Well-Adjusted Mama: Holistic Support for Mamas and Mamas-To-Be

Susan Pease Banitt, LCSW is a psychiatric social worker, speaker, Kripalu yoga teacher, shamanic healer, Reiki master, and author. Her newest book, Women Therapists on Healing: 11 Personal Essays About Overcoming Trauma, was released in February 2026. Tune in to When Your Child Is the Trigger for a thoughtful conversation about parenting, trauma, self-awareness, and healing while raising the next generation. Connect with Susan Pease Banitt: Susan's website: https://www.suepb.com/ Susan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susanpeasebanitt/ Susan on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/suepb About Well-Adjusted Mama: Join Dr. Laura Brayton as she explores pregnancy, motherhood, wellness, and the many ways women can feel informed, empowered, and supported throughout their journey. Subscribe for more conversations about pregnancy, postpartum, motherhood, and whole-body wellness. If you'd like to learn more about our virtual functional medicine practice, go to https://drlaurabrayton.com/virtual-functional-medicine/ and schedule a complimentary 15 minute discovery call. Help more people find our show - leave a rating and review by simply clicking on http://ratethispodcast.com/welladjustedmama. © 2014 - 2026 Dr. Laura Brayton

Pregnancy comes with so much preparation — but what happens when the reality of birth and postpartum doesn't look quite like what you expected? In this episode of Well-Adjusted Mama, Dr. Laura Brayton sits down with Nina Spears, Founder & CEO of Baby Chick, to explore the connection between prenatal preparation and the realities of postpartum life. Nina brings more than 15 years of experience supporting families through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. She is a certified baby planner, birth and postpartum doula, childbirth educator, infant massage instructor, and perinatal nutrition expert. Throughout her career, she has supported more than 800 families in person, thousands virtually, and attended more than 350 births. Together, Dr. Brayton and Nina discuss how expecting parents can prepare not only for pregnancy and birth, but also for the physical, emotional, and practical transition into postpartum and early motherhood. Nina is also the author of The Baby Chick Guide to Positive Pregnancy, a trimester-by-trimester guide designed to help expecting mothers prepare their minds, bodies, and partners for pregnancy, birth, and motherhood. Learn more about Nina Spears & Baby Chick: https://www.baby-chick.com/ Follow Baby Chick: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/teambabychick/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebabychick/ About Well-Adjusted Mama: Join Dr. Laura Brayton as she explores pregnancy, motherhood, wellness, and the many ways women can feel informed, empowered, and supported throughout their journey. Subscribe for more conversations about pregnancy, postpartum, motherhood, and whole-body wellness. If you'd like to learn more about our virtual functional medicine practice, go to https://drlaurabrayton.com/virtual-functional-medicine/ and schedule a complimentary 15 minute discovery call. Help more people find our show - leave a rating and review by simply clicking on http://ratethispodcast.com/welladjustedmama. © 2014 - 2026 Dr. Laura Brayton

What does it mean to be a present, connected mother in a world that constantly asks women to do more, move faster, and give more of themselves? In this episode of The Well-Adjusted Mama, Dr. Laura Brayton sits down with Amanda Alcorn, creator of The Embodied Mother and founder of Wild Uhane, for a meaningful conversation about conscious motherhood, authentic joy, and what it looks like for women to reconnect with themselves while raising and nurturing their families. As a mother of seven, lifelong athlete, children's author, and wellness educator with a Master's Degree in Exercise Science, Amanda brings a unique perspective to motherhood—one that blends science-backed wellness with movement, intentional living, intuitive spirituality, and holistic health. Through her work with The Embodied Mother, Amanda encourages women to move beyond simply getting through the demands of motherhood and instead return to their bodies, their intuition, and their own sense of identity. Her philosophy centers around healing and self-reclamation through presence, movement, nourishment, and deeper connection. Dr. Brayton and Amanda explore what conscious motherhood can look like in everyday life, why caring for yourself and connecting with yourself matters, and how mothers can create space for joy without needing life—or motherhood—to be perfect first. This conversation is an invitation to look at motherhood not only as the experience of raising children, but as an opportunity for growth, reconnection, and transformation for the mother herself. Whether you're navigating the early years of motherhood, raising a large family, feeling disconnected from yourself, or simply longing for more intention and presence in your everyday life, this episode offers a refreshing perspective on what it means to become a more embodied, connected, and joyful mother. In this episode, we explore: Conscious motherhood in today's fast-paced world Reconnecting with yourself beyond the role of "Mom" Creating authentic joy in everyday life The relationship between movement, nourishment, and emotional well-being Intentional living and spiritual connection The importance of presence in motherhood Moving away from perfection and toward connection Self-reclamation throughout the motherhood journey Creating deeper connections within your family Amanda's philosophy behind The Embodied Mother Motherhood asks so much of us — but perhaps becoming more present for our children also begins with learning how to become more present within ourselves. About Amanda Amanda Alcorn is the creator of Wild Uhane (pronounced oo-ha-nay), a wellness and lifestyle brand devoted to helping women reconnect with authentic joy through spiritual connection, intentional living, movement, and motherhood. A lifelong athlete with a Master's Degree in Exercise Science, Amanda combines science-backed wellness with intuitive spirituality and holistic living. She is a mother of seven, a children's author, and the creator of The Embodied Mother, a philosophy centered on supporting women through presence, movement, nourishment, and self-reclamation. Connect with Amanda Website: https://www.wilduhane.com/ For more from Dr. Brayton: If you'd like to learn more about my virtual functional medicine practice, go to https://drlaurabrayton.com/virtual-functional-medicine/ and schedule a complimentary 15 minute discovery call with me. Help more people find our show - leave a rating and review by simply clicking on http://ratethispodcast.com/welladjustedmama. © 2014 - 2026 Dr. Laura Brayton

Parenting in today's world can feel overwhelming—especially when it comes to making informed decisions about your child's health. In this episode of the Well-Adjusted Mama Podcast, Dr. Laura Brayton sits down with board-certified integrative pediatrician Dr. Joel "Gator" Warsh to explore some of the most important and challenging conversations parents face. Together, they discuss how to approach children's health with curiosity, balance, and confidence while navigating topics such as vaccines, wellness, immune health, and the growing role of integrative medicine. Dr. Warsh shares evidence-based insights, practical guidance, and strategies that empower parents to make informed decisions without fear or confusion. Originally from Toronto, Canada, Dr. Joel Warsh earned a Master's degree in Epidemiology before completing medical school at Thomas Jefferson Medical College. After completing his pediatric residency at Children's Hospital Los Angeles, he founded his integrative pediatric practice in Studio City, California. He is also the bestselling author of Between a Shot and a Hard Place: Tackling Vaccine Questions with Balance, Data, and Clarity and reaches more than 500,000 parents through his educational social media platforms. Whether you're an expecting parent, caring for young children, or simply looking for a balanced perspective on pediatric health, this conversation offers valuable tools to help you confidently advocate for your family. Connect with Dr. Joel Warsh Website: www.integrativepediatrics.com Substack: https://substack.com/@drjoelgator Instagram: @drjoelgator For more from Dr. Brayton: If you'd like to learn more about my virtual functional medicine practice, go to https://drlaurabrayton.com/virtual-functional-medicine/ and schedule a complimentary 15 minute discovery call with me. Help more people find our show - leave a rating and review by simply clicking on http://ratethispodcast.com/welladjustedmama. © 2014 - 2026 Dr. Laura Brayton

In this episode of the Well-Adjusted Mama Podcast, Dr. Laura Brayton sits down with Dr. Erin Kumpf, DACM, L.Ac., FABORM, a nationally board-certified and state-licensed acupuncturist, herbalist, and Certified Holden QiGong Teacher, to explore how Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) can support fertility and reproductive health. Dr. Kumpf shares how acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, and QiGong work together to create balance within the body, optimize fertility, and support individuals throughout their reproductive journey. She explains how these time-tested therapies can improve circulation, regulate the nervous system, support hormonal balance, reduce stress, and help prepare the body for natural conception and pregnancy. As a Fellow of the Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine Board of Reproductive Medicine (FABORM), Dr. Kumpf specializes in women's health, fertility, reproductive endocrinology, menstrual disorders, pregnancy support, and integrative reproductive care. She also discusses the powerful role of QiGong—a gentle practice combining mindful movement, breathwork, and meditation—in helping individuals reconnect with their bodies and cultivate a sense of calm during what can often be a stressful fertility journey. Whether you are trying to conceive naturally, preparing for assisted reproductive treatments, or simply interested in holistic approaches to reproductive wellness, this conversation offers valuable insights into how Traditional Chinese Medicine can help support your overall health and fertility. In this episode, you'll learn: How Traditional Chinese Medicine approaches fertility optimization The benefits of acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine for reproductive health How QiGong can reduce stress and improve mind-body connection Ways to support hormonal balance and menstrual health naturally Integrative strategies to prepare the body for conception and pregnancy Join us for an inspiring conversation about blending ancient healing traditions with modern fertility care. Connect with Dr. Erin: Website: https://ekahlife.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erinkumpfacupunctureherbs/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ErinKumpfAcupuncture/ For more from Dr. Brayton: If you'd like to learn more about my virtual functional medicine practice, go to https://drlaurabrayton.com/virtual-functional-medicine/ and schedule a complimentary 15 minute discovery call with me. Help more people find our show - leave a rating and review by simply clicking on http://ratethispodcast.com/welladjustedmama. © 2014 - 2026 Dr. Laura Brayton

How do a child's experiences during pregnancy, birth, and the newborn period shape their lifelong neurological development? In this episode of the Well-Adjusted Mama Podcast, Dr. Laura Brayton is joined by Emily Roper, Neuro-Developmental Delay Therapist, Certified Midwife's Assistant, and founder of Early Roots Therapy, to discuss the powerful connection between early life experiences and childhood development. Emily shares how prenatal development, birth experiences, and the early postpartum period can influence a child's nervous system, developmental milestones, and overall neurological health. Together, they explore the importance of recognizing developmental challenges early and supporting children through a whole-child, family-centered approach. Emily has spent more than a decade helping children with ADHD, autism, anxiety, dyslexia, sensory processing challenges, and other developmental delays. Having attended over 600 births and supported hundreds of families, she brings a unique perspective that bridges the worlds of birth, psychology, and neuro-development. In this episode, you'll learn: How pregnancy, birth, and the newborn period impact neurological development The connection between early experiences and developmental milestones Why early intervention can make a lasting difference How birth professionals and parents can better support neurodevelopment The importance of understanding the developing nervous system Whether you're a parent, birth professional, therapist, or simply passionate about child development, this conversation offers valuable insight into how early experiences can shape lifelong health and development. Connect with Emily: Website: https://earlyrootstherapy.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/earlyroots Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/earlyroots Be sure to subscribe for more conversations on pregnancy, birth, postpartum health, pediatric wellness, and holistic family care. For more from Dr. Brayton: If you'd like to learn more about my virtual functional medicine practice, go to https://drlaurabrayton.com/virtual-functional-medicine/ and schedule a complimentary 15 minute discovery call with me. Help more people find our show - leave a rating and review by simply clicking on http://ratethispodcast.com/welladjustedmama. © 2014 - 2026 Dr. Laura Brayton

In this episode of the Well-Adjusted Mama Podcast, Dr. Laura Brayton sits down with licensed clinical psychologist and perinatal mental health specialist Dr. Nicole Pensak to discuss her new book, "Rattled: How to Calm New Mom Anxiety with the Power of the Postpartum Brain." Motherhood is often portrayed as a joyful experience, but many women find themselves struggling with anxiety, intrusive thoughts, overwhelm, and uncertainty during the postpartum period. Dr. Pensak shares how understanding the unique changes that occur in the postpartum brain can help mothers navigate this transition with greater confidence, resilience, and self-compassion. Together, they explore common challenges new mothers face, the signs of postpartum anxiety, depression, and OCD, and practical tools to support mental and emotional well-being during the perinatal period. About Dr. Nicole Pensak: Nicole Amoyal Pensak, PhD, is a nationally recognized licensed clinical psychologist certified in Perinatal Mental Health. She specializes in the treatment of anxiety, depression, and OCD and completed her training at Yale School of Medicine, followed by a postdoctoral fellowship at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Pensak owns a private practice in Monmouth County, New Jersey, and serves on the Expert Review Board for Parents magazine. Tune in for an empowering conversation that offers hope, education, and practical support for new and expecting mothers. More from Dr. Pensak: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/DRNIKKIPENSAK/ Website: https://www.drnicoleamoyalpensak.com/ For more from Dr. Brayton: If you'd like to learn more about my virtual functional medicine practice, go to https://drlaurabrayton.com/virtual-functional-medicine/ and schedule a complimentary 15 minute discovery call with me. Help more people find our show - leave a rating and review by simply clicking on http://ratethispodcast.com/welladjustedmama. © 2014 - 2026 Dr. Laura Brayton

In this episode of the Well-Adjusted Mama Podcast, Dr. Laura Brayton sits down with Courtney Boylan, founder of Le Lolo, a postpartum empowerment brand dedicated to making postpartum essentials beautiful, functional, and meaningful for new moms. Inspired by her own journey through motherhood and raising three children, Courtney recognized a gap in the postpartum market. She set out to create thoughtfully designed, high-quality accessories that not only support new moms but also serve as daily reminders of their strength, beauty, and worth during one of life's most transformative seasons. Courtney shares her personal postpartum experiences, the inspiration behind Le Lolo, and why self-care and self-love are essential parts of the postpartum journey. Together, they discuss how we can better support mothers and help shift the conversation around postpartum wellness and recovery. Le Lolo's mission is simple but powerful: to revolutionize and beautify the postpartum experience while reminding every mother that she deserves to be cared for, celebrated, and empowered. About Courtney: Courtney Boylan is the founder of Le Lolo, a brand dedicated to making postpartum essentials beautiful, functional, and empowering for new moms. Inspired by her own experience as a mom of three, she created Le Lolo to fill a gap in the market—offering stylish, high-quality accessories that remind new moms of their strength, beauty, and worth. Le Lolo is on a mission to revolutionize and beautify the postpartum market. At its core, the brand is a reminder that self-care and self-love are essential during postpartum—because no one is more deserving of beautiful accessories than a new mom. More from Courtney: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wearelelolo Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563060912745 Website: https://wearelelolo.com/

Wellness architect and lifestyle designer Anna Finck joins the podcast to discuss the importance of preparing the body, mind, and soul before motherhood through a holistic, embodied approach to wellness. As the creator of Embodied Wellness, Anna blends science, spirituality, and personal growth to help women reconnect with their bodies, restore their health, and step fully into their power. After leaving medical school to heal her own hormonal, digestive, and reproductive challenges naturally, Anna developed a transformative approach centered around what she calls the "Preconception Era." In this episode, we explore the sacred season before motherhood, how lifestyle and wellness impact fertility and overall health, and why true healing begins with reconnecting to yourself. Key Takeaways: What the "Preconception Era" means and why it matters Holistic approaches to hormonal and reproductive wellness The connection between lifestyle, healing, and fertility How embodied wellness supports long-term health and vitality About Anna: Anna (Ah-nah) Finck (Fee-nck) is a Wellness Architect and Lifestyle Designer pioneering a new path in holistic health. As the creator of Embodied Wellness, she blends science, spirituality, and personal growth into a transformative approach for body, mind, and soul. After leaving medical school to heal from personal and family health challenges, Anna embarked on a deep, unconventional study of wellness — naturally reversing hormonal, digestive, and reproductive issues. She coined the term "Pre-Conception Era" to highlight the sacred phase before motherhood, helping women reconnect to their bodies, reclaim their health, and step fully into their power and potential. More from Anna: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamannafinck/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iamannafinck Website: https://www.annafinck.com/ For more from Dr. Brayton: If you'd like to learn more about my virtual functional medicine practice, go to https://drlaurabrayton.com/virtual-functional-medicine/ and schedule a complimentary 15 minute discovery call with me. Help more people find our show - leave a rating and review by simply clicking on http://ratethispodcast.com/welladjustedmama. © 2014 - 2026 Dr. Laura Brayton

Naturopath and homeopath Nadja Röthlisberger joins the podcast to empower parents with safe, effective home remedies for common childhood symptoms — while also helping them recognize when it's time to seek medical care. Based in Switzerland, Nadja has been running her practice for over 16 years, supporting families with holistic pediatric care. With a background in naturopathy and homeopathy, along with years of teaching pediatric health courses, she is passionate about helping parents feel confident caring for their children naturally. In this episode, Nadja shares practical tools for managing everyday childhood concerns at home, the importance of integrating natural and conventional care, and how to identify red flags that require professional attention. Key Takeaways: Safe and effective home remedies for common childhood symptoms How to confidently support your child's health at home When to seek medical care vs. manage naturally The role of integrative, holistic pediatric care Book Mentioned: By Sefora Cuoco, La Brújula de la Intuición: Descubre tus habilidades clarividentes y fortalece tu intuición. (Spanish Edition) About Nadja: Nadja Röthlisberger is a naturopath and homeopath from Switzerland. She lives with her husband and their two children — both now teenagers — on a farm and has been running her practice in the same village for the past 16 years. The village has about 4,000 inhabitants, which is considered relatively small by Swiss standards. Before studying naturopathy for six years and homeopathy for another two years, she completed an apprenticeship at a bank. She then worked in youth marketing and later in project management and marketing for an international medical technology company. There, she was part of a multicultural team where the company language was English. After ten years of teaching pediatric health courses—both online and offline—Nadja wrote a book that has sold more than 3,000 copies through self-publishing. Although she loves her profession, she sometimes misses the multilingual and intercultural environment. For this reason — and perhaps also because she is a little bit crazy—she decided to have part of her book on children's health translated into English. Nadja also hosts a podcast in Swiss German, writes regular blog articles, works as a lecturer, and runs a busy practice. More from Nadja: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nadja.roethlisberger/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/www.nadjaroethlisberger.ch Website: https://nadjaroethlisberger.ch/ Book: The Natural Path - A Parents' Practical Guide to Natural and Homeopathic Remedies - https://www.amazon.de/-/en/Nadja-Roethlisberger/dp/3033116140 For more from Dr. Brayton: If you'd like to learn more about my virtual functional medicine practice, go to https://drlaurabrayton.com/virtual-functional-medicine/ and schedule a complimentary 15 minute discovery call with me. Help more people find our show - leave a rating and review by simply clicking on http://ratethispodcast.com/welladjustedmama. © 2014 - 2026 Dr. Laura Brayton

Body image expert and Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor Anne Poirier joins the podcast to discuss the powerful connection between body acceptance and true healing. Anne Poirier, CSCS, is a nationally recognized body image expert, Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor, and author of The Body Joyful: My Journey from Self-Loathing to Self-Acceptance. With over 30 years in health and wellness and a degree in Exercise Science, Anne has transformed her personal recovery from eating disorders and body shame into a mission to help others find freedom with food, movement, and self-image. In this episode, Anne explores how body neutrality can shift the way we think about health, why self-criticism can block healing, and how women can begin rebuilding trust with their bodies. Key Takeaways: Why body hatred can block true healing and wellness The difference between body positivity and body neutrality How intuitive eating supports long-term healing and freedom Practical steps to begin shifting self-talk and body relationship About Anne: Anne Poirier, CSCS, is a nationally recognized body image expert, Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor, and author of The Body Joyful: My Journey from Self-Loathing to Self-Acceptance. With a degree in Exercise Science and over 30 years in health and wellness, she has dedicated her career to helping individuals heal their relationship with food, movement, and body image. A pioneer in the body neutrality movement, Anne's work has been featured in Shape, Women's Health, The New York Times, The Washington Post, HuffPost, ABC, FOX, CBS, and NPR. When she's not speaking, coaching, or writing, she can often be found barefoot on the beach, reading, or reflecting on her years coaching college soccer. Connect with Anne: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shapingperspectives/ Website: https://shapingperspectives.com/ For more from Dr. Brayton: If you'd like to learn more about my virtual functional medicine practice, go to https://drlaurabrayton.com/virtual-functional-medicine/ and schedule a complimentary 15 minute discovery call with me. Help more people find our show - leave a rating and review by simply clicking on http://ratethispodcast.com/welladjustedmama. © 2014 - 2026 Dr. Laura Brayton