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Healthy As A Mother

Author: Dr. Morgan MacDermott & Dr. Leah Gordon

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Healthy as a Mother, the podcast for becoming and being a mother, with your cohosts Dr. Leah Gordon and Dr. Morgan MacDermott, two naturopathic doctors who get it. Each week we teach you how to be the healthiest mother you can be - from fertility and preconception, to pregnancy and birth prep, through postpartum and throughout motherhood - empowering you with the natural health guidance and education you’re not getting elsewhere, so you can confidently navigate the broken system at large. The real, the raw, the un-talked about.

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Our culture and systems have failed many women who want to be mothers, not through malice, but through neglect, misalignment, and outdated priorities.In this episode, we explore how education, feminism, medicine, and career culture shaped a generation of women who were never truly prepared for motherhood. This is a nuanced, honest conversation about how our culture and systems have failed many women who want to be mothers.We want to say this clearly up front: this conversation reflects our lived experiences and what we see in our work. It is not meant to invalidate women who had supportive, empowering paths to motherhood, nor does it represent every experience across different socioeconomic or cultural backgrounds.What we explore here is a pattern. For decades, women were encouraged to prioritize education, career, and productivity, often with little to no preparation for health, fertility, or motherhood. Feminism brought women freedom, opportunity, and choice, and we honor that deeply. But like all cultural movements, there were unintended consequences that many women are only now grappling with.In this conversation, we discuss:• Why motherhood was treated as an afterthought rather than a life path• How feminism empowered women — and where systems failed to evolve alongside it• The lack of reproductive and health education for young women• How birth control often masked dysfunction instead of addressing root causes• Why so many women feel blindsided by fertility struggles in their 30s• The cost of prioritizing weddings, careers, and productivity over preparation for motherhood• Maternal burnout, postpartum strain, and the lack of systemic support• What a more integrative, honest, and compassionate approach could look likeThis is not about blame. It’s about awareness because we can’t change what we don’t acknowledge. Our hope is that by having these conversations openly, we can support women now and create better systems for future generations. If this episode resonated with you, please consider subscribing, sharing, or leaving a review. These conversations matter. 00:00 — Why We’re Having This Conversation02:45 — This Isn’t Everyone’s Experience But It’s a Real Pattern05:30 — Feminism Gave Women Choice... And Then the Pendulum Swung09:45 — When Motherhood Became an Afterthought13:20 — Career First, Motherhood “On the Side”17:40 — The Lie We Were Sold About Fertility & Birth Control22:10 — Why So Many Women Are Struggling to Conceive in Their 30s27:15 — “Our Society Is Not Set Up for Women to Become Mothers”31:00 — We Prepare for College & Sports — But Not Health34:30 — Imagine a World Where Girls Are Taught About Their Bodies38:20 — The Cost of Ignoring Motherhood (Burnout, Infertility, Trauma)42:45 — Weddings, Nurseries & Misplaced Priorities47:30 — What the Medical System Gets Wrong About Fertility52:10 — How This Could Change for the Next Generation56:00 — This Isn’t About Blame, It’s About What’s Broken59:00 — Final Thoughts, Hope & Why These Conversations Matter👉 New episodes every WednesdayResources Mentioned in This Episode:Join Womanhood WellnessSocial Studies DocuseriesThe Time Machine MovieFind more from Dr. Leah:Dr. Leah Gordon | InstagramDr. Leah Gordon | WebsiteWomanhood Wellness | WebsiteFind more from Dr. Morgan:Dr. Morgan MacDermott | InstagramDr. Morgan MacDermott | WebsiteUse code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 10% at FondUse code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 15% at RedmondFor 20% off your first order at Needed, use code HEALTHYMOTHERSave $260 at Lumebox, use code HEALTHYASAMOTHER
In this life update episode, we’re sitting down for an honest, unfiltered conversation about what’s really been going on behind the scenes: from pregnancy and health updates to sleep deprivation, motherhood challenges, and big life decisions.Dr. Morgan shares a deeply personal pregnancy update, including navigating pregnancy while being sick, fertility considerations, and what it feels like to prepare for another baby while holding space for uncertainty. Dr. Leah talks candidly about postpartum sleep struggles, co-sleeping, teething, and the emotional toll of chronic sleep deprivation, alongside the sweetness and perspective that comes with motherhood.We also dive into the realities of running a business while parenting, navigating children’s health concerns, making hard decisions around fertility and family planning, and learning how to hold both gratitude and exhaustion at the same time.This episode is a real, grounded conversation for anyone who wants honest motherhood talk — no filters, no pretending, just real life. What We DiscussPregnancy life updates and preparing for a new babyPregnancy after health issues and