Motherhood Alliance Podcast

All Things Hormones: DUTCH Testing, Cortisol, Menopause & More w/ Dr. Mikhaila Riska | Fox Valley Functional Medicine

Hormones affect everything from energy to mood to long-term health—and in this episode, Dr. Mikhaila Riska from Fox Valley Functional Medicine is here to break it all down. Listen in to learn about DUTCH testing, PMS, cortisol, menopause, and more to help you understand what’s really going on in your body, no matter which phase of life you're currently in.
 
In this episode, we discuss:
How the DUTCH test works
The cyclical rhythm of hormones
The truth about PMS
The circadian rhythm/hormone connection
Options for avoiding common perimenopause/menopause symptoms
Potential reasons for the increase in estrogen dominance
Tips for maintaining happy hormones in daily life
 
This episode is part of a 4-part series with Dr. Mikhaila Riska, the owner of Fox Valley Functional Medicine based out of Appleton, WI. Be sure to listen to them all!
Part 1: Why Functional Medicine Might Be the Missing Link in Your Health Journey
Part 2: Finding Hope for Allergies, Thyroid Disorders, Hashimoto's, and More
Part 3: All Things Hormones: DUTCH Testing, Cortisol, Menopause & More
Part 4: Your Gut is Your Health HQ: Why Everything Starts Here 
❗DISCOUNT - Rowe Casa products
❗ PROMO - Get $50 off initial evaluation with the code FVFM920
 
Connect with Dr. Mikhaila:
🔗 FVFM's Motherhood Alliance profile
🔗 Website
🔗 Facebook
🔗 Instagram
 
About the Motherhood Alliance
The Motherhood Alliance is the #1 directory of holistically-minded health and wellness professionals, dedicated to providing trusted care + support for moms and their families in NE WI.
🔗 Explore the Motherhood Alliance directory & website
🔗 Follow us on Instagram (@motherhoodalliance)
🔗 Follow us on Facebook (@motherhoodalliance)
🔗 Our Story (Episode 1)

Finding Hope for Allergies, Thyroid Disorders, Hashimoto's, and More w/ Dr. Mikhaila Riska | Fox Valley Functional Medicine

In this episode, we discuss some of today’s most common (and most frustrating) health struggles with Dr. Mikhaila Riska, the owner of Fox Valley Functional Medicine. If you’ve been diagnosed with  allergies, a thyroid disorder, Hashimoto’s, or something similar, or are just curious about functional medicine's approach to healing for these conditions, this conversation will remind you that answers (and relief) are always possible.
 
In this episode, we discuss functional medicine's approach for helping:
Anxiety/depression
Thyroid function
Hashimoto's / other autoimmune disorders
Functional medicine timeline
Food & seasonal allergies
Pediatrics
 
This episode is part of a 4-part series with Dr. Mikhaila Riska, the owner of Fox Valley Functional Medicine based out of Appleton, WI. Be sure to listen to them all!
Part 1: Why Functional Medicine Might Be the Missing Link in Your Health Journey
Part 2: Finding Hope for Allergies, Thyroid Disorders, Hashimoto's, and More
Part 3: All Things Hormones: DUTCH Testing, Cortisol, Menopause & More
Part 4: Your Gut is Your Health HQ: Why Everything Starts Here 
 
❗ PROMO - Get $50 off initial evaluation with the code FVFM920
 
Connect with Dr. Mikhaila:
🔗 FVFM's Motherhood Alliance profile
🔗 Website
🔗 Facebook
🔗 Instagram
 
About the Motherhood Alliance
The Motherhood Alliance is the #1 directory of holistically-minded health and wellness professionals, dedicated to providing trusted care + support for moms and their families in NE WI.
🔗 Explore the Motherhood Alliance directory & website
🔗 Follow us on Instagram (@motherhoodalliance)
🔗 Follow us on Facebook (@motherhoodalliance)
🔗 Our Story (Episode 1)

Why Functional Medicine Might Be the Missing Link in Your Health Journey w/ Dr. Mikhaila Riska | Fox Valley Functional Medicine

📢New 4-part series alert! In this kickoff conversation with Dr. Mikhaila Riska of Fox Valley Functional Medicine, we dive into how functional medicine takes a deeper, root-cause approach to health than traditional healthcare, what to expect from a functional medicine journey, and more. If you’ve ever felt dismissed, stuck, or searching for answers beyond the conventional model, this episode will open the door to a fresh perspective.
 
