Healthy As A Mother

Bloating after every meal, painful periods, PMS, acne, eczema: what if your gut is the common thread? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Paria, a naturopathic doctor in San Diego who specializes in women’s health, hormones, digestive health, and autoimmune conditions. We break down how the gut microbiome drives inflammation, why so many women struggle with gut issues, and what’s really happening when your list of “safe” foods keeps getting shorter.

Dr. Paria explains how she uses stool testing to build a targeted plan, and why she sees more patients with too little good bacteria than with overgrowth. She also covers how herbal antimicrobials differ from antibiotics, and how she uses the peptides BPC-157 and KPV to calm gut inflammation and repair the gut lining. We discuss how these peptides differ from GLP-1s, whether they’re safe long-term, and why sourcing them through a doctor matters right now.

We also dig into the gut’s connection to painful cramps, PMS, estrogen dominance, skin conditions, fertility, Hashimoto’s, histamine, “period flu,” and even morning sickness. Dr. Paria shares the beneficial species she most often sees depleted (Akkermansia, Faecalibacterium, Bifidobacterium, and Lactobacillus) and the polyphenol-rich foods that feed them. She also covers which probiotics actually colonize, digestive bitters vs. enzymes, and simple daily habits to start supporting your gut today.

0:00 Trailer & Intro

3:39 Meet Dr. Paria

5:35 The Gut & Women's Health Connection

7:00 Why So Many of Us Have Gut Problems

8:30 Bloating & Food Sensitivities

10:49 Good vs. Bad Bacteria

12:25 Stool Testing & Gut Healing Approach

14:37 Antimicrobials vs. Antibiotics

16:00 Peptides for Gut Inflammation: KPV & BPC-157

17:19 Peptides vs. GLP-1s

18:53 Getting Peptides Safely

20:34 Are Peptides Safe Long-Term?

21:57 Peptide Results & Back Injuries

24:19 Best Diet for Gut Healing

26:17 How Fast Can Your Microbiome Change?

27:39 Do You Need a Parasite Cleanse?

28:51 What a Healed Gut Looks Like

32:22 Painful Periods, PMS & the Gut

34:37 Acne, Eczema & Skin Health

35:22 Gut Health & Fertility

36:47 Autoimmunity & Hashimoto's

38:56 Histamine, Estrogen & Period Flu

40:37 Histamine & Morning Sickness

41:39 Simple Daily Gut Health Habits

43:42 The Power of Mindful Eating

46:21 Akkermansia & Missing Good Bacteria

48:42 Probiotics That Actually Work

50:20 Digestive Bitters vs. Enzymes

51:40 Where to Find Dr. Paria

Resources From This Episode:

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Healthy As A Mother Podcast | Merch Store

Find more from Dr. Leah:

Dr. Leah Gordon | Instagram

Dr. Leah Gordon | Website

Womanhood Wellness | Website

Find more from Dr. Morgan:

Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Instagram

Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Website

Use code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 10% at Earthley

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Vasectomy is one of the most requested topics we've ever had, and in this episode we finally get answers from someone who has done thousands of them. Dr. Philip Werthman is a Los Angeles microsurgeon whose practice focuses exclusively on vasectomy reversal and male infertility. He explains how the male reproductive tract works, what actually happens during a no-scalpel vasectomy, and why ejaculation looks and feels the same afterward.

We go through the concerns you sent in on Instagram: failure rates, post-vasectomy pain syndrome, autoimmune reactions to sperm, prostate and testicular cancer, Alzheimer's, testosterone, libido, and erectile function. Dr. Werthman gives his honest clinical perspective on how often these issues really show up in practice. He also covers the treatment options when chronic pain does happen.

In the second half, we dive into vasectomy reversal. We cover how surgeons reconnect a tube about the size of spaghetti under a microscope, realistic timelines for sperm returning and conception, and why success rates range from about 60% to 98%. He also explains why some reversals "fail" because the right operation wasn't done. We finish with sperm agglutination, cost, choosing a surgeon, his favorite sperm-supporting supplements, and a thoughtful conversation about qi, regret, older fathers, and making this deeply personal decision as a family.