navigating early pregnancy anxietyFertility differences and conversations around IVF and family planningPostpartum sleep struggles, co-sleeping, and chronic sleep deprivationTeething, illness, and children’s health worriesMotherhood emotions: gratitude, overwhelm, fear, and joyRunning a business while parenting young childrenMaking peace with uncertainty and big life decisionsHolding opposites in motherhood — exhaustion and sweetness at once00:00 – Welcome & why we love life update episodes02:15 – Social media, sharing updates, and being more offline06:30 – Deciding whether to have another baby12:45 – Pregnancy after health issues & fertility considerations20:30 – Getting sick in early pregnancy & managing anxiety27:40 – Progesterone, fertility differences, and early symptoms33:50 – Finding out the baby’s gender & family reactions39:45 – Emotional shifts, energy changes, and pregnancy differences45:30 – Sleep deprivation, teething, and postpartum struggles52:10 – Children’s health worries, co-sleeping, and mental load57:00 – Gratitude, perspective, and closing thoughts👉 New episodes every WednesdayResources Mentioned in This Episode:Araza Makeup - Use code DRLEAH for 10% off!Find more from Dr. Leah:Dr. Leah Gordon | InstagramDr. Leah Gordon | WebsiteWomanhood Wellness | WebsiteFind more from Dr. Morgan:Dr. Morgan MacDermott | InstagramDr. Morgan MacDermott | WebsiteUse code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 15% at RedmondFor 20% off your first order at Needed, use code HEALTHYMOTHERSave $260 at Lumebox, use code HEALTHYASAMOTHER
Breastfeeding is often framed as natural, yet so many mothers struggle, feel overwhelmed, or are told their bodies are failing them. In this episode, we break down five major factors that can sabotage breastfeeding and why women are rarely prepared for them.We explore how birth interventions, IV fluids, epidurals, misinformation, lack of postpartum support, and unrealistic expectations around sleep and feeding can deeply impact milk supply, confidence, and the breastfeeding relationship. We also unpack why phrases like “fed is best” can sometimes shut down honest conversations about the real challenges mothers face.This conversation is not about shame or blame. It’s about education, context, and holding nuance. Tools like formula, C-sections, and IVF can be life-saving and necessary, but they should not be treated as the first or only option without addressing root causes and the systemic gaps in maternal care.Episode Chapters00:00 Introduction & Why this conversation matters02:15 How birth influences breastfeeding07:10 IV fluids, engorgement & supply panic12:30 Epidurals & interventions18:45 The worst breastfeeding advice24:10 Bottles, pacifiers & nipple confusion30:05 Where “fed is best” falls short36:40 Systemic gaps in breastfeeding education43:20 Formula, IVF & C-sections51:10 Sleep pressure & breastfeeding58:30 Compassion, context & informed choice1:03:30 Final reflectionsIn This Episode, We Cover:• How birth experiences influence breastfeeding success• Common breastfeeding myths and harmful advice• Why supply-and-demand is rarely explained clearly• How sleep pressure disrupts maternal instincts• Why breastfeeding struggles are not a personal failure🎧 Listen in for a grounded, honest discussion that gives mothers the information they deserve, and the permission to hold compassion, nuance, and informed choice.👉 New episodes every Wednesday👉 Explore related conversations in our Pregnancy, Birth & Postpartum playlistsResources Mentioned in This EpisodeDr. Morgan’s Mastitis ManualDealing with mastitis? Get Dr. Morgan’s comprehensive Mastitis Manual and learn how to identify which type of mastitis you have, whether antibiotics are necessary, and how to support healing naturally. - https://milkmedicine.com/mastitis-manual/Find more from Dr. Leah:Dr. Leah Gordon | InstagramDr. Leah Gordon | WebsiteWomanhood Wellness | WebsiteFind more from Dr. Morgan:Dr. Morgan MacDermott | InstagramDr. Morgan MacDermott | WebsiteUse code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 10% at FondUse code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 15% at RedmondFor 20% off your first order at Needed, use code HEALTHYMOTHERSave $260 at Lumebox, use code HEALTHYASAMOTHER
In this episode of Healthy As A Mother, we’re joined by Dr. Leah Gordon to explore why so many women struggle with fertility, even when their labs look “normal.”We discuss how hormonal birth control, chronic stress, gut health, inflammation, and nervous system dysregulation can quietly block conception and implantation. Dr. Leah explains why ovulation alone doesn’t always equal fertility, how the body’s stress response impacts reproductive hormones, and what it really means to support the body before pregnancy.This is a compassionate, root-cause conversation for women navigating unexplained infertility, coming off birth control, or preparing their body for pregnancy, and a reminder that the body isn’t broken, it just needs the right support.RESOURCES MENTIONEDWomanhood Wellness Membership: Where functional medicine meets feminine wisdom—guiding you to balance hormones, awaken libido, and prepare for pregnancy with intention. 👉 Join todayThe Birth of the Pill — A deep dive into the origins and long-term implications of hormonal birth control 👉 https://amzn.to/4slrNfw\Episode #4 - Preconception: What It Is and Why It Matters 👉 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/healthy-as-a-mother/id1663942916?i=1000593847905In this episode, we cover:00:00 Coming Off Birth Control & Preconception Overview02:55 Why Preconception Matters More Than We’re Taught06:10 What Really Happens When You Stop Hormonal Birth Control10:55 Why “Wait and See” Isn’t Enough After Birth Control14:45 How Birth Control Disrupts Hormone Communication19:05 Post-Pill Hormone Surges & Acne Explained22:20 Why Your Cycle May Not Return Right Away25:05 The Hidden Nutrient Depletions From Birth Control29:45 Birth Control as Symptom Masking (The Fire Alarm Analogy)34:50 The Key Nutrients Needed for Fertility & Pregnancy40:20 Why Most Prenatals Aren’t Enough43:30 Liver Health, Detox & Hormone Clearance48:35 How Birth Control Impacts the Gut & Microbiome53:10 Inflammation, Stress & Fertility Challenges57:40 Nervous System Regulation & Preparing for Pregnancy01:02:10 Final Thoughts on Healing Before ConceptionFind more from Dr. Leah:Dr. Leah Gordon | InstagramDr. Leah Gordon | WebsiteWomanhood Wellness | WebsiteFind more from Dr. Morgan:Dr. Morgan MacDermott | InstagramDr. Morgan MacDermott | WebsiteUse code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 15% at RedmondFor 20% off your first order at Needed, use code HEALTHYMOTHERSave $260 at Lumebox, use code HEALTHYASAMOTHER
​​Want to learn all of Dr. Morgan's expert advice on pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding, and postpartum? Get her lessons here! Ultrasounds can save babies… and harm them.In this episode, we break down the real risks, the imperfect tech, and the benefits so you can choose with nuance. We don’t take an all-or-nothing stance; We look at where this tool helps and where it doesn’t, and name the common pressure tracks people get swept into.You’ll hear what makes the first trimester different, why short scans matter, and how an anatomy scan fits. We pull back the curtain on false alarms, anxiety spirals, and the temptation to use a Doppler like a security blanket. Sometimes the smartest move is giving your body what it already needs.You’ll Learn:[00:00] Introduction[06:00] Choosing reassurance without overuse[11:00] Early scans: where caution matters[16:00] When false results derail a pregnancy[20:57] IUGR: balancing risk and timing[26:11] The miscarriage myth gets a reality check[29:16] What a randomized trial found about child outcomes[36:58] Choosing acceptance when you feel out of control[40:36] Why the ‘right’ choice looks different for every Mom[50:18] What the 20-week anatomy scan is for[1:11:00] What a late-pregnancy biophysical profile actually checksResources Mentioned:Healthy as a Mother podcast episode on The Power of Progesterone: An Essential Fertility Hormone | Apple or SpotifyFind more from Dr. Leah:Dr. Leah Gordon | InstagramDr. Leah Gordon | WebsiteWomanhood Wellness | WebsiteFind more from Dr. Morgan:Dr. Morgan MacDermott | InstagramDr. Morgan MacDermott | WebsiteUse code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 15% at RedmondFor 20% off your first order at Needed, use code HEALTHYMOTHERSave $260 at Lumebox, use code HEALTHYASAMOTHER
Womanhood Wellness is where functional medicine meets feminine wisdom—guiding you to balance hormones, awaken libido, and prepare for pregnancy with intention. Join todayWhat if chasing health and beauty ends up making us sick, anxious, and disconnected?This episode is all about choosing joy instead of fear and questioning the pressure to do everything “right,” from Botox to seed oils. That lens applies to everything, hair dye, kids’ snacks, and even the bread at an Italian restaurant. We need to ask what actually serves our bodies and our stress levels.The internet is a great resource, but it has created immense confusion around wellness because for every idea you can easily find an opposition with just as much conviction. We explore that same middle ground in fertility, where IVF might make sense for some while natural approaches fit others. Of course, we always bring it home to motherhood and discuss screens, childcare, and the everyday mess of trying to balance it all without losing ourselves in the extremes.You’ll Learn:[00:00] Introduction[06:09] Where the line blurs between natural beauty choices and Botox[09:08] The hidden costs of breast implants and why “safe” options aren’t risk-free[10:18] How losing facial expression with Botox may impact kids and human connection[22:33] Why obsessing over toxins or food rules can harm more than help[26:11] The mindset shift that transforms health choices from fear to joy[32:56] Navigating the nuanced spectrum between fertility treatments and natural approaches[38:57] How to balance being present with your kids while still holding boundaries[41:25] The real struggles of working motherhood and why guilt shows up on both sides[51:06] Why extremes create suffering and why most wisdom lives in the middleResources Mentioned:Healthy as a Mother podcast episode on How to Handle Sibling Fights with Ralphie Jacobs | Apple or Spotify or YouTubeFind more from Dr. Leah:Dr. Leah Gordon | InstagramDr. Leah Gordon | WebsiteWomanhood Wellness | WebsiteFind more from Dr. Morgan:Dr. Morgan MacDermott | InstagramDr. Morgan MacDermott | WebsiteUse code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 15% at RedmondFor 20% off your first order at Needed, use code HEALTHYMOTHERSave $260 at Lumebox, use code HEALTHYASAMOTHER