In this episode, we discuss:
Educational requirements to become a functional medicine expert
The differences between functional and traditional medicine
What to expect when working with a functional medicine provider
Insight into how professional supplements are recommended
Vitamins/mineral recommendations for everyday health
Functional medicine during the pregnancy/postpartum season
 
This episode is part of a 4-part series with Dr. Mikhaila Riska, the owner of Fox Valley Functional Medicine based out of Appleton, WI. Be sure to listen to them all!
Part 1: Why Functional Medicine Might Be the Missing Link in Your Health Journey
Part 2: Finding Hope for Allergies, Thyroid Disorders, Hashimoto's, and More
Part 3: All Things Hormones: DUTCH Testing, Cortisol, Menopause & More
Part 4: Your Gut is Your Health HQ: Why Everything Starts Here 
 
❗ PROMO - Get $50 off initial evaluation with the code FVFM920
 
Connect with Dr. Mikhaila:
🔗 FVFM's Motherhood Alliance profile
🔗 Website
🔗 Facebook
🔗 Instagram
 
About the Motherhood Alliance
The Motherhood Alliance is the #1 directory of holistically-minded health and wellness professionals, dedicated to providing trusted care + support for moms and their families in NE WI.
🔗 Explore the Motherhood Alliance directory & website
🔗 Follow us on Instagram (@motherhoodalliance)
🔗 Follow us on Facebook (@motherhoodalliance)
🔗 Our Story (Episode 1)

Groove & Grow: Music Therapy’s Role in Childhood Development w/ Bridget Dean & Jessica Liederbach

🎶 Music does more than make us smile—it helps our kids grow! In this episode, Bridget Dean of Beyond ABC and music therapist Jessica Liederbach of Carousel Music Therapy share how music supports emotional regulation, social skills, speech, and motor development. Whether it’s clapping, singing, or dancing, you’ll learn how simple musical moments can have a big impact on your child’s growth.
 
In this episode, we discuss:
What music therapy is and who it's for
How music impacts a child's brain development
The scientific connection between music and the brain
How to use music to connect with your child at home
The powerful combination of music and community
How to use music to increase joy & decrease anxiety
 
This episode is part of a 3-part series with Bridget Dean, the owner of Beyond ABC based out of De Pere, WI. Be sure to listen to them all!
Part 1: Finding Connection in Motherhood
Part 2: Building Children's Brain and Body Confidence Through Play
Part 3: Groove & Grow: Music Therapy’s Role in Childhood Development
 
Connect with Bridget:
🔗 Bridget's Motherhood Alliance profile
🔗 Website
🔗 Facebook
🔗 Instagram
 
Connect with Jessica Liederbach (owner of Carousel Music Therapy):
🔗 Facebook
🔗 Instagram
 
About the Motherhood Alliance
The Motherhood Alliance is the #1 directory of holistically-minded health and wellness professionals, dedicated to providing trusted care + support for moms and their families in NE WI.
🔗 Explore the Motherhood Alliance directory & website
🔗 Follow us on Instagram (@motherhoodalliance)
🔗 Follow us on Facebook (@motherhoodalliance)
🔗 Our Story (Episode 1)

Building Children's Brain and Body Confidence Through Play w/ Bridget Dean | Beyond ABC

Play isn’t just fun for kids—it’s foundational!🤸‍♀️ In this episode, Bridget Dean, owner of Beyond ABC based out of De Pere, shares not only how purposeful play supports brain development, boosts body confidence, and builds essential life skills in young children—but also how to realistically incorporate it into your everyday life.
 
In this episode, we discuss:
Child-led vs. parent-led vs. didactic play
How to balance the different types of play for optimal development
Pinterest-perfect motherhood vs reality
Low- lift play ideas for exhausted parents
Using repetition & "serve & return" to help a child's brain development
 
This episode is part of a 3-part series with Bridget Dean, the owner of Beyond ABC based out of De Pere, WI. Be sure to listen to them all!
Part 1: Finding Connection in Motherhood
Part 2: Building Children's Brain and Body Confidence Through Play
Part 3: Groove & Grow: Music Therapy’s Role in Childhood Development
 
Connect with Bridget:
🔗 Bridget's Motherhood Alliance profile
🔗 Website
🔗 Facebook
🔗 Instagram
 
About the Motherhood Alliance
The Motherhood Alliance is the #1 directory of holistically-minded health and wellness professionals, dedicated to providing trusted care + support for moms and their families in NE WI.
🔗 Explore the Motherhood Alliance directory & website
🔗 Follow us on Instagram (@motherhoodalliance)
🔗 Follow us on Facebook (@motherhoodalliance)
🔗 Our Story (Episode 1)

Finding Connection in Motherhood w/ Bridget Dean | Beyond ABC

In this episode, we sit down with Bridget Dean, founder of Beyond ABC, Wisconsin's only PlayWisely-certified developmental wellness center, to talk about her personal journey into motherhood and how it inspired her to create a space for moms and littles to feel connected, supported, and seen.  If you’re an introvert, new to motherhood, or just craving real connection, this episode is full of real-life experience and encouragement to help you make real friendships & connections (even when it feels hard).
 