00:00 Trailer & Intro

02:27 Why We’re Talking Vasectomy

04:22 Meet Dr. Philip Werthman

06:00 What Is a Vasectomy?

08:29 How the Vas Is Cut & Sealed

10:07 No-Scalpel Vasectomy Explained

12:40 Does Ejaculation Change?

13:27 Risks & Failure Rates

14:46 Why Men Skip the Follow-Up Sperm Check

16:28 Post-Vasectomy Pain Syndrome

20:59 Treating Chronic Pain After Vasectomy

25:29 Autoimmune Concerns

28:59 Prostate & Testicular Cancer Risk

30:01 Is There an Alzheimer’s Link?

30:53 Vasectomy & Testosterone

33:15 Libido & Erectile Function

39:28 Regret & Being Sure You’re Done

42:15 When a Doctor Says No

44:27 Common Misconceptions

45:48 How Vasectomy Reversal Works

50:08 Reversal Recovery

51:16 Timeline for Sperm Return & Pregnancy

55:32 Reversal Success Rates

58:16 Reversal Risks

58:24 Sperm Agglutination & Thick Semen

61:36 Choosing a Surgeon & Cost

63:09 Supplements for Sperm Quality

65:52 Qi, Meridians & Spiritual Views

67:30 Making the Decision as a Family

69:46 Older Dads & Having Kids Later

Resources From This Episode:

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | YouTube

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Healthy As A Mother Podcast | TikTok

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | Merch Store

Find more from Dr. Leah:

Dr. Leah Gordon | Instagram

Dr. Leah Gordon | Website

Womanhood Wellness | Website

Find more from Dr. Morgan:

Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Instagram

Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Website

Use code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 10% at Earthley

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For 20% off your first order at Needed, use code HEALTHYMOTHER

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Going through a miscarriage is heartbreaking, and then you're asked to make a big medical decision while you're still processing the news. In this episode, Dr. Leah Gordon and Dr. Morgan MacDermott walk through the three options for managing a miscarriage: expectant management (letting your body pass the pregnancy on its own), medication (mifepristone and misoprostol), and a D&C (dilation and curettage). They cover the pros, cons, success rates, and risks of each, so you can make an informed choice that feels right for you.

They also talk about the things most women aren't told ahead of time. That includes how intense passing a pregnancy at home can be, when bleeding is too much and you need the ER, and why HCG can stay in your system and cause a positive pregnancy test weeks later. They explain retained tissue, how ectopic pregnancy is treated differently, and how testing the pregnancy tissue can give you answers after a loss.

Finally, they cover the "mini postpartum" that follows a pregnancy loss. Topics include hormone shifts, when your cycle returns, when it's safe to try again, how to replenish your body, and ways to honor your baby. Whatever you're feeling after a loss is valid. You don't have to go through it alone.

0:00 Trailer & Intro

3:34 Miscarriage Explained

6:10 Why Community Matters After Loss

8:04 It's Not Your Fault

8:36 The Three Miscarriage Options

10:55 The Hard Language of Miscarriage

13:24 Grieving a Failed IVF Transfer

14:49 Option 1: Expectant Management

18:42 What Is a Missed Miscarriage?

22:36 You Don't Have to Decide Right Away

26:06 Feeling Empowered in Your Choice

28:02 Ectopic Pregnancy & Methotrexate

32:50 Option 2: Miscarriage Medication

36:39 Heavy Bleeding & When to Go to the ER

39:28 Medication Success Rates

40:51 Option 3: D&C

41:54 Testing Tissue for Answers

44:55 D&C Pros & Cons

46:31 Antibiotics & Anesthesia

51:27 D&C Risks by the Numbers

53:26 D&C and Future Fertility

57:01 Recovering After Anesthesia

59:12 The Mini Postpartum After Loss

60:37 HCG & False Positive Tests

63:54 When to Try Again

67:09 Nourishing Your Body After Loss

68:08 Your Feelings Are Valid

71:19 Asking for What You Need

72:14 Ways to Honor Your Baby

73:13 Hope After Pregnancy Loss

75:46 Natural Support for Grief

77:25 Closing

Resources From This Episode:

