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

As a mom and practitioner, I see every day how hard it can be to get real, quality nutrition into our kids — and honestly, into ourselves. In this conversation, I sit down with Khirma Eliazov, the founder of Kika Nutrition, to talk about what's really behind picky eating, nutrient deficiencies, and why even the "healthiest" diets can still fall short.

What stood out to me most is how much this comes back to the basics: absorption, gut health, and consistency. We talk about how most families are doing their best, but our food supply simply isn't as nutrient-dense as it used to be. That's where smart, simple solutions can make a real difference.

I also share my own experience trying Kika at home and how easy it is to incorporate into everyday foods without adding stress to your routine.

If you've ever felt overwhelmed trying to nourish your family well, this episode will meet you right where you are.

Key Takeaways from this Episode:

• Why picky eating is more common than you think
• How gut health impacts immunity and nutrient absorption
• The hidden gaps in even a healthy diet
• Simple ways to add protein and nutrients into daily routines

About Khirma:

Khirma Eliazov is the founder and CEO of Kika Nutrition, a female-founded family wellness brand redefining how modern households nourish themselves. After five years of formulation work with functional medicine experts, doctors and third-party testing, Kika launched in November 2025 — and is quickly becoming a trusted daily staple for parents seeking real nutrition without complexity.

Kika brings together every chapter of her career: brand-building, product innovation, community connection, and a deep belief that everyday wellness should be accessible, thoughtful, and beautifully designed. Before Kika, she spent 15+ years shaping category-defining brands across luxury, media, and lifestyle. She founded Khirma New York, a global accessories brand sold in more than 80 wholesale stores, and built a reputation for craftsmanship, storytelling, and scaling design-driven businesses.

Her early career spanned consulting for iconic luxury houses — including Levi's, Lacoste, Kodak, Sergio Rossi, and Borghese — and contributing to leading publications such as Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, Elle, and InStyle. Those experiences shaped her approach to building brands that combine emotional resonance with strong operational foundations.

Alongside Kika, she runs Residency Studio, a hybrid creative space and design gallery supporting creators, productions, and immersive brand experiences. Across every venture — from luxury to wellness — her mission has remained the same: bridge vision with execution, build purpose-led brands, and create products that genuinely improve people's lives.

Connect with Khirma:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kikanutrition/
• Website: https://kikanutrition.com/

Holistic Christian fertility coach Tori Black joins the podcast to discuss the importance of addressing mind and body imbalances through functional medicine when preparing for healthy, natural conception. In this episode, we explore why many women struggle to find answers when their labs appear "normal," and how a root-cause approach can help uncover hidden factors affecting fertility.

With over a decade of experience as a registered nurse, Tori blends her background in conventional healthcare with holistic healing practices to help women better understand what may be impacting their fertility. As a Mercier Therapist and fertility coach, she guides women through functional testing, nervous system regulation, and faith-centered mindset work to support the body's natural ability to conceive.

Throughout the conversation, Tori shares how stress, inflammation, and nervous system dysregulation can play a significant role in reproductive health. She explains why addressing the whole person—physically, emotionally, and spiritually—can create a stronger foundation for fertility and overall wellness.

Key Takeaways from this Episode:

• Why "normal" lab results don't always mean optimal fertility
• How functional medicine can help uncover hidden root causes of fertility challenges
• The connection between nervous system regulation and reproductive health
• The role of faith and mindset in navigating the fertility journey
• Practical steps women can take to support natural fertility and prepare their bodies for pregnancy

About Tori Black:

Tori Black is a registered nurse with more than ten years of experience in healthcare and wellness, a Mercier Therapist, and a holistic Christian fertility coach. Her work bridges conventional medicine and root-cause healing, helping women understand their bodies when traditional answers fall short.

Through her coaching and education, Tori supports women in addressing fertility from the inside out by combining functional testing, nervous system regulation, and faith-based mindset support. Her mission is to empower women with the knowledge and tools they need to create the healthiest possible foundation for conception.

Tori is also the host of the Fruitful Fertility Co Podcast, where she shares education, encouragement, and practical strategies for women navigating their fertility journey. When she's not supporting clients, you can find her in Alabama sipping iced coffee, recording podcast episodes, talking about her kiddos, or reading her latest book of the month.

Connect with Tori:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fruitfulfertilityco/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fruitfulfertilityco
• Website: https://fruitfulfertilityco.com/
• Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/78XSaJAIDNiORcw8nCUorI?si=7fba8dca19ce4d9d&nd=1&dlsi=a83166d82cf7423e

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.

Please click the button to subscribe so you don't miss any episodes!

© 2014 - 2026 Dr. Laura Brayton

Experienced physical therapist Stacey Roberts joins the podcast to discuss the often-overlooked realities of postpartum recovery and why so many women are never properly guided through pelvic floor rehabilitation.

With more than 30 years of clinical experience, Stacey specializes in pelvic and sexual health and is passionate about helping patients heal naturally—often avoiding surgery, medications, and injections. In this episode, she explains the "postpartum rehab gap," why pelvic floor issues are more common than many women realize, and what steps women can take to restore strength, stability, and confidence after childbirth.

As the founder of New You Health and Wellness, Stacey combines advanced manual therapy, functional medicine, and innovative technology to help patients resolve chronic pain and achieve optimal health. Through her work as a clinician, author, and podcast host, she empowers women to understand their bodies and reclaim pain-free living.

Key Takeaways:

• Why postpartum recovery often overlooks the pelvic floor
• Common symptoms that signal pelvic floor dysfunction after childbirth
• How pelvic physical therapy can help women heal and regain strength
• Why many patients can avoid surgery, drugs, and injections with the right approach
• Practical first steps women can take to support postpartum recovery and long-term pelvic health

About Stacey:

Stacey Roberts, PT, RN, MSN, has over three decades of experience helping patients live pain-free while achieving their health goals. She is a Master's-prepared registered nurse, musculoskeletal specialist, pelvic and sexual health physiotherapist, and functional medicine practitioner.

Stacey is the founder of New You Health and Wellness, where she integrates advanced manual therapy, functional medicine, and cutting-edge technology to help patients resolve chronic pain and restore optimal function. Many of her patients—including Stacey herself—have been able to avoid surgery, drugs, and injections through this holistic approach.

She is also the author of the #1 bestselling book The Pain Free Formula: Solving The Puzzle of Muscle and Joint Pain Without Surgery, Drugs, or Injections and host of the podcast The Pain Free Formula, focused on helping people overcome chronic pain and reclaim vibrant health.

Connect with Stacey:

• Website: https://newyouhealthandwellness.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/newyouhealthandwellness
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/newyouhealthandwellness
• Podcast: The Pain Free Formula on Spotify and major platforms https://newyouhealthandwellness.com/the-pain-free-formula-podcast/

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.

Please click the button to subscribe so you don't miss any episodes!

© 2014 - 2026 Dr. Laura Brayton

In this episode of the WAM Podcast, we're joined by Aimee Rickabus, an entrepreneur, author, and podcast host passionate about redefining women's leadership. As the author of The Manage Her and host of the podcast by the same name, Aimee delves into how the invisible labor women perform every day—balancing career, family, and everything in between—translates into powerful leadership skills. From systems thinking to problem-solving, Aimee explores how these often overlooked skills empower women to transform businesses and communities.

Aimee is also the CEO of Tomahawk Information Solutions, a woman- and minority-owned technology company. As a mother of six and a lifelong advocate for women, she motivates audiences to recognize their worth not only as professionals but as whole, powerful individuals. In this conversation, we dive into the challenges and rewards of balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship, as well as the impact of redefining leadership from a female perspective.

Key Takeaways:

• How motherhood shapes leadership and builds unique problem-solving skills.
• The invisible labor women carry and how it contributes to stronger business and community leadership.
• The importance of recognizing and embracing your full potential as both a professional and a mother.
• Insights on leadership, systems thinking, and navigating life as an entrepreneur and parent.

About Aimee:

Aimee Rickabus is an entrepreneur, author, and podcast host dedicated to redefining women's leadership. As the author of The Manage Her and host of the podcast by the same name, she highlights how the invisible labor women perform every day translates into systems thinking, problem solving, and leadership skills that transform business and community. Aimee is also CEO of Tomahawk Information Solutions, a woman- and minority-owned technology company. A mother of six and lifelong advocate for women, she inspires audiences to see their potential not just as professionals, but as whole, powerful individuals.

Connect with Aimee:

• Website: https://themanageher.com/
• Podcast: https://themanageher.com/podcast
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themanageher/

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.

Please click the button to subscribe so you don't miss any episodes!

© 2014 - 2026 Dr. Laura Brayton

Natural remedy extraordinaire and naturopathic pediatrician Dr. Lindsay Hollister joins us to share her wisdom and passion for helping children heal from eczema—naturally. In this episode, she breaks down gentle, root-cause approaches that empower parents with simple, actionable tools to support their child's skin and overall health. From herbs and homeopathy to targeted nutrition, Dr. Lindsay reminds us that children's bodies are resilient and designed to heal when given the right support.

If you're tired of temporary fixes and ready to explore a more holistic path to eczema relief, this conversation is filled with encouragement, practical strategies, and hope.

Key Takeaways

• Why eczema is often a symptom of deeper imbalances in the body
• The importance of addressing root causes rather than just managing flare-ups
• How herbs, homeopathy, and nutrition can support skin healing
• Simple, actionable steps parents can implement right away
• Encouragement for parents navigating chronic skin conditions in children

About Dr. Lindsay Hollister

Dr. Lindsay Hollister, N.D., is a mama of three, natural remedy extraordinaire, and the naturopathic pediatrician behind The Organic Cure. She is passionate about equipping parents with practical, root-cause solutions to help their children thrive using gentle, natural approaches.

Through her work, Dr. Lindsay provides families with tools rooted in herbal medicine, homeopathy, and nutrition—always centered on the belief that children are resilient and their bodies are designed to heal. When she's not serving patients, she enjoys adventuring around Colorado Springs with her husband and kids.

Learn more or connect with Dr. Lindsay:

• Website: https://theorganiccure.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theorganiccure/
• Phone: 719-838-2873
• Email: [email protected]

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.

Please click the button to subscribe so you don't miss any episodes!

© 2014 - 2026 Dr. Laura Brayton

A conversation about emotions as embodied experiences, Dr. Jenn Rapkin invites us to reconnect with our inner felt sense and reclaim our capacity to feel fully.

In this episode, Dr. Jenn Rapkin—naturopathic physician, bodyworker, former dancer, and self-described Frequent Feeler—joins the podcast to discuss her new book, The Feeling Muscle. Drawing from more than 25 years of experience in mind-body and body-centered therapies, Dr. Jenn explores why learning to feel emotions in the body is essential for true processing, healing, and release.

Through both personal reflection and clinical insight, Dr. Jenn shares her transformation from physician to what she calls a shepherd of feelings. In her practice, the bodywork table becomes a sacred space where emotions are held, validated, and given voice—allowing patients to access deeper layers of awareness and healing.

Her journey weaves together rich life experiences—from growing up on Nantucket Island, go-go dancing at the Guggenheim Museum, and living as an expat in Barcelona, to raising two deeply soulful children in Connecticut—all of which inform her compassionate, embodied approach to emotional health.

Key Takeaways

• Why emotions must be felt in the body to be truly processed and released
• What "the feeling muscle" is and how to strengthen it
• The role of body-centered therapies in emotional healing
• How holding space for felt emotion supports deeper transformation
• Integrating embodiment into daily life and clinical practice

About Dr. Jenn Rapkin

Dr. Jenn Rapkin is a naturopathic physician, bodyworker, author, and educator with over 25 years of experience in mind-body medicine and body-centered therapies. A former dancer and lifelong seeker, she blends clinical expertise with embodied wisdom to help individuals reconnect with their emotional and physical selves. Her work centers on creating safe, validating spaces where emotions can be felt, expressed, and integrated.

Connect With Dr. Jenn Rapkin

• Website: https://drjennrapkin.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjennrapkin/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575991456912
• Email: [email protected]

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.

Please click the button to subscribe so you don't miss any episodes!

© 2014 - 2026 Dr. Laura Brayton