In this episode, we discuss:
Bridget's experience becoming a new mother during COVID
Why in person human connection is key for babies, kids and adults
The importance of getting out of the house during early motherhood
How socialization at a young age helps childhood development 
Advice for introverts or new moms who want to make mom friends 
 
This episode is part of a 3-part series with Bridget Dean, the owner of Beyond ABC based out of De Pere, WI. Be sure to listen to them all!
Part 1: Finding Connection in Motherhood
Part 2: Building Children's Brain and Body Confidence Through Play
Part 3: Groove & Grow: Music Therapy’s Role in Childhood Development
 
Connect with Bridget:
🔗 Bridget's Motherhood Alliance profile
🔗 Website
🔗 Facebook
🔗 Instagram
 
About the Motherhood Alliance
The Motherhood Alliance is the #1 directory of holistically-minded health and wellness professionals, dedicated to providing trusted care + support for moms and their families in NE WI.
🔗 Explore the Motherhood Alliance directory & website
🔗 Follow us on Instagram (@motherhoodalliance)
🔗 Follow us on Facebook (@motherhoodalliance)
🔗 Our Story (Episode 1)

How to Prepare for an Optimal Postpartum Recovery Before Baby is Even Born w/ Drea & Brit | Fit Moms on the Move

Drea & Brit are back for the final episode where we are the hosts and experts! In this episode, we are sharing what every mom-to-be needs to know before baby arrives, including how to "train for birth", what exercises to focus on in each trimester, and how to set yourself up for a smoother, stronger postpartum recovery. From mindset shifts to simple exercises to real-life experiences -- this episode has it all!
 
In this episode, we discuss:
Why exercising intentionally during pregnancy is important
What to do during pregnancy to proactively prepare for your postpartum recovery
Exercise recommendations (and precautions) by trimester
Postpartum recovery planning
Real talk about our personal postpartum experiences
 
This episode is part of a 4-part series with Drea & Brit, owners of Fit Moms on the Move (and Motherhood Alliance) based out of Appleton, WI. Be sure to listen to them all!
Part 1: Balancing Motherhood and Fitness: Real Talk from Postpartum Personal Trainers
Part 2: How to Set Realistic Fitness Goals in Every Season of Motherhood
Part 3: The Hidden Physical Imbalances Most Moms Don’t Know They Have
Part 4: How to Prepare for an Optimal Postpartum Recovery Before Baby is Even Born
 
Resources mentioned in this episode series:
Prepared 4 Postpartum Self-Paced Course (Prenatal class series)
Postpartum Recovery Guide (3 month gentle core-awakening guide)
Physical Mom-fidence Mini-Course & Self-Assessment (8-module at-home course to assess your own body for imbalances)
High-Impact & Running Readiness Screening (Self-check to ensure you're ready for impact)
The 5 Essentials to a Strong Postpartum Core (Free PDF download)
 
Connect with Drea & Brit:
🔗 Fit MOM's Motherhood Alliance profile
🔗 Website
🔗 Facebook
🔗 Instagram
🔗 YouTube (free workouts)
 
About the Motherhood Alliance
The Motherhood Alliance is the #1 directory of holistically-minded health and wellness professionals, dedicated to providing trusted care + support for moms and their families in NE WI.
🔗 Explore the Motherhood Alliance directory & website
🔗 Follow us on Instagram (@motherhoodalliance)
🔗 Follow us on Facebook (@motherhoodalliance)
🔗 Our Story (Episode 1)

The Hidden Physical Imbalances Most Moms Don’t Know They Have w/ Drea & Brit | Fit Moms on the Move

Drea & Brit are pulling back the curtain on the sneaky postpartum imbalances that can mess with your strength, energy, and even your confidence — long after baby. 👀 In this episode, we break down many common issues we see as postpartum trainers, how to spot them in your own body, and simple ways to start restoring balance so you can put leaking, pain, and pressure behind you, and enter into your strongest season yet! 💪
 
In this episode, we discuss:
What happens to a woman's body during pregnancy
Relaxin (hormone) 
Diastasis recti (abdominal separation)
Rib flare
Deep core muscles (transverse abdominals)
Glute squeezing
Urine leaking (with coughing, jumping, or other impact activities)
Where to start if you do have an imbalance
 
This episode is part of a 4-part series with Drea & Brit, owners of Fit Moms on the Move (and Motherhood Alliance) based out of Appleton, WI. Be sure to listen to them all!
Part 1: Balancing Motherhood and Fitness: Real Talk from Postpartum Personal Trainers
Part 2: How to Set Realistic Fitness Goals in Every Season of Motherhood
Part 3: The Hidden Physical Imbalances Most Moms Don’t Know They Have
Part 4: How to Prepare for an Optimal Postpartum Recovery Before Baby is Even Born
 