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | YouTube

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | Instagram

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | TikTok

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | Merch Store

Find more from Dr. Leah:

Dr. Leah Gordon | Instagram

Dr. Leah Gordon | Website

Womanhood Wellness | Website

Find more from Dr. Morgan:

Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Instagram

Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Website

Use code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 10% at Earthley

Use code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 15% at Redmond

For 20% off your first order at Needed, use code HEALTHYMOTHER

Save $260 at Lumebox, use code HEALTHYASAMOTHER

Use code HAAM and save 10% at Fond

How do you talk to your kids about body safety without scaring them? And how do you actually keep them safe? In this episode, we're joined by Mandi Pagliarini (@MandiTalksPredators), a writer, speaker, educator, and mother of two. Mandi is a survivor of sexual assault and child trafficking, and her advocacy focuses on prevention and harm reduction. She gives parents survivor-informed education about grooming and how predators operate.

Mandi explains why body safety should be an ongoing series of small conversations, like the way you teach manners, instead of one big talk. She also covers why the words you choose matter: say "share" instead of "tell," and leave out "hurt" and "abuse." She shares her "even if" statements, which let kids know they can come to you no matter who is involved or how the experience felt. We also talk about why boys may be more at risk than we realize, why teaching kids to "say no and fight back" often fails because of the freeze response, and what to teach them instead.

We also get into how grooming really works. Predators often groom the parents as well as the child, and they play a long game. Mandi walks through red flags to watch for, like an adult seeking time alone with your child or your child suddenly talking about one adult all the time. She shares practical steps for reducing risk, including open-door playdates, never leaving a child alone with an adult, and avoiding sleepovers. She also talks about how to stay body-positive with little ones without creating shame.

Mandi also shares parts of her own story, and why emotional regulation is the foundation that makes kids feel safe enough to come to you.

00:00 Trailer & Intro

02:00 Welcome Mandi Pagliarini

04:29 Why Body Safety Matters Today

06:30 Why Boys May Be More at Risk

09:17 Who Abusers Really Are

10:00 Small Talks, Not "The Big Talk"

11:30 Playdate Reminders

12:14 Risk Mitigation for Playdates

15:55 Say "Share," Not "Tell"

17:48 Don't Talk About Consequences

20:42 Using "Even If" Statements

23:25 Drop the Words "Hurt" and "Abuse"

25:44 How Grooming Escalates

27:45 How Predators Groom Parents and Kids

29:50 Red Flag: Seeking Alone Time

31:47 Signs Your Child Is Being Groomed

33:14 My Track Coach Story

37:00 Body Positivity With Little Kids

40:38 Keeping Sex Private Without Shame

43:44 What Age to Start the Conversation

48:30 How Much Information Is Enough

51:04 Sleepovers, Babysitters and Supervision

54:43 Mandi's Story

57:52 Why "Say No" Doesn't Work

61:12 Teach Kids to Fake an Excuse

61:50 The Freeze Response and Shame

64:44 The Gift of Fear and Intuition

67:26 Why Grooming Is So Confusing

71:07 "I Didn't Know There Was Anything to Tell"

72:40 Books and Resources

75:29 Key Takeaways Recap

78:37 Why Parents' Emotional Regulation Matters

80:26 Wrap Up

Resources From This Episode:

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Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Instagram

Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Website

Use code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 10% at Earthley

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Save $260 at Lumebox, use code HEALTHYASAMOTHER

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What labs should women actually be asking for, and what do those numbers really tell you about your health? In this episode of Healthy As A Mother, Dr. Leah Gordon breaks down the key labs she believes women should understand, from blood sugar and fasting insulin to thyroid, iron, inflammation, reproductive hormones, vitamin D and more. She explains what these markers can reveal about metabolic health, fertility, energy, hormones, symptoms and overall health, and why looking at a single lab without the right context can sometimes miss the bigger picture.

