Maternal Wellness Summit
Free Virtual 3-Day Summit
Friday March 25th – Sunday March 27th
Every mother and birth giver deserves to feel well and supported. Our mission is to provide FREE encouragement, inspiration and tools for maternal wellness. When mothers and birth givers are well, society thrives.
Your FREE 3-Day Maternal Wellness Summit
Your FREE 3-Day Maternal Wellness Summit
Are you ready to move, breathe and connect with other mamas and birth givers around wellness topics from a variety of experts?
Join us for a beautiful & inspiring free virtual event with 10+ maternal wellness advocates, prenatal/postnatal experts, birth/postpartum doulas, physical therapists, dietitians, yoga teachers and mothers in a live 3-Day Summit.
Who is the Maternal Wellness Summit for?
Everyone is welcome. Birth givers, postnatal mamas, mothers, parents, fathers, partners, grandparents, surrogates, adoptive parents, birth experts, yoga students and teachers, physical and occupational therapists, mindfulness practitioners, the support system of a mother or birth giver and doulas. Any individual wanting to deeply connect with maternal wellness and support birth givers, mothers and families.
Donate
Your donation helps us continue to offer this summit free of charge to the community. Even a small donation can go a long way. Thank you for your generosity and support. 50% of all donations will be donated to Birth Queen.
Connect
Want to get involved in a future event? Let us know your skill set and we will connect with you. Thank you for your interest in supporting maternal wellness with the Maternal Wellness Summit.
The Summit Schedule
Friday, March 25th
| Time (CT) | Speaker | Workshop | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5:00 – 5:15pm | Ella Frances | Welcome | |
| 5:15 – 6:00pm | Dr. Erin Babineau | Return to exercise and/or sex postpartum | |
| 6:00 – 7:00pm | Jaina Portwood | Prenatal Yoga Class | |
| 7:00 – 8:00pm | Dr. Megan Hejny | Hormonal Health |
Saturday, March 26th
| Time (CT) | Speaker | Workshop | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1:00 – 2:00pm | Ella Waite | Yoga Flow Class | |
| 2:00 – 3:00pm | Haley Miskowiec | Prenatal Nutrition | |
| 3:00 – 4:00pm | Carrie Drinkwine | Gut Health + Holistic Wellbeing for Mamas | |
| 4:00 – 5:00pm | Dr. Annie Baietto | Creating Space for Optimal Baby Positioning | |
| 5:00 – 6:00pm | Erin Gamet | Radical Birth Medicine & The Mysterious Power of Placentas |
Sunday, March 27th
| Time (CT) | Speaker | Workshop | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1:00 – 2:00pm | Sarah Auna (she/her) | Childbirth Essentials: Movement and hot tips for comfort in labor | |
| 2:00 – 3:00pm | Dr. Hannah Strom | Prenatal & Postnatal Pelvic Floor | |
| 3:00 – 4:00pm | Kelley & Rachel | Postpartum Self Care & Doula Care | |
| 4:00 – 5:00pm | Tabitha Morrison | Chest / Breastfeeding 101 | |
| 5:00 – 6:00pm | Rachel Nicks | Pre / Post Barre or Strength |
About
Ella is a mother, wellness expert and certified yoga teacher E-RYT 200 and RPYT. Her teachings lead and empower you to move your body and believe in yourself through life, pregnancy and motherhood with the power of yoga. She has made it easier than ever to start or maintain your home yoga practice with her membership based yoga platform, Ella Frances Yoga. She has two children and knows first hand how the yoga practice has transformed her life. When she is not on her yoga mat, you can find her cooking in her kitchen or folding mounds of laundry.
Workshop
Join us for a welcome kick off with Ella Frances and family friendly yoga. Our yoga practice and wellness practices do not always need to be separate and can be integrated into our family life. Mama + baby, toddler options with postnatal and prenatal yoga options.
About
Hi! I’m Monica (Mo-Nee-Ka), and I’m an introverted Virgo mama of 2, wife, MN transplant, and self-care advocate. I help mamas heal through motherhood, shake the guilt and own their journey. I founded Melanated Mamas in 2020 to create a digital space that amplifies the unseen joy in BIPOC mamas through images, stories, and connections. When I’m not spending time with my family and friends, good tacos, good wine, and Brazilian jazz always bring me great joy.
Workshop
In this workshop, we will dig deeper into how we can develop our own personalized self-care tool kits, how to shake the mom guilt, and how we can find time for more self-care.
About
My name Is Carrie Drinkwine. I am a passionate healer, nutritionist, educator, abdominal therapist, yoga instructor and mama of 5. I have my Bachelors in nutrition science; I am a certified nutritionist, certified clinical iridologist, certified regenerative detox specialist, and certified Arvigo Maya abdominal therapist. I am also certified in NRT (nutritional response testing) which allows me to assess each individuals needs. The body is a natural self-healer if you let it! I love helping educate people on the lymphatic system and understanding the cause of all human dis-ease. I specialize in digestive health and auto immune disfunction, helping regenerate cells in cancer cases through a wide variety of nutrition/herbal approaches. I work with infertility, conception, and overall female reproductive health. My motto is Eat well, Think well, Be well!
Workshop
Throughout pregnancy, postpartum and nursing we often experience severe levels of nutrient depletion and hormone imbalance which often leads to postpartum depression and anxiety. The most joyful times of our life feel exhausting and sad. These conditions are common but not normal! Come learn solutions on how to support hormone balance, proper nourishment and the connection between gut health and mental health.
About
Alexia Franco Pettersen, the owner and founder of Hola Postpartum; a meal delivery service to aid the postpartum period (after birth) and to boost lactation through curated Mexican meals. Alexia has nearly 20 years of food industry experience, a trained chef, and a cooking instructor. Plus, she is a certified childbirth educator, certified birth + postpartum doula, certified lactation counselor and a postpartum doula trainer working with over 4,500 Twin Cities’ families. Growing up in a bicultural home, Alexia has combined her Mexican heritage with her life roles and expertise in creating Hola Postpartum to revive + restore the newly recovering postpartum and lactating parent through her traditional healing Mexican recipes. Her mission through Hola Postpartum is to nurture, nourish + honor the postpartum body during the sacredness of new parenthood. Alexia shares her life with husband Russell and their four boys here in Minneapolis.
Workshop
Alexia will share three healing postpartum recipes and do a cooking class, while discussing how to plan for a nourishing postpartum retreat.
About
Over the last seven years, I have served as a doula for over 350 births and worked at every hospital and independent birth center in the Twin Cities. Becoming a doula, becoming, more me, has unlocked many beautiful and authentic opportunities in my life. I have been able to draw on the vulnerability and courage of the families I have served, to live a life that feels true and intuitive. It has allowed me to be an independent business woman, to travel and facilitate yoga and self-renewal retreats locally and internationally. Having grown up in Minnesota by way of Colorado, I now live with my wife, three kiddos, two dogs and a wiley flower garden in St. Paul. Our house is the neighborhood hub, and we’re so proud of this. We believe and proudly proclaim that Black Lives Matter, Love is Love and that ALL families deserve safety, simplicity and ease. In my work, my intention is to truly work alongside each client, and let them realize they are safe inside their own bodies.
Workshop
Childbirth education is one of the greatest protective factors a family can put into place when preparing for birth. This workshop will introduce you to essential healthy birth practices, help you redefine “pain” and give you pro tips for comfort. Ample time given to answer the birth and doula- related questions you have now.
About
Dr Megan is a family wellness chiropractor with a specialty in prenatal and pediatric care. She is also a licensed acupuncturist and certified yoga teacher. She is passionate about educating her patients so they feel empowered to create and own their birth story. She believes the birth story starts with preconception care and continues on well into postpartum and works to support women through each of these life transitions. When not with patients she is an avid reader and nature enthusiast, you will find her doing some kind of outdoor activity for every season.
Workshop
In this workshop Megan will discuss the role of the nervous system in birth, how to hack turning on your rest and digest (parasympathetic nervous system) and why we need to balance the pelvis to prepare for birth. We will go over ways we do this in and out of the chiropractic office and why it’s important to maintain this balance postpartum (hint it has to do with hormones).
About
Hannah is a licensed physical therapist, certified yoga teacher RYT 500, and health and wellness enthusiast. She has always been fascinated by anatomy, posture, and bodywork, and how to create healing and transformation through movement and mindfulness. Her clinical physical therapy practice involves helping individuals with orthopedic injuries, working with pregnant and postpartum mamas, and treating pelvic floor conditions. Hannah is passionate about educating anyone with a pelvis to learn more about their pelvic floor. When she is not on her mat or in the clinic, she enjoys spending time with family, traveling, skiing, cycling, and cooking.
Workshop
In this workshop you will learn all about your pelvis and pelvic floor from the perspective of a Pelvic Health Physical Therapist. We will talk through the anatomy and function of your pelvic floor, common pelvic floor changes with pregnancy/postpartum, and common pelvic floor issues. You will learn a simple strategy to connect to your pelvic floor muscles and how Pelvic Health Physical Therapy can play an integral role in your pregnancy and postpartum journey.
About
Jaina Portwood has been practicing yoga since 1999. She has opened several studios in the span of her 20 year teaching career, including Radiant Life Yoga in uptown, Minneapolis. Jaina currently leads students on yoga study trips abroad, and has guided yoga and meditation retreats in 12 different countries in the last few years. Her 200 and 300 hour RYT Teacher Training programs are held several times throughout the year with Beloved School of Yoga in Minneapolis. She is also a massage therapist, teaches Swedish & Thai massage, is a practicing craniosacral therapist, doula, and mother of six children. Jaina currently lives on a permaculture farm in Duluth. She also loves surfing, runway fashion, and meditation.
Workshop
Jaina will guide attendees through a seated meditation, pranayama, and gentle stretch routine.
About
As a physical therapist, I believe in patient-centered treatment plans developed with a strong evidence-based approach that promotes self-care and empowers patients to take their health into their own hands. My ultimate goal is that patients truly understand their bodies and the best management strategy that works for them. I always say the best physical therapy is body awareness. I am a board Certified Orthopaedic Specialist and have a strong background in sports medicine with a focus in return-to-sport care for elite athletes and casual gym goers, pelvic health, and post operative treatments. My patient population ranges from pediatrics to adults. Being in an outpatient private practice has allowed me to have autonomy and develop my own unique treatment that encompasses manual therapy, therapeutic exercise and pain neuroscience education to optimize patient outcomes. I have obtained certifications in the treatment of pelvic and abdominal conditions by The Herman and Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute, blood flow restriction (BFR) therapy and dry needling (TDN). I played collegiate ice hockey both at Bemidji State University and Amherst College so can relate personally to this patient population. I continue to be enthusiastic about education and am a credentialed clinical instructor for doctorate of physical therapy students and work with Motion’s postdoctoral orthopaedic residents through Evidence in Motion. I have a podcast, Body, Brain & Pain: Community Healing Through Two Physical Therapists, as I have a strong passion for improved healthcare utilization, cost savings, and public education. In my free time, I’ll be enjoying porch side sits with friends and family, exploring the Twin Cities on my bike with my fiancé, and cooking. Every winter, you can find me on Lake Nokomis playing in Minnesota’s annual pond hockey tournament
Workshop
This workshop will discuss updated research on return to exercise and sex postpartum. Erin will also address the myths and fear tactics used out there so that you feel confident listening to your body and getting active after childbirth.
About
Haley is a mama of 1, owner of Nutrition with Haley, and a Registered Dietitian who specializes in Pre & Postnatal nutrition.
Workshop
In this workshop come learn about how to nourish yourself and baby throughout your pregnancy journey. Meeting your pregnancy needs is so much more than taking a prenatal vitamin and getting a certain number of servings of each food group in. Come learn about what nutrients increase during your pregnancy and which foods include them so you can be confident you are meeting your pregnancy needs.
About
I am a CD, certified childbirth educator, certified lactation educator, Babywearing consultant, and content creator.
Workshop
This workshop will cover all about different ways to babywear and demonstrate how to do it. We will go over the pros and cons of some of them and how to use them. Chat about the many benefits of babywearing. Kaytee will also chat about what it is like to hire a Postpartum Doula and have support overnight or during the day.
About
Tabitha is a birth doula, lactation counselor, writer, lifestyle photographer, wife and mom of 2. She stays busy chasing her kiddos around and supporting new families through their birth and postpartum journeys.
Workshop
This workshop starts from the golden hour where you first initiate breast/chestfeeding all the way through returning to work. You will learn about all of the basics and how your body works. Common questions that will be answered include: how do I know my baby is getting enough? How can interventions affect the feeding relationship? What do I look for in a bottle? What if my nipples are sore? …and so much more!
About
Rachel was born and raised in Oakland, CA. Rachel is a mother of two beautiful sons and resides in NYC. She is an actor and graduate of The Juilliard School. She is a founding MIRROR instructor, doula, and lactation counselor. Rachel founded Birth Queen to combat the Black maternal health crisis. Black mothers can be confident knowing there is someone advocating for them and breathing new life into the birth world with funding, education, and support.
Workshop
Join MIRROR instructor Rachel Nicks for a Pre/Postnatal Barre and Strength class focusing on total body with no equipment. Come as you are and get ready to have fun and be challenged!
Meet Your 2022 Summit Experts
Ella is a mother, maternal wellness coach and certified yoga teacher E-RYT 200 and prenatal & postnatal experienced teacher RPYT.
Dr. Annie Baietto is a chiropractor who specializes in prenatal and postpartum maternal health, as well as pediatric wellness care. She is a passionate advocate for reproductive justice.
Dr. Erin is a board Certified Orthopedic Specialist and has a strong background in sports medicine with a focus in return-to-sport care for elite athletes and casual gym goers, pelvic health, and post operative treatments.
Dr Megan is a family wellness chiropractor with a specialty in prenatal and pediatric care. She is also a licensed acupuncturist and certified yoga teacher.
Dr. Hannah is a licensed pelvic health physical therapist, certified yoga teacher RYT 500, and health and wellness enthusiast.
Hi! I’m Monica (Mo-Nee-Ka), and I’m an introverted Virgo mama of 2, wife, MN transplant, and self-care advocate. I help mamas heal through motherhood, shake the guilt and own their journey.
Jaina Portwood has been practicing yoga since 1999. She has opened several studios in the span of her 20 year teaching career, including Radiant Life Yoga in uptown, Minneapolis.
Over the last seven years, I have served as a doula for over 350 births and worked at every hospital and independent birth center in the Twin Cities.
My name Is Carrie Drinkwine. I provide a wide variety of services that all encompass personal wellness. I am a passionate healer, nutritionist, educator, abdominal therapist, yoga instructor and mama of 5.
Haley is a mama of 1, owner of Nutrition with Haley, and a Registered Dietitian who specializes in Pre & Postnatal nutrition
Tabitha is a birth doula, lactation counselor, writer, lifestyle photographer, wife and mom of 2. She stays busy chasing her kiddos around and supporting new families through their birth and postpartum journeys.
Rachel is a mother of two beautiful sons and resides in NYC. She is an actor and graduate of The Juilliard School. She is a founding MIRROR instructor, doula, and lactation counselor. Rachel founded Birth Queen to combat the Black maternal health crisis.