Sick while breastfeeding or pregnant? Click here to learn all Dr. Morgan’s top natural and effective remedies to help yourself through colds, flus, allergies, and UTIs! What if the real reason for low milk supply isn’t your body at all?In this episode, we sit down with Lynnelle King, an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant and craniosacral therapist. She brings decades of experience, a deep background in lactation and tongue and lip ties, and the perspective of a mother of eight who runs a busy clinic helping women succeed at breastfeeding when nothing else has worked.We open up the conversation on low milk supply. From true insufficient glandular tissue to tongue ties and structural issues, we get into the realities behind why breastfeeding can feel impossible. This is a grounded, practical look at the different causes and what mothers often miss when they’re told their bodies “just don’t make enough milk.”Timestamps:[00:00] Introduction[13:10] Why true insufficient glandular tissue is rare, and what breast changes signal it[16:40] How using a supplemental nursing system can build more milk-making tissue [17:10] The reality of grief when supply is low and the role of donor milk[18:12] How undiagnosed tongue and lip ties quietly reduce supply[37:41] Why toxic exposures in utero can affect breast development[38:50] Why implants and reductions affect milk supply in completely different ways[56:40] What happens to milk supply when you get pregnant again[1:05:05] The link between stress hormones, oxytocin, and the let-down reflexResources Mentioned:Healthy as a Mother podcast episode on A Deep Dive into Lip and Tongue Ties | Apple or SpotifyMastitis Manual by Dr. Morgan MacDermott | WebsiteImmune Wellness class with Dr. Morgan MacDermott | WebsiteSNS Tube | AmazonBreath by James Nestor | Book or AudiobookNipple Shield | AmazonNinni Co-Pacifier | Website Use Code MORGM10 for 10% off Learn more from Lynnelle on her website. You can also follow her on Instagram.Find more from Dr. Leah:Dr. Leah Gordon | InstagramDr. Leah Gordon | WebsiteWomanhood Wellness | WebsiteFind more from Dr. Morgan:Dr. Morgan MacDermott | InstagramDr. Morgan MacDermott | WebsiteUse code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 15% at RedmondFor 20% off your first order at Needed, use code HEALTHYMOTHERSave $260 at Lumebox, use code HEALTHYASAMOTHER
Womanhood Wellness is where functional medicine meets feminine wisdom—guiding you to balance hormones, awaken libido, and prepare for pregnancy with intention. Join todayWhat if the hormone blocking your ovulation is the same one draining your desire?This episode is all about prolactin… a hormone made by the pituitary gland that plays a key role in breastfeeding. We get into how high prolactin can impact fertility, libido, and even dopamine, and why stress, sleep, exercise, and certain medications push it out of balance. There are natural ways to bring prolactin back into range, from nutrients like B6 and magnesium to lifestyle shifts. This is the hormone no one’s talking about, but everyone should understand.You’ll Learn:[00:00] Introduction[03:52] The surprising role prolactin plays in fertility, libido, and postpartum health[06:29] The push-pull between prolactin and dopamine that impacts desire and motivation[10:08] Why ADHD symptoms often worsen postpartum when prolactin rises[12:33] How high prolactin can block ovulation, your body’s natural “birth control”[14:04] How elevated prolactin shortens luteal phases and lowers progesterone[15:30] Hidden triggers of prolactin imbalance[23:44] The critical lab-testing tip that prevents false high prolactin results[26:09] How nutrient deficiencies and marijuana use can silently drive prolactin higher[28:09] Symptoms that reveal a prolactin problem[35:38] Prolactin’s purposeful role in suppressing sex drive during breastfeeding[38:17] How modern lifestyle stressors mimic postpartum and confuse prolactin levels[55:20] Natural supports that bring prolactin back in balanceFind more from Dr. Leah:Dr. Leah Gordon | InstagramDr. Leah Gordon | WebsiteWomanhood Wellness | WebsiteFind more from Dr. Morgan:Dr. Morgan MacDermott | InstagramDr. Morgan MacDermott | WebsiteUse code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 15% at RedmondFor 20% off your first order at Needed, use code HEALTHYMOTHERSave $260 at Lumebox, use code HEALTHYASAMOTHER
Got sick kids? Click here to learn all our favorite natural remedies for children from newborn through to big kids!What if sibling rivalry isn’t something to fix, but something kids actually need?In this episode, we sit down with Ralphie Jacobs, founder of Simply On Purpose. She’s a mom of four, holds a degree in early childhood education, and has spent years turning her curiosity about child development into practical parenting wisdom.We get into the messy reality of siblings fighting and why it’s not only unavoidable but also essential for growth. Ralphie shares how to know when to step in, when to step back, and how to shift the way we see conflict so it doesn’t push our kids apart but helps them build stronger bonds.You’ll Learn:The reason sibling rivalry shows up in every multi-child homeWhat happens when parents label normal behavior as a fixed character traitThe link between sibling conflict and stronger skills in communication, negotiation, and resilienceThe damage of comparing kids and creating competition inside the familyWhy it often backfires when parents insert adult meaning into childhood strugglesWhy most kids’ misbehavior is inconsequential and how shifting perspective changes everythingThe simple shift from making things “fair” to meeting each child’s individual needsHow one-on-one time with older kids lowers rivalry and strengthens bondsThe stop–redirect–reinforce approach for handling physical conflict safelyWhy focusing on the good reduces 80% of junk behavior without constant correctionTimestamps:[00:00] Introduction[04:25] Why sibling rivalry can be healthy and how parents can respond wisely[09:51] How labeling children shapes their identity and how parents can guide with compassion[17:32] Fostering sibling connection by avoiding comparisons and focusing on individual needs[25:36] Why one-on-one time with older children reduces sibling rivalry and builds security[32:12] When to step into sibling arguments and when to let kids work it out[42:10] Why parents should avoid negative labels and focus on guiding developmental behavior[44:00] Creating a calm home by focusing on what really matters in parentingJoin Ralphie for a LIVE webinar and learn scientifically proven strategies to decrease fighting in your home, Sibling Rivalry: What Helps and What Doesn'tLearn more from Ralphie on the Simply On Purpose website. You can also follow her on Instagram.Find more from Dr. Leah:Dr. Leah Gordon | InstagramDr. Leah Gordon | WebsiteWomanhood Wellness | WebsiteFind more from Dr. Morgan:Dr. Morgan MacDermott | InstagramDr. Morgan MacDermott | WebsiteUse code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 15% at RedmondFor 20% off your first order at Needed, use code HEALTHYMOTHERSave $260 at Lumebox, use code HEALTHYASAMOTHER
Womanhood Wellness is where functional medicine meets feminine wisdom—guiding you to balance hormones, awaken libido, and prepare for pregnancy with intention. Join today.What if acceptance is the most radical act of motherhood?In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Aviva Romm, a Yale-trained MD, herbalist, and midwife who has been practicing for over 40 years. She’s a bestselling author of several books, a mom of four, and a grandmother who even got to midwife two of her own grandbabies at home.We talk about the tension between hopes and acceptance on the journey through fertility, pregnancy, and motherhood. The conversation moves through the stories we tell ourselves, the weight of expectations, and what it looks like to find resilience and grace when things unfold differently than planned.You’ll Learn:Why suffering often comes from the gap between expectations and reality in motherhoodWhat happens when fertility, birth, or parenting doesn’t follow the story you imaginedThe link between perfectionism, self-judgment, and how women process fertility or birth outcomesWhy you need to stop “should-ing” yourself to cultivate more resilienceHow external judgment in wellness or parenting circles can intensify shame and isolationThe wisdom behind seeing every baby as having their own story and giftWhy self-compassion and trusting your body matter the most when plans changeHow support systems, partners, community, or trusted providers shape the journeyThe power of surrender and acceptance as lifelong practices for mothersTimestamps:[00:00] Introduction[09:02] Balancing motherhood, creative work, and the importance of support systems[11:11] Shifting perspectives on motherhood, sacrifice, and the pressure to do it all[15:33] Letting go of expectations and finding acceptance in fertility and motherhood[30:20] Judgment in wellness culture and evolving personal stories in motherhood[55:56] Lessons in releasing guilt and honoring self-development in motherhoodResources Mentioned:Womanhood Wellness | WebsiteAmerican Herbalists Guild | WebsiteThe Mama Pathway | WebsiteBooks by Dr. Aviva Romm | WebsiteLearn more from Dr. Aviva:Dr. Aviva Romm | WebsiteDr. Aviva Romm | FacebookDr. Aviva Romm | InstagramDr. Aviva Romm | LinkedInDr. Aviva Romm | XDr. Aviva Romm | YouTubeOn Health For Women Podcast | Apple or SpotifyFind more from Dr. Leah:Dr. Leah Gordon | InstagramDr. Leah Gordon | WebsiteWomanhood Wellness | WebsiteFind more from Dr. Morgan:Dr. Morgan MacDermott | InstagramDr. Morgan MacDermott | WebsiteUse code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 15% at RedmondFor 20% off your first order at Needed, use code HEALTHYMOTHERSave $260 at Lumebox, use code HEALTHYASAMOTHER
What does it really take to have a good birth in a hospital?In this episode, we're joined by Care Messer, Founder of the Birth Education Center in San Diego. She’s a certified hypnobirthing instructor, a DONA-certified doula, and a childbirth educator who also trains doulas. Care teaches engaging, partner-friendly online classes that have helped many families prepare for birth with more clarity and confidence.We get into what it means to prepare early, why most women don’t realize how much choice they actually have, and what it looks like to create a safe, grounded birth experience inside a hospital system. From power dynamics with providers to the small, practical things that shift your sense of safety, this conversation breaks down what women and their partners need to know before walking through those hospital doors.You’ll Learn:Why choosing the right hospital and provider early changes everythingWhat it feels like to enter a system where you’re treated as room number instead of a person giving birthWhy staying home longer in early labor can dramatically shift your hospital experienceThe surprising link between hospital C-section rates and NICU levelsHow eye masks, dim lights, and warm blankets keep your body in labor modeWhen partners step into the role of protector and advocate in the birth roomThe quiet damage of being a passive participant versus owning your birth decisionsWhy hospital classes often train you to be a “good patient” instead of giving you real optionsHow listening to birth stories helps you recognize and avoid common intervention cascadesTimestamps:[00:00] Introduction[03:00] How preparation and safety shape the hospital birth experience[09:22] Rethinking what safety really means in birth[13:01] Choosing the right hospital, provider, and birth team[20:20] The partner’s role in protecting space and shifting power dynamics[36:37] Practical ways to protect labor hormones in a hospital birth[50:15] Arming with education and optimizing the hospital environment for laborResources Mentioned:Episode 65: All About VBAC pt.1: Perspectives from an OB, Midwife, and Doula with Care Messer | Spotify or AppleBirth Education Center | WebsiteBucky Eye Mask | AmazonThe Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk M.D. | Book or AudiobookMen, Love & Birth by Mark Harris | Book or AudiobookLabor Like A Goddess by Alexandria Moran and Lauren Mahana | BookBirth Psychology | WebsiteDr. Morgan’s First Birth | VideoLearn more about the Birth Education Care by visiting their website, YouTube channel, and Facebook page.Follow Care on Instagram, LinkedIn and listen to her Podcast on Apple or Spotify.Find more from Dr. Leah:Dr. Leah Gordon | InstagramDr. Leah Gordon | WebsiteWomanhood Wellness | WebsiteFind more from Dr. Morgan:Dr. Morgan MacDermott | InstagramDr. Morgan MacDermott | WebsiteUse code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 15% at RedmondFor 20% off your first order at Needed, use code HEALTHYMOTHERSave $260 at Lumebox, use code HEALTHYASAMOTHER
Did you know that you have bacteria in your uterus? And that the types of bacteria there may impact whether you get pregnant or not. We talk all about this and many other things we are discovering are impacting fertility with our guest, Dr. Jaclyn Smeaton. She is a fellow naturopathic doctor who has focused much of her career on fertility, and we can't wait to share this informative episode with you.This episode is sponsored by:Redmond Salt >> Click here and use code HEALTHYMOTHER to save 15% on your order.Needed >> Click here and use code HEALTHYMOTHER to save 20% off your first order.Lumebox >> Click here and use code HEALTHYASAMOTHER for $260 off.Resources From This Episode:DUTCH testWatch the video episode on YouTube HERE!Stay Connected With Us:Healthy As A Mother: www.healthyasamother.comInstagram: @healthyasamotherpodcastDr. Leah: www.womanhoodwellness.comInstagram: @drleahgordonDr. Morgan: www.milkmedicine.comInstagram: @morganmacdermottRedmond LifeRedmond Life | Real Salt & Clay | Re-Lyte Electrolyte Hydration PowderYour one stop shop for all things Redmond. We carry pure, natural sea salt and bentonite clay mined from an ancient salt deposit right here in Redmond, Utah. From Real Salt to Re-Lyte Hydration electrolyte mix, try one of our US-mined products today.needed.Radically better nutrition for fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum.Prenatal vitamins leave most women depleted, so we redesigned the Prenatal Multi from the ground-up, and paired it with the Omega-3 (DHA and EPA), Collagen Protein, and Pre/Probiotic that mamas need. Take them before, during, and after pregnancy (and while breastfeeding) for optimal prenatal and postpartum nourishment.LumeboxLUMEBOX discount linkDutch TestPrecision Analytical (DUTCH TEST) - Test Kits, Providers & PatientsExplore DUTCH Test kits for comprehensive hormone testing, provider resources, patient support, and educational webinars. Contact us for more information.
Nausea in pregnancy, or "morning sickness," is a multifactorial issue that we CAN usually affect in a positive way - and today we outline the top contributing factors to what is unlovingly known as "morning sickness." We discuss how, for most women, there is not one single reason that they feel nauseous during their pregnancy - and usually there are multiple pieces that all contribute a different amount to the overall experience - and what's tough is that for each person, this will be individual. The best approach then, is to ensure that all of the factors to talk about today - blood sugar, hydration, histamine, sleep, and more - are in your awareness so you can work on them the best you can. Big hugs if you're in the weeds with this, we really feel you. This episode is sponsored by:Redmond Salt >> Click here and use code HEALTHYMOTHER to save 15% on your order.Needed >> Click here and use code HEALTHYMOTHER to save 20% off your first order.Lumebox >> Click here and use code HEALTHYASAMOTHER for $260 off.Resources From this Episode:Redmond's RelyteNeeded Electrolytes Needed Sleep Support - MagnesiumUse Fullscript for ordering supplements and get 15% off!Concentrace drops by Trace Minerals DAO Enzyme by Seeking HealthSmall DAO option Triple Mag Vital Nutrients CALM magnesiumB6 (P-5-P) 40-50mg per dayGinger 750mg-1g herhomeopathy.comDr. Morgan's Pregnancy Call Dr. Morgan's Managing Illness While Pregnant or Breastfeeding CourseStay Connected With Us:Healthy As A Mother: www.healthyasamother.comInstagram: @healthyasamotherpodcastDr. Leah: www.womanhoodwellness.comInstagram: @drleahgordonDr. Morgan: www.milkmedicine.comInstagram: @morganmacdermott
