Well-Adjusted Mama: Holistic Support for Mamas and Mamas-To-Be – Détails, épisodes et analyse

In this episode, I'm joined by Vidhi Shastri, PT, MS, CFMT, a gifted bodyworker and holistic physical therapist who blends advanced manual therapy with intuitive, energetic healing. Vidhi shares how deep, integrative bodywork can support new moms in their postpartum recovery—helping the body heal from pregnancy and birth, regulating the nervous system, and supporting the emotional and energetic layers of early motherhood.

If you're in the 4th trimester, working with postpartum clients, or simply curious about how the body holds and releases physical and emotional stories, this conversation is both grounding and transformative.

Key Takeaways from This Episode

• Why postpartum healing requires more than standard rehab—and what holistic physical therapy adds
• How the belly, pelvis, diaphragm, and nervous system work together in the 4th trimester
• The role of craniosacral therapy, visceral manipulation, and neural manipulation in postpartum recovery
• How emotional memory and stored tension show up physically after pregnancy and birth
• Why deep, intuitive bodywork can help regulate the nervous system and support new moms' mental/emotional health
• How Functional Manual Therapy (FMT) addresses structural, visceral, and neurovascular imbalances
• What new moms can do to reconnect with their bodies and rebuild from the inside out

About Vidhi Shastri, PT, MS, CFMT

Vidhi Shastri is a holistic physical therapist devoted to whole-person healing. With roots in evidence-based physical therapy and extensive training in advanced manual and energetic therapies, she bridges science and intuition to support transformation on the physical, emotional, and energetic levels.

Originally trained in India, Vidhi earned her Bachelor's in Physical Therapy in 2009 and her Master's in Exercise Science and Kinesiology from California Baptist University in 2012. Over more than a decade of practice, her work has expanded beyond traditional rehab to address the deeper stories held within the body.

Vidhi is a Certified Functional Manual Therapist (CFMT), integrating Functional Manual Therapy with Craniosacral Therapy, Visceral Manipulation, and Neural Manipulation. Her approach is inspired by the biodynamic teachings of Dr. John Upledger and rests on the belief that the body is a conscious, self-regulating system capable of profound healing.

Through her practice, Retrain Physical Therapy, Vidhi offers a deeply integrative, intuitive, and grounded style of care—supporting clients with chronic pain, trauma, nervous system dysregulation, and postpartum healing. Her work guides patients toward embodiment, awareness, and lasting transformation.

Connect with Vidhi:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/retrainptandwellness/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/retrainphysicaltherapy/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/retrain-physical-therapy/
• Website: https://www.retrainphysicaltherapy.net/

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© 2014 - 2025 Dr. Laura Brayton

In this episode, I explore why so many couples are struggling with fertility today and why natural solutions are often overlooked. I speak with Mike Ye, founder of Project Life, whose work is rooted in his father's 40-year legacy as a traditional Chinese medicine fertility expert. I love this conversation because it reinforces what I share so often in my practice: fertility is never just about reproductive organs. It's a whole-body reflection of hormonal balance, stress levels, lifestyle, sleep patterns, and the environment we live in.

Mike shares how natural formulations, personalized herbs, and a holistic approach can help both partners restore balance and improve fertility outcomes, even when previous IVF cycles haven't worked. We also discuss the importance of reducing stress, supporting the nervous system, improving sleep, building healthy habits, and involving both partners in the preconception journey. When we address the root cause, we set the stage for a healthier conception, pregnancy, and baby.

Takeaways:

• Fertility is a whole-body issue, not a single system problem
• Both partners impact the health of the future baby
• Lifestyle changes amplify the benefits of natural formulations
• Safety, balance, and nervous system regulation matter deeply

INFO ABOUT MIKE

Mike Ye is the founder and CEO of Project Life, a modern fertility company rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). After witnessing firsthand the limitations of conventional fertility treatments, Mike set out to make his father, Dr. Ye's, 40-year legacy in natural fertility care accessible to the world. Based on his formulations Mike launched Project Life—a personalized, science-backed herbal system that helps women and men restore balance, improve fertility, and conceive naturally.

MIKE'S LINKS:

• Website: https://getprojectlife.com/
• Email: mike@getprojectlife.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getprojectlife/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Project-Life-100090161040616/

If you're ready for personalized support with fertility, preconception, and women's health, reach out — I'm here to help.

MORE FROM DR. BRAYTON:

• Main Website: https://drlaurabrayton.com/
• Functional Medicine Practice Website: https://drlaurabrayton.com/virtual-functional-medicine/
• Podcast: http://drlaurabrayton.com/podcasts/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drlaurabrayton
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drlaurabrayton
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrLauraBrayton/featured

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Help more people find our show - leave a rating and review by simply clicking on http://ratethispodcast.com/welladjustedmama.

© 2014 - 2025 Dr. Laura Brayton

SILVIA RESNIK had a completely life-altering experience after a simple vacation to Zanzibar became the unexpected, seismic turning point in her life. Amidst the turquoise waters and red earth of East Africa, she met the Maasai - and everything changed. She left behind a "perfect" yet unfulfilling life in Austria and began living among the Maasai, immersing in their culture, wisdom and challenges. She fuses ancient tribal insight with powerful modern coaching to guide women back to their truth. She empowers audiences to live aligned, make soul-led decisions, and embrace authentic freedom. Her voice also champions the movement to end Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), working directly with Maasai leaders toward lasting change.

Silvia's info:

• Website: https://silviaresnik.com/
• Website: https://www.simple-life-journey.com/en
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachsilviaresnik/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/silvia.simple.life.journey

Cozy Earth's biggest discount of the year: July 11-13, use code WAM for 45% off at https://cozyearth.com/

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© 2014 - 2025 Dr. Laura Brayton

With over 600 hours of post graduate coursework and testing, Dr. Forgosh is distinguished as a certified Craniopath and an instructor through Sacro Occipital Research Society International. She is additionally certified as a Pediatric and Pregnancy Chiropractor (C.A.C.C.P.), having completed 200+ hours of post graduate training and testing through the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association. She is certified in Webster's Technique, with 22 years of experience helping to optimize the mechanics and neurology of a woman's pelvis during pregnancy for healthy fetal positioning.

Dr. Forgosh is a proud graduate of the Advanced Clinical Training Program for mastery in Nutrition Response Testing (SM), which utilizes whole food nutrition, and adds a powerful dimension for health and healing for those seeking exceptional health and vitality. She earned her B.A. from the University of Vermont in 1994 and graduated Cum Laude from Life Chiropractic College West in 1999.

A few fun highlights of her personal achievements include: 6 years of study in martial arts, culminating with her earning her first degree black belt. (She broke a concrete slab with her bare foot!) She completed two 26.2 mile marathons. (The first time, she was tricked into believing that it was "all mental". The second time she blanked out on everything but the endorphins.) She lives now as a proud yogi, with a 25+ year daily practice. To the shock and disbelief of everyone who "knew her then", her last doughnut was over 12 years ago. Turns out, cake as a meal replacement was a bad idea after all.

For more information about her in-person and virtual practice, check out her website at http://www.wellwithinsoho.com/

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Visit http://drlaurabrayton.com/podcasts/ for show notes and available downloads.

© 2021 Dr. Laura Brayton

Dr. Stephanie Libs is a pediatric and prenatal chiropractor in San Diego. After her own breastfeeding struggles along with so many families in her office struggling she quickly has become the "breastfeeding doc." As a self proclaimed education addict and book nerd, she finally enrolled in a program to become an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. In 2021 she launched a course for chiropractors to learn more about taking care of breastfeeding moms and babies. The course called Infant Adjusting and Breastfeeding Assessment is a short, easy, affordable course full of easy-to-implement techniques that you can use right away to significantly improve the breastfeeding relationship with mother-baby dyads.

As a mom who struggled with breastfeeding herself, and seeing thousands of babies in her practice, she can tell you, this work is powerful. Whether you're already a pediatric expert, or you want to be, you'll love this course. Since launching Courses for Chiros, so many moms have reached out asking if they could take the course too. The Infant Adjusting and Breastfeeding Assessment course is just for chiros and chiro students, but this did inspire her to create a brand new course for moms with everything they need to know to breastfeed. The Course on Breastfeeding is like having a holistic lactation consultant in your pocket.

She loves chiropractic, and our philosophy even more; that our Innate Intelligence is the guiding force in our bodies to adapt and thrive. She's been published in magazines, submitted case studies for peer review publication, hosts birth and postpartum workshops and also hosts continuing education seminars and chiro philosophy meetings, so ya know, chiropractic is kinda her jam. Whether you're a chiro, a mom, or both, these courses are created with intention, honor, holistic care and a whole lotta love!

https://drstephlibs.teachable.com/

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© 2021 Dr. Laura Brayton

Carole Shipman is a nurse midwife, mother and grandmother who loves catching babies and caring for women and their families. She is so appreciative of the privilege of being able to attend home and hospital births. She has been serving families for almost 30 years. For more information, check her out on Instagram @gentleheartmidwiferyofficial or her website.

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Visit http://drlaurabrayton.com/podcasts/ for show notes and available downloads.

© 2021 Dr. Laura Brayton

Carmen Baker is an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) with a BA from Princeton University in Art and Archaeology. Her sons, born in 1991, 1994, 1996 and 2000, continue to be her inspiration. Through and with them, she has experienced so many of the challenges and joys of breastfeeding and parenting. These have challenged her to thoughtfully explore concepts and ideas that formed her beliefs in the importance of listening to your gut and doing what feels right for you, your child and your family. Her repeated interactions with so many families has led her to see that there constantly is a tremendous need for loving breastfeeding support with up-to-date research and evidence based information as its foundation, for all those individuals caring for young children.

Carmen has been helping parents breastfeed their babies since 1998 when she became a La Leche League Leader, continuing on as an IBCLC since 2005 working in private practice doing home visits, and since 2008 adding work in the hospital setting.

From 2008-2011, Carmen was one of the IBCLCs that followed and counseled approximately 900 mother/baby couplets as part of a research study at Albert Einstein College of Medicine. From 2011-2012, she worked as Breastfeeding Manager for North Hudson WIC supervision several Breastfeeding Peer Counselors and seeing a few hundred participants. Since then she has been working as manager of the Lactation Program at Hoboken UMC and Christ Hospital seeing over 1200 dyads a year.

In all three of these settings, Carmen has encountered many situations of high medical complexity which have provided invaluable perspective into what parents experience with these challenges while trying to establish and succeed in breastfeeding their babies.

Carmen is a conference speaker, and over the last 15 years some of the topics have been: The First Three Days, Tongue-Tie and Its Impact on Breastfeeding and Beyond, Economics of Breastfeeding. She helps manage and run a New Moms Support Group in the Hoboken Area, and she is involved in NJ State Groups that help advocate for legislation that protects and promotes access for breastfeeding services to all.

Carmen is passionate about the work she does and she truly loves nurturing new families through their breastfeeding journey and tailoring solutions to suit their unique needs.

For more information about Carmen, go to http://www.breastfeedingmomma.com/

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Visit http://drlaurabrayton.com/podcasts/ for show notes and available downloads.

© 2021 Dr. Laura Brayton

Laura Weisberg is a registered dietitian helping numerous women balance their hormones, optimize their fertility and manage their weight for life. Her mission is to make it easy for women to eat intentionally to find a happy, healthy, feel-good pregnancy. For more information, check out her website at www.thebumprd.com.

Please click the like button above and leave a review if your favorite podcast app has that ability. Thank you!

Visit http://drlaurabrayton.com/podcasts/ for show notes and available downloads.

© 2021 Dr. Laura Brayton

Jess Quarello was born in Sweden but raised in North Carolina. She started singing at the age of 5 years old and pursued a career in music, modeling and performance. She received her BFA in Music Theatre from Elon University and after graduation moved to NYC to continue her career. She had some great successes which included national commercials, a beauty campaign printed in Vogue Magazine, a recording contract and even working with Timbaland and Snoop Dog.

She met her husband Matt on a rooftop bar in Manhattan and they were engaged 9 months later. She decided to switch gears in her career and pivoted to the other side of the modeling industry, fashion! Jess worked as a lead stylist for a style-subscription company, moved into marketing for an international branding agency and most recently worked for a non-profit consultancy, on the sales and marketing business side.

In 2020 she gave birth to Adeline, who at birth was diagnosed with Down Syndrome. What started as a traumatic and scary diagnosis has propelled her into a life of advocacy and passion for her daughter and the Down Syndrome Community. She currently resides in Hoboken, NJ with her 3.5 year old daughter Charlee, Adeline (14 months) and husband Matt. She hopes to inspire others facing a Down Syndrome diagnosis to not fear the future but to embrace a new beautiful perspective.

Taryn Lagonigro is a mom of four girls, a business consultant and co-owner of Extra Lucky Moms and Iris Yoga in North Jersey. Her youngest daughter was born with Down syndrome and a heart defect in March 2020 which threw Taryn into the world of advocacy for children in the special needs community. Taryn dedicates time to several charities including the Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network and 321 Sunshine Nonprofit.

Please click the like button above and leave a review if your favorite podcast app has that ability. Thank you!

Visit http://drlaurabrayton.com/podcasts/ for show notes and available downloads.

© 2021 Dr. Laura Brayton

Anand J Sukhadia is a first-generation American of Indian Descent. Being around Allopathic and Holistic Health Practitioners throughout his upbringing, Anand knew his calling was in bridging together the best values of East and Western worlds and do it with a spiritual and holistically health-related flare.

Anand is also the Founder & Director at om.life Wellness Modern Recovery Spa located in Jersey City. om.life is an eco-modern wellness sanctuary that marries ancient healing knowledge with new technology. om.life has been named as the Best Breakout Business in Jersey City in its first year and is the most unique wellness experience in Hudson County, NJ. In just under 3 years, they have aided over 6000 individuals in stress management, athletic recovery, and lowering inflammation through their unique suite of holistic health modalities. (www.om.life)

He is also the host of the new Limitless One Podcast, a conversational platform that interviews individuals living a limitless life by being aligned on their soul's purpose. (iTunes: Limitless One Podcast).

Anand's mission in life is to inspire and transform the mental, physical and spiritual health of his community and planet at large. Anand loves to travel the world, connect with other open-hearted beings, and is continually seeking truth and light through his meditation, self-development, and other spiritual practices.

You are invited to learn more about Anand via his Instagram @anand.life and on his websites www.om.life and www.anand.life. For public speaking, advertising and other inquiries, please contact him at anand@om.life.

Go to https://www.om.life/ and put in HBchiro for $20 off a 60 minute float.