Resources mentioned in this episode:
High-Impact & Running Readiness Screening
Physical Mom-fidence Mini-Course & Self-Assessment
 
Connect with Drea & Brit:
🔗 Fit MOM's Motherhood Alliance profile
🔗 Website
🔗 Facebook
🔗 Instagram
🔗 YouTube (free workouts)
 
About the Motherhood Alliance
The Motherhood Alliance is the #1 directory of holistically-minded health and wellness professionals, dedicated to providing trusted care + support for moms and their families in NE WI.
🔗 Explore the Motherhood Alliance directory & website
🔗 Follow us on Instagram (@motherhoodalliance)
🔗 Follow us on Facebook (@motherhoodalliance)
🔗 Our Story (Episode 1)

How to Set Realistic Fitness Goals in Every Season of Motherhood w/ Drea & Brit | Fit Moms on the Move

Drea & Brit — founders of the Motherhood Alliance and the prenatal/postpartum personal training business Fit Moms on the Move — are back to share more of their real-life expertise! 💪
In this episode, we break down how to set (and actually stick to) realistic fitness goals that flex with pregnancy, postpartum, toddlers, school-aged kids, and everything in between. Grab a notebook — this one’s packed with practical tips and mindset shifts to help you stay strong and motivated, no matter what season of motherhood you’re in.
 
In this episode, we discuss:
Unrealistic expectations moms often place on themselves
Simple tips for improving your physical and mental health in motherhood
The importance of working out during pregnancy
How to rebuild the foundations of your core after baby is born
Realistic fitness goals for the toddler/preschool years
Ways to measure progress outside of the scale
 
This episode is part of a 4-part series with Drea & Brit, owners of Fit Moms on the Move (and Motherhood Alliance) based out of Appleton, WI. Be sure to listen to them all!
Part 1: Balancing Motherhood and Fitness: Real Talk from Postpartum Personal Trainers
Part 2: How to Set Realistic Fitness Goals in Every Season of Motherhood
Part 3: The Hidden Physical Imbalances Most Moms Don’t Know They Have
Part 4: How to Prepare for an Optimal Postpartum Recovery Before Baby is Even Born
 
Connect with Drea & Brit:
🔗 Fit MOM's Motherhood Alliance profile
🔗 Website
🔗 Facebook
🔗 Instagram
🔗 YouTube (free workouts)
 
About the Motherhood Alliance
The Motherhood Alliance is the #1 directory of holistically-minded health and wellness professionals, dedicated to providing trusted care + support for moms and their families in NE WI.
🔗 Explore the Motherhood Alliance directory & website
🔗 Follow us on Instagram (@motherhoodalliance)
🔗 Follow us on Facebook (@motherhoodalliance)
🔗 Our Story (Episode 1)

Balancing Motherhood and Fitness: Real Talk from Postpartum Personal Trainers w/ Drea & Brit | Fit Moms on the Move

It’s our ✨100th✨ episode — can you believe it?! 🎉
To kickstart our next 100 episodes, we're bringing on some guests that many of you have asked for more information about - ourselves! In many past episodes, we've referred to our history as prenatal and postpartum personal trainers through our first business, Fit Moms on the Move, and how a career in that field ultimately led us to starting the Motherhood Alliance.
In this episode, we share our personal fitness journeys within motherhood, our expert advice about maximizing your workouts when you have no time, encouragement for those who are struggling with their postpartum bodies, and more!
 
In this episode, we discuss:
Why fitness is so important for moms (beyond the physical benefits)
How women can prioritize movement when motherhood is demanding
Helpful mindset shifts regarding workouts in motherhood
Recommended workout styles for different phases of motherhood
How to maximize your time and get optimal results
 
This episode is part of a 4-part series with Drea & Brit, owners of Fit Moms on the Move (and Motherhood Alliance) based out of Appleton, WI. Be sure to listen to them all!
Part 1: Balancing Motherhood and Fitness: Real Talk from Postpartum Personal Trainers
Part 2: How to Set Realistic Fitness Goals in Every Season of Motherhood
Part 3: The Hidden Physical Imbalances Most Moms Don’t Know They Have
Part 4: How to Prepare for an Optimal Postpartum Recovery Before Baby is Even Born
 
Connect with Drea & Brit:
🔗 Fit MOM's Motherhood Alliance profile
🔗 Website
🔗 Facebook
🔗 Instagram
🔗 YouTube (free workouts)
 
About the Motherhood Alliance
The Motherhood Alliance is the #1 directory of holistically-minded health and wellness professionals, dedicated to providing trusted care + support for moms and their families in NE WI.
🔗 Explore the Motherhood Alliance directory & website
🔗 Follow us on Instagram (@motherhoodalliance)
🔗 Follow us on Facebook (@motherhoodalliance)
🔗 Our Story (Episode 1)