Dr. Morgan and Dr. Nathan Riley have an open, and most importantly, nuanced conversation about abortion. Dr. Riley is an OBGYN and is dual board-certified in hospice and palliative care, so he offers an interesting perspective of expertise in both the beginning AND the end of life. Our goal in this episode is not to take sides, but to explore the shades of gray in a topic that is often painted in black and white. This conversation may not be for everyone - and that’s okay. It isn’t a perfect discussion, but we hope you’ll find something in it that resonates, challenges, or simply helps you understand the realities others face - realities you may never have had to think about, which in itself can be a kind of privilege. We truly believe that most people likely fall in this middle ground space, if only we could share the perspective from both sides. Conversations like this aren’t easy, but keeping them open and honest is the only way things can change. So we invite you to listen with an open mind and an open heart.This episode is sponsored by:Redmond Salt >> Click here and use code HEALTHYMOTHER to save 15% on your order.Needed >> Click here and use code HEALTHYMOTHER to save 20% off your first order.Lumebox >> Click here and use code HEALTHYASAMOTHER for $260 off.Resources From This Episode:Dr. Nathan Riley's WebsiteDr. Nathan Riley's fertility, pregnancy, and birth class with midwife Sara Rosser, Born Free MethodDr. Nathan Riley's InstagramStay Connected With Us:Healthy As A Mother: www.healthyasamother.comInstagram: @healthyasamotherpodcastDr. Leah: www.womanhoodwellness.comInstagram: @drleahgordonDr. Morgan: www.milkmedicine.comInstagram: @morganmacdermott
#125: Season 9 Life Updates

#125: Season 9 Life Updates

2025-08-1301:22:02

It's time for our life update episode again! It's almost the end of summer and Dr. Morgan shares about an unexpected diagnosis and her new extensive health journey, her decision on having another baby, and her philosophy around choice. Dr. Leah talks extensively about her son's sleep journey and breaks down why we decided to gently sleep train and why co-sleeping wasn't working for us, as well as her choice around working less and momming more. This is a great episode with a lot of juicy controversial opinions we can't wait to share with you!This episode is sponsored by:Redmond Salt >> Click here and use code HEALTHYMOTHER to save 15% on your order.Needed >> Click here and use code HEALTHYMOTHER to save 20% off your first order.Lumebox >> Click here and use code HEALTHYASAMOTHER for $260 off.Resources From This Episode:Dr Leah's Free Lab List GuideHealthy As A Mother Episode #120: The Lowdown on LaryngomalaciaHealthy As A Mother Episode #110: Season 8 Life UpdatesThe Still Face Experiment Stay Connected With Us:Healthy As A Mother: www.healthyasamother.comInstagram: @healthyasamotherpodcastDr. Leah: www.womanhoodwellness.comInstagram: @drleahgordonDr. Morgan: www.milkmedicine.comInstagram: @morganmacdermott
In today's episode, we discuss the hormone mistake you want to avoid before pregnancy. We explain what hormones are, what imbalances may look like, how to test them, what some ideal ranges of key hormones are, and what you can do to balance them. Whether you are years away from trying, currently trying to conceive, or even heading into perimenopause, this episode applies to you.This episode is sponsored by:Redmond Salt >> Click here and use code HEALTHYMOTHER to save 15% on your order.Active Skin Repair >> Click here and use code HEALTHYMOTHER for 20% off your order.Needed >> Click here and use code HEALTHYMOTHER to save 20% off your first order.Lumebox >> Click here and use code HEALTHYASAMOTHER for $260 off.Resources From This Episode:Download Dr. Leah's FREE Female Labs ListGrab your spot on the Womanhood Wellness Membership Waitlist! Healthy As A Mother #31: The Power of Progesterone: An Essential Fertility HormoneHealthy As A Mother Episode #37: First 6 Steps to Take Along Your Fertility JourneyHealthy As A Mother Episode # 78: Lifestyle Hacks for Hormone BalancingStay Connected With Us:Healthy As A Mother: www.healthyasamother.comInstagram: @healthyasamotherpodcastDr. Leah: www.womanhoodwellness.comInstagram: @drleahgordonDr. Morgan: www.milkmedicine.comInstagram: @morganmacdermott
If you find yourself pregnant with twins, you've landed in the right spot. Today on the podcast, Dr. Morgan interviews Allegra Gast of Aloha Nutrition, all about her tips and tricks as a mother of four, the youngest two being 1-year-old twin boys. Allegra starts us out by discussing how she had her healthiest pregnancy, easiest birth, and postpartum recovery with the twins - largely due to proper nutrition. She then takes us into the survival mode of newborn days and manages it all with the older children. We then discuss feeding, sleeping, getting out of the house, the systems she has in place, and many other topics. She shares great resources and some heartfelt stories.This episode is sponsored by:Redmond Salt >> Click here and use code HEALTHYMOTHER to save 15% on your order.Needed >> Click here and use code HEALTHYMOTHER to save 20% off your first order.Lumebox >> Click here and use code HEALTHYASAMOTHER for $260 off.Resources From This Episode:Allegra's Instagram and WebsiteOther Twin Instagram account to follow: @twinmomguideGreat book for twin moms: The Holistic Guide to Twin Pregnancy by BreAnn BlehmStay Connected With Us:Healthy As A Mother: www.healthyasamother.comInstagram: @healthyasamotherpodcastDr. Leah: www.womanhoodwellness.comInstagram: @drleahgordonDr. Morgan: www.milkmedicine.comInstagram: @morganmacdermott
In this episode, Dr Leah talks with Ryan and Julie, the co-founders of Needed. They dive into something often seen in practice: nutrient depletion. Why so many women are starting motherhood already depleted—and how that affects everything from fertility to postpartum recovery and long-term health. Ryan and Julie aren’t your average supplement founders. They built Needed alongside a community of practitioners like Dr. Leah, who were asking for better solutions—not just what looks good on a label, but what actually supports women’s bodies. They discuss how they met Dr. Leah, why Dr. Leah chose to partner with them, and how they've created products and education that reflect what women truly need. If you’ve ever wondered whether your prenatal is enough, or felt dismissed by one-size-fits-all advice—this one’s for you. We start at the beginning, with how Ryan and Julie got into this work and why they knew something major was missing in women’s health, and end with the amazing nutritional study they have done and what it has been like having babies and raising families while also growing this amazing company.This episode is sponsored by:Redmond Salt >> Click here and use code HEALTHYMOTHER to save 15% on your order.Needed >> Click here and use code HEALTHYMOTHER to save 20% off your first order.Lumebox >> Click here and use code HEALTHYASAMOTHER for $260 off.Resources From This Episode:More About Needed, Julie and RyanNeeded AcademyOrder Needed supplements here with code HEALTHYMOTHERStay Connected With Us:Healthy As A Mother: www.healthyasamother.comInstagram: @healthyasamotherpodcastDr. Leah: www.womanhoodwellness.comInstagram: @drleahgordonDr. Morgan: www.milkmedicine.comInstagram: @morganmacdermott
Being pregnant and giving birth with Type 1 Diabetes takes specific intention, energy, and management of health. In this episode, Dr. Morgan has Dr. Gina Cummins on to tell us how she managed her blood sugar throughout her two pregnancies and homebirths. They discuss how the conventional route of prenatal care and birth for women with Type 1 is different for those that don't have it - including the risk factors and reasoning for why it is this way, and then Dr. Gina goes on to explain how she advocated for herself to walk an alternative path outside the system. She found a supportive midwife and had both babies at home, and as she shares her birth stories, you'll see that she weaves in how she was actively managing her insulin in between contractions. Blood sugar management is a full-time job, and we hope you find this episode as educational as it is impressive.This episode is sponsored by:Redmond Salt >> Click here and use code HEALTHYMOTHER to save 15% on your order.Needed >> Click here and use code HEALTHYMOTHER to save 20% off your first order.Lumebox >> Click here and use code HEALTHYASAMOTHER for $260 off.Resources From This Episode:Dr. Gina Cummin's WebsiteDr. Gina's Cummin's InstagramOther Healthy as a Mother Podcast episodes to further your learning:#87: Gestational Diabetes Part 1 with Lily Nichols#88: Gestational Diabetes Part 2 with Lily NicholsNatural Birth for Type 1 Diabetics Facebook GroupDr. Gina's midwife, Lindsey Meehleis Instagram and WebsiteDr. Drina's OB, Dr. Stuart Fischbein Instagram and Website and PodcastBirthing From Within birth classStay Connected With Us:Healthy As A Mother: www.healthyasamother.comInstagram: @healthyasamotherpodcastDr. Leah: www.womanhoodwellness.comInstagram: @drleahgordonDr. Morgan: www.milkmedicine.comInstagram: @morganmacdermott
When Dr. Morgan's fourth baby was just a few weeks old and started making a sometimes grunty sometimes squeaky noise with each inhale - She didn't know what to think, and she certainly didn't expect the diagnosis her baby would ultimately get. Laryngomalacia is a term that we all became intimately familiar with, and it basically translates to soft or floppy vocal cords. In this episode, Dr. Morgan takes you through all of the information you need to know about laryngomalacia, from the physiology to the symptoms to the levels of severity, and then treatment. She details everything that she can remember from that time and how it affected her daughter's sleeping, feeding, and thus weight gain - significantly. If you're listening to this episode, it might be because you're going through it - and for that, Dr. Morgan gives a big hug.This episode is sponsored by:Redmond Salt >> Click here and use code HEALTHYMOTHER to save 15% on your order.Needed >> Click here and use code HEALTHYMOTHER to save 20% off your first order.Lumebox >> Click here and use code HEALTHYASAMOTHER for $260 off.Resources From This Episode:Ninni pacifier for breastfed babies, use code MORGM10 to save 10%Free to Feed website for food reactivity in babiesHealthy as a Mother podcast: #43: Dr. Morgan's Postpartum: On Sleeping and RestingHealthy as a Mother podcast: #46: Dr. Morgan's Postpartum: On Breastfeeding and Nutrition Healthy as a Mother Podcast: #57: Pregnancy Nausea + Postpartum Fog: An Update From the DoctorsHealthy as a Mother Podcast: #34: The First 10 Days Postpartum: Top 5 Tips to ThriveHealthy as a Mother Podcast: #07: Postpartum Healing: No More Mothers Left in the Dust Stay Connected With Us:Healthy As A Mother: www.healthyasamother.comInstagram: @healthyasamotherpodcastDr. Leah: www.womanhoodwellness.comInstagram: @drleahgordonDr. Morgan: www.milkmedicine.comInstagram: @morganmacdermott
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