesotaMaking postpartum support affordable, including mutual aid and sliding scalesConnect with Joy McAfee:  Website: https://www.joythevillagedoula.com/about Instagram: @joy_the_doulaMedical disclaimer: This episode is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider with questions about your health or your baby's health. About Made for Minnesota Moms Made for Minnesota Moms is a podcast for Minnesota moms navigating pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and early motherhood. Hosted by Minneapolis newborn and family photographer Megan Norman, each episode features trusted local experts sharing practical resources you can actually use. Subscribe to the Newsletter Subscribe on Apple Podcasts  Subscribe on Spotify Watch on YouTube  Follow on Instagram: @MadeforMNMoms

    42 min
  6. Breastfeeding, Baby Chiro, and Calming the Nervous System with Dr. Jess Roth

    Apr 1

    Breastfeeding, Baby Chiro, and Calming the Nervous System with Dr. Jess Roth

    You're exhausted, baby won't latch, and you're convinced something is wrong with your supply. Dr. Jess Roth says the answer might actually be in your baby's nervous system. Megan sits down with Dr. Jess Roth, chiropractor and certified lactation consultant at Chiro for Moms, to talk about why feeding is a full-body experience for both mom and baby. Dr. Jess shares how she combines chiropractic care and lactation support in a single visit and why calming the nervous system first can make all the difference with latch. In this episode: Why breastfeeding is a full-body experience for mom and babyHow birth type (vaginal, cesarean, fast or long labor) impacts latch from day oneWhat pediatric chiropractic care actually looks like (spoiler: it's basically a baby massage)Signs a feeding issue might be structural, not a supply problemHow chiro can help with reflux, gas, and fussinessWhen to bring yourself and your baby in postpartumHer own experience with a tongue tie release and how she talked a nervous mom through the same decisionDr. Jess is also a new mom herself, which makes this conversation as real and relatable as it is practical. Whether you're pregnant, newly postpartum, or deep in the feeding trenches, this one is worth a listen. Find Dr. Jess and the Chiro for Moms team on Instagram at @dr.jessroth @ChiroforMoms and @ChiroforKidz, or reach out directly at team@chiromoms.com. This episode is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider with questions about your health or your baby's care. About Made for Minnesota Moms Made for Minnesota Moms is a podcast for Minnesota moms navigating pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and early motherhood. Hosted by Minneapolis newborn and family photographer Megan Norman, each episode features trusted local experts sharing practical resources you can actually use. Subscribe to the Newsletter Subscribe on Apple Podcasts  Subscribe on Spotify Watch on YouTube  Follow on Instagram: @MadeforMNMoms

    41 min
  7. Functional Medicine for Pregnancy & Postpartum | NP Hannah Lewis

    Mar 18

    Functional Medicine for Pregnancy & Postpartum | NP Hannah Lewis

    Ever get your labs back, hear "everything looks normal," and still feel terrible? You're not alone and that's exactly what NP Hannah Lewis is here to talk about. NP Hannah Lewis is a family nurse practitioner and co-founder of Radiant Health Collective in Osseo, MN. She specializes in functional medicine, taking a root-cause approach that blends conventional care with nutrition, lifestyle, and advanced lab testing to support women through pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond. In this episode, Megan and Hannah cover: What functional medicine actually is and how it differs from conventional careThe first labs Hannah runs the moment a patient is pregnant (ferritin, vitamin D, progesterone, full thyroid panel)How she supports women with thyroid conditions, hormone imbalances, and autoimmune issues like Hashimoto's during pregnancyWhat postpartum depletion really means and why it's not talked about enoughThe bounce-back culture pressure on new moms and why your postpartum body deserves grace, not a deadlineHow to find a functional medicine provider and what to expectWhether you're trying to conceive, currently pregnant, or deep in the postpartum fog, this episode is a reminder that "normal range" doesn't always mean optimal -- and you deserve a provider who digs deeper. Connect with Hannah Lewis:  Website: RadiantHealthCollective.com  Instagram: @HannahLewisFMP This episode is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider with questions about your health. About Made for Minnesota Moms Made for Minnesota Moms is a podcast for Minnesota moms navigating pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and early motherhood. Hosted by Minneapolis newborn and family photographer Megan Norman, each episode features trusted local experts sharing practical resources you can actually use. Subscribe to the Newsletter Subscribe on Apple Podcasts  Subscribe on Spotify Watch on YouTube  Follow on Instagram: @MadeforMNMoms

    36 min
  8. Naturopathic Care For Preconception + Postpartum - Dr. Britt Stamer

    Mar 5

    Naturopathic Care For Preconception + Postpartum - Dr. Britt Stamer

    What does it actually mean to support your body before, during, and after pregnancy -- without defaulting to a prescription for everything? In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Britt Stamer, a registered naturopathic doctor practicing in the Twin Cities, to talk about a more holistic approach to women's health. We cover what preconception care actually looks like, why so many moms feel dismissed by conventional medicine, and how naturopathic medicine fills the gaps -- especially in the postpartum window that often gets overlooked. Whether you're trying to conceive, currently pregnant, or deep in the postpartum fog, this conversation gives you a real look at what's possible when you work with a provider who's looking at the whole picture. In this episode: What naturopathic medicine is (and what it isn't)Preconception care: what to do before you're even pregnantHow to support your body and hormones postpartumSigns your body is asking for more support than it's gettingHow to find a naturopathic doctor in Minnesota and what to expectGuest: Dr. Britt Stamer, ND  Host: Megan Norman, Minneapolis Newborn + Family Photographer This episode is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your doctor or qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have regarding your health or a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you heard in this episode. About Made for Minnesota Moms Made for Minnesota Moms is a podcast for Minnesota moms navigating pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and early motherhood. Hosted by Minneapolis newborn and family photographer Megan Norman, each episode features trusted local experts sharing practical resources you can actually use. Subscribe to the Newsletter Subscribe on Apple Podcasts  Subscribe on Spotify Watch on YouTube  Follow on Instagram: @MadeforMNMoms

    30 min
  9. How a Prenatal Chiropractor Can Support Your Pregnancy - Dr. Jesse Lillejord

    Feb 24

    How a Prenatal Chiropractor Can Support Your Pregnancy - Dr. Jesse Lillejord

    In this first episode, I’m talking with Dr. Jesse Lillejord, founder of Chiro for Moms, about prenatal chiropractic care, pelvic alignment, the Webster Technique, and what postpartum support can look like for both mom and baby. In this episode we cover: - Common misconceptions about prenatal chiropractic care - How often moms typically come in during pregnancy - What the Webster Technique is and when it starts - Postpartum issues like neck pain, tingling/numbness, and body mechanics - Baby support like torticollis, flat spots, and colic - What makes Chiro for Moms unique - How to connect with Dr. Jesse Website: https://chiroformoms.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chiro_for_moms/ - https://www.instagram.com/chiro_for_kidz - https://www.instagram.com/pelvicfloor_for_moms Ready to Book? ($50 new patient promo) - https://chiroformoms.janeapp.com/?_gl=1*1c8k9q*_ga*NDUzOTE3NDE4LjE3MDIyOTcyNTI.*_ga_1967SPW6QJ*czE3Njk3MDc1NzUkbzU2NSRnMSR0MTc2OTcwNzgyNiRqNTckbDAkaDA If you want more conversations like this, subscribe and share this with a Minnesota mom who is pregnant or postpartum. Medical Disclaimer - All information, content, and material of this website is for informational purposes only and are not intended to serve as a substitute for the consultation, diagnosis, and/or medical treatment of a qualified physician or healthcare provider. About Made for Minnesota Moms Made for Minnesota Moms is a podcast for Minnesota moms navigating pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and early motherhood. Hosted by Minneapolis newborn and family photographer Megan Norman, each episode features trusted local experts sharing practical resources you can actually use. Subscribe to the Newsletter Subscribe on Apple Podcasts  Subscribe on Spotify Watch on YouTube  Follow on Instagram: @MadeforMNMoms

    20 min
  • 9 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Made for Minnesota Moms is a podcast for pregnant, postpartum, and new moms in Minneapolis, St. Paul, and across Minnesota who want real, local answers instead of generic internet advice. Hosted by Megan Norman, a Minneapolis newborn and family photographer and mom of three, every episode helps you find trusted local providers, feel more prepared for birth and postpartum, and hear from other Minnesota moms who have been there.Every other week we answer the questions moms actually ask:- Where do I find a good doula, chiropractor, or lactation consultant in the Twin Cities?- What does postpartum recovery really look like, and when should I ask for help?- How do I take care of my pelvic floor, mental health, and body after baby?- What Minnesota resources, businesses, and providers actually support new moms?Unlike national mom podcasts, every guest is a Minnesota expert or local mom, so the resources, recommendations, and stories you hear are ones you can actually use here. From naturopathic doctors and prenatal chiropractors to doulas, lactation consultants, pelvic floor therapists, and postpartum mental health pros, this is the local mom network in podcast form.Press play on any episode and start building your real life Minnesota mom toolkit.  New episodes added regularly. Follow along on Instagram @MadeforMNMoms and subscribe to the newsletter so you don't miss new episodes or what's happening around Minnesota.

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