The conversation also dives into reproductive hormone testing, including estradiol, progesterone, FSH, LH, AMH, testosterone, SHBG and DHEA, with a major emphasis on understanding where you are in your menstrual cycle when certain labs are drawn. Leah and Morgan discuss why cycle tracking and understanding ovulation can give women important context about their own health, whether they are trying to conceive, trying to avoid pregnancy, navigating postpartum or breastfeeding, or approaching perimenopause.

They also cover thyroid markers, ferritin and iron studies, hs-CRP and inflammation, cortisol, vitamin D, ANA, and the importance of considering a partner’s semen analysis when trying to conceive. The episode ultimately comes back to one central idea: learning the basics of your own health can help you ask better questions, recognize when something deserves further investigation, and become more informed about what is happening in your body.

00:00 Trailer + Introduction

03:26 Understanding Women’s Health Labs

04:58 Why Testing Matters for Women’s Health

09:29 Blood Sugar, Insulin & Metabolic Health

16:34 Thyroid Labs: TSH, T3, T4 & Antibodies

23:18 Iron & Ferritin: What Women Should Know

29:10 Inflammation & hs-CRP

33:59 Why Preconception Lab Testing Matters

38:57 Reproductive Hormones & Cycle Timing

40:52 Estradiol: When to Test Estrogen

42:17 Progesterone: When to Test It

45:37 Cycle Tracking & Knowing When You Ovulate

49:46 FSH & LH: What They Tell You

54:42 AMH & Ovarian Reserve

57:54 Testosterone, SHBG & DHEA

61:14 Cortisol, Vitamin D & Stress

62:38 ANA, Fertility & Partner Testing

63:56 Understanding Your Labs & Advocating for Your Health

Resources From This Episode:

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | YouTube

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | Instagram

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | TikTok

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | Merch Store

Find more from Dr. Leah:

Dr. Leah Gordon | Instagram

Dr. Leah Gordon | Website

Womanhood Wellness | Website

Find more from Dr. Morgan:

Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Instagram

Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Website

Use code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 10% at Earthley

Use code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 15% at Redmond

For 20% off your first order at Needed, use code HEALTHYMOTHER

Save $260 at Lumebox, use code HEALTHYASAMOTHER

Use code HAAM and save 10% at Fond

Eczema is incredibly common in babies and children, but what if the skin is only showing us part of the story? In this episode, Dr. Morgan MacDermott sits down with holistic nurse, clinical herbalist, and pediatric eczema practitioner Abbie Bradford to unpack the many factors that can contribute to eczema and why there isn't one universal cause or solution. They discuss the connection between eczema, gut health, food allergies and sensitivities, the microbiome, antibiotics, C-sections, breastfeeding, environmental exposures, and mold. Abbie also explains why the last thing that happened before a flare isn't necessarily the root cause, when food-based topicals may be problematic for babies, how to think about probiotics and stool testing, and which practical changes parents can start with at home. They also cover mold testing, breastfeeding and elimination diets, allergy testing, topical care, red light, bathing, and why some children may eventually "grow out" of eczema without actually addressing what was happening underneath. Most importantly, this conversation gives parents a framework for thinking about eczema without getting overwhelmed by the endless list of possible triggers. Rather than chasing one cause, Abbie explains how to look at the whole picture and identify the factors that may be contributing to a child's individual presentation.

00:00 Trailer + Introduction

02:47 Why Eczema Is More Than a Skin Problem

06:00 How Common Is Childhood Eczema?

09:40 Eczema Is a Symptom, Not the Root Cause

11:00 Can Food-Based Lotions Make Eczema Worse?

13:28 Vaccines, Immune Reactivity & the “Bucket” Analogy

19:42 Are Food Allergies Causing Eczema?

21:44 When Baby Rashes Are Normal vs. Concerning

23:09 The Gut-Eczema Connection

25:47 Mold & Environmental Triggers

32:04 How to Test Your Home for Mold

38:00 Why Indoor Mold Can Become a Problem

40:32 Can Eczema Happen Even Without Antibiotics or Medical Interventions?

42:54 Probiotics & Gut Testing for Eczema

44:16 Tiny Health vs. GI Map: What Parents Should Know

47:55 When Probiotics Can Make Eczema Worse

49:57 Gut Healing, Herbs & Why “Killing” Too Soon Can Backfire

54:44 The First Things Parents Can Do at Home

61:01 Breastfeeding, Elimination Diets & Cow’s Milk Protein Allergy

67:57 Will My Child Grow Out of Eczema?

72:17 Are Allergy Tests Helpful?

74:36 Topicals, Red Light & Caring for Eczema-Prone Skin

77:21 Bathing, Moisturizing & Why It Depends

79:23 Final Thoughts for Parents

Resources From This Episode:

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | YouTube

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Healthy As A Mother Podcast | Merch Store

Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Instagram

Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Website

Use code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 10% at Earthley

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What happens when we stop viewing the menstrual cycle as an essential part of female biology and start treating it as something to suppress? In this episode, Dr. Leah Gordon and Dr. Morgan MacDermott take a deeper look at the history and culture surrounding hormonal birth control, how women came to view their cycles as inconvenient or problematic, and what can happen when symptoms like painful periods, PMS, acne, irregular cycles, or heavy bleeding are suppressed instead of investigated.

They discuss the difference between contraception and treating the root cause of hormonal symptoms, fertility awareness and modern cycle tracking, potential side effects and risks of hormonal birth control, informed consent, fertility, and why individualized care matters. Most importantly, this isn't an argument that every woman should avoid birth control, it's a conversation about understanding your body, knowing your options, and making intentional decisions about your reproductive health.

00:00 — Trailer & Introduction

03:38 — The War on Female Biology

07:05 — The History of Birth Control

11:08 — Is Birth Control Fixing the Problem?

13:58 — The Fire Alarm Analogy

16:40 — Informed Consent & Birth Control

19:21 — When Birth Control Has a Place

24:22 — A Personal Experience With Birth Control

30:21 — What Is “Woman Essence”?

34:54 — Fertility Awareness vs. Birth Control

40:10 — The Truth About the Rhythm Method

41:58 — Public Health vs. Individualized Care

44:42 — Can Birth Control Mask Fertility Problems?

45:32 — The Potential Risks of Hormonal Birth Control

47:46 — Depo-Provera & Emerging Safety Concerns

49:09 — How Much Do We Really Know About Long-Term Risks?

51:37 — Birth Control & Fertility: What We Know

53:03 — Why Did Male Birth Control Studies Stop?

53:59 — Birth Control, Responsibility & Choice

56:09 — Feminism, Motherhood & the Modern Woman

60:39 — Is Our Culture Designed for Mothers?

63:15 — Know Your Why Before Taking Birth Control

63:44 — Your Cycle Is a Vital Sign

64:57 — What Real Reproductive Freedom Looks Like

65:50 — Learning to Value the Female Cycle

67:47 — Finding Joy in Your Womanhood

71:09 — Closing

Resources From This Episode:

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | YouTube

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Healthy As A Mother Podcast | TikTok

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | Merch Store

Find more from Dr. Leah:

Dr. Leah Gordon | Instagram

Dr. Leah Gordon | Website

Womanhood Wellness | Website

Find more from Dr. Morgan:

Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Instagram

Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Website

Use code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 10% at Earthley

Use code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 15% at Redmond

For 20% off your first order at Needed, use code HEALTHYMOTHER

Save $260 at Lumebox, use code HEALTHYASAMOTHER

Use code HAAM and save 10% at Fond

ADHD can look very different in women and motherhood: hormonal shifts, pregnancy, and postpartum can dramatically change how those symptoms show up. In this episode, we’re joined by integrative ADHD specialist Dr. Carrie McMillin to unpack the ADHD brain, including executive function, task initiation, working memory, hyperfocus, dopamine, and emotional regulation.

We dive into how estrogen and progesterone interact with dopamine throughout the menstrual cycle, why some women notice more ADHD symptoms during the luteal phase, and what can happen during pregnancy and postpartum. Dr. McMillin explains why the postpartum period can be especially challenging, including the effects of the dramatic estrogen drop, prolactin, breastfeeding, sleep deprivation, and the increased demands of caring for a baby.

We also discuss how to distinguish ADHD from normal motherhood overwhelm, anxiety, and sleep deprivation; how ADHD is diagnosed in adults; medications and supplements; iron, B vitamins, L-tyrosine, and other potential supports; the importance of building systems around your individual executive-function struggles; and why small sources of genuine joy can be an important part of supporting your brain.

Finally, we talk about perimenopause, irritability and PMDD, caffeine, screen time, and practical ways women with ADHD can work with their brains instead of constantly fighting against them. The biggest takeaway? Understanding what's happening in your brain can replace shame with self-compassion and help you build systems that actually work for you.

00:00 —Trailer & Introduction

03:06 —The ADHD Brain Isn't Broken

06:15 —The 3 Types of ADHD

11:02 —Task Initiation, Motivation & Executive Function

12:06 —Hyperfocus & Dopamine

14:57 —Why ADHD Affects Working Memory

19:29 —Why Motherhood Can Amplify ADHD Symptoms

21:00 —How ADHD Is Diagnosed in Adults

24:20 —ADHD & the Menstrual Cycle

27:26 —Estrogen, Progesterone & Dopamine

34:17 —ADHD During Pregnancy

35:35 —Why Sleep Deprivation Can Mimic ADHD

40:36 —How Pregnancy Changes the Brain

42:01 —The Postpartum ADHD Crash

44:36 —ADHD, Breastfeeding & Prolactin

45:45 —Supporting ADHD Postpartum

50:19 —ADHD-Friendly Systems That Actually Help

52:21 —Finding Joy When You're Overwhelmed

55:43 —Is It ADHD or Just Motherhood Overload?

58:25 —ADHD Medication: When Is It Worth Considering?

60:40 —Supplements & Natural ADHD Support

65:24 —ADHD, Irritability & PMDD

66:36 —ADHD & Perimenopause

67:17 —Building Systems Around Your Brain

70:08 —Caffeine & ADHD

71:47 —Screens, Dopamine & ADHD

75:17 —The Biggest Takeaway for Moms With ADHD

Resources From This Episode:

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | YouTube

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | Instagram

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | TikTok

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | Merch Store

Dr. Leah Gordon | Instagram

Dr. Leah Gordon | Website

Womanhood Wellness | Website

Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Instagram

Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Website

Use code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 10% at Earthley

Use code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 15% at Redmond

For 20% off your first order at Needed, use code HEALTHYMOTHER

Save $260 at Lumebox, use code HEALTHYASAMOTHER

Use code HAAM and save 10% at Fond

In this episode of Healthy As A Mother, Leah and Morgan unpack one of the biggest fears many women have when considering IVF: Are IVF babies less healthy? They explore what the research actually shows around premature birth, low birth weight, NICU admissions, congenital heart defects, allergies, eczema, asthma, and autism.

More importantly, they ask whether those outcomes can truly be attributed to IVF itself. They discuss the many variables that can complicate the research, including the underlying causes of infertility, parental age, sperm and egg health, metabolic and autoimmune conditions, pregnancy complications, and the amount of medical intervention surrounding IVF. They also cover epigenetics, microbiome health, induction and C-sections, baby aspirin, pregnancy monitoring, and why optimizing both parents' health before IVF may matter.

Ultimately, this is a conversation about moving beyond fear and black-and-white thinking to look at IVF with more nuance, critical thinking, and hope. The hosts also share their personal experiences with IVF and why they believe it can be an important tool when it is truly needed, while still questioning how intentionally it is used.

00:00 – Trailer & Introduction

03:45 – Are IVF Babies Less Healthy?

05:34 – The Fear of IVF and Baby Health

07:05 – What the Research Actually Shows

09:26 – Relative Risk vs. Absolute Risk

10:33 – Is IVF Really the Cause?

10:59 – The Underlying Causes of Infertility

14:32 – Sperm Health, Egg Selection & Epigenetics

17:47 – Could IVF Itself Affect Health?

20:09 – Does IVF Bypass Natural Selection?

22:29 – How Parental Health Can Affect the Baby

25:27 – Are We Too Far Outside of Nature?

27:21 – IVF, Autism & What the Research Can't Tease Apart

31:17 – The Problem With How We Study IVF

35:09 – Could AI Change Medical Research?

37:14 – Why Patterns and Clinical Experience Matter

40:00 – The Absence of Evidence Is Not Evidence of Absence

41:55 – How to Think Critically About Research

42:53 – IVF and Congenital Heart Defects

43:45 – IVF, Allergies, Eczema & the Microbiome

46:04 – Pregnancy Monitoring After IVF

47:19 – Do IVF Patients Need Baby Aspirin?

48:46 – The Problem With Too Much Intervention

51:28 – IVF, Induction & C-Sections

54:27 – Could Birth Interventions Affect Baby Health?

56:10 – Are IVF Babies Actually Different?

57:19 – IVF as a Tool, Not a Failure

58:46 – How to Optimize Health Before IVF

59:59 – Using IVF Intentionally

62:00 – Finding Your Own “Edge” Around IVF

64:03 – Your IVF Decisions Are Yours

65:11 – A Message of Hope

Resources From This Episode:

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | YouTube

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | Instagram

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | TikTok

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | Merch Store

Find more from Dr. Leah:

Dr. Leah Gordon | Instagram

Dr. Leah Gordon | Website

Womanhood Wellness | Website

Find more from Dr. Morgan:

Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Instagram

Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Website

Use code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 10% at Earthley

Use code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 15% at Redmond

For 20% off your first order at Needed, use code HEALTHYMOTHER

Save $260 at Lumebox, use code HEALTHYASAMOTHER

Use code HAAM and save 10% at Fond

Dr. Morgan is back with her fifth baby, and this time, she's sharing the full, unfiltered story of her fifth home birth. From going past her due date and days of early contractions to the moment labor suddenly intensified, she walks Leah through what labor actually felt like, how she used breath, movement, and visualization to cope with contractions, and the transition that she says is one of the hardest and least talked-about parts of birth. She also shares the moment baby McLean was born, what it was like having her older children present, and the emotional experience of catching her own baby.

But the conversation doesn't end with birth. Morgan also opens up about her first 10 days postpartum, including the routines, nutrition, movement, sleep strategy, and support system that have made this her best postpartum recovery yet. She also shares an unexpected realization about her baby's positioning and why pelvic floor physical therapy may have been the missing piece during pregnancy.

00:00 — Trailer & Introduction

01:43 — Going Past Her Due Date

06:34 — The Hardest Part of Pregnancy

11:15 — Early Labor Begins

15:29 — Walking Through Early Labor

21:37 — Labor Starts Intensifying

24:54 — The Cervical Check

26:46 — Getting Baby Into Position

32:24 — What a Contraction Really Feels Like

37:37 — The Transition Into Active Labor

39:49 — Breath, Movement & Visualization

43:48 — Back Labor Begins

45:30 — Getting Into the Birth Tub

50:19 — The Hardest Transition of Labor

58:16 — Her Water Breaks & Baby Descends

62:18 — Baby’s Head Is Born

65:40 — Baby McLean Is Here

71:56 — Delivering the Placenta

74:22 — Her First 10 Days Postpartum

77:10 — Morgan’s Postpartum Routine

82:44 — Nutrition, Supplements & Movement

88:25 — Prioritizing Sleep With Five Kids

90:50 — The Pelvic Floor PT Realization

92:20 — A Conversation for Another Episode

Resources From This Episode:

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | YouTube

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | Instagram

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | TikTok

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | Merch Store

Find more from Dr. Leah:

Dr. Leah Gordon | Instagram

Dr. Leah Gordon | Website

Womanhood Wellness | Website

Find more from Dr. Morgan:

Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Instagram

Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Website

Use code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 10% at Earthley

Use code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 15% at Redmond

For 20% off your first order at Needed, use code HEALTHYMOTHER

Save $260 at Lumebox, use code HEALTHYASAMOTHER

Use code HAAM and save 10% at Fond

Trying to conceive can affect so much more than your fertility. It can change your sex life, create resentment, bring old trauma and insecurities to the surface, and leave couples feeling more like roommates than partners.

In this episode, Dr. Leah breaks down some of the most common relationship dynamics she sees during a difficult TTC or infertility journey, including the project manager and avoider, silent grievers, sex on schedule, and the unequal burden dynamic. She also shares practical ways to communicate your needs, involve your partner, protect intimacy, shift unhealthy patterns, and create a stronger foundation for the parenthood you're working toward. Most importantly, if trying to conceive has changed your relationship, you're not alone, and it doesn't mean your relationship is doomed.

00:00 Trailer + Intro

01:43 How Trying to Conceive Can Affect Your Relationship

02:47 When TTC Starts Changing Your Relationship

05:07 When Sex Becomes a Chore

06:43 The Vicious Cycle of Libido and Disconnection

10:06 How Hard Times Bring Old Wounds to the Surface

11:43 When Fertility Changes the Relationship Dynamic

16:04 The Project Manager and the Avoider

18:39 Give Your Partner the Map

20:06 The Silent Grievers

21:13 Sex on Schedule and Unequal Burden

25:35 The Hidden Grief of Trying to Conceive

27:30 The Micro-Griefs Women Carry

30:32 When Your Partner Doesn't Know How to Show Up

33:05 Creating the Support You Actually Need

35:30 Reconnecting With Joy and Your Identity

37:46 Giving Your Partner a Clear Role

41:37 Letting Go of Control

43:48 Protecting Polarity and Connection

49:28 What Your Partner Can Actually Do

51:50 Protecting Your Relationship During TTC

55:07 Breaking the Resentment and Disconnection Cycle

57:27 Getting Support and Processing the Hard Stuff

60:44 Building a Stronger Foundation for Parenthood

63:03 You Are Not Alone

Resources From This Chapter:

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | YouTube

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | Instagram

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | TikTok

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | Merch Store

Find more from Dr. Leah:

Dr. Leah Gordon | Instagram

Dr. Leah Gordon | Website

Womanhood Wellness | Website

Find more from Dr. Morgan:

Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Instagram

Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Website

Use code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 10% at Earthley

Use code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 15% at Redmond

For 20% off your first order at Needed, use code HEALTHYMOTHER

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Use code HAAM and save 10% at Fond

When Alysa Seeland's health began falling apart after the birth of her first baby, she was told she would likely need surgery and was left searching for answers. Instead, that journey led her to discover the power of nutrient-dense foods, healing through nourishment, and eventually building Fond Regenerative: a company dedicated to truly traditional bone broth and regenerative foods.

In this conversation, Alysa shares her incredible postpartum healing story, why quality bone broth matters, the role of healthy fats during pregnancy and breastfeeding, recovering from Lyme disease, home birth experiences, homeschooling six boys, running a thriving business with her husband, and the practical systems that make large family life possible. If you've ever wondered how to nourish yourself while raising children, or how to let go of perfectionism in motherhood, this episode is packed with encouragement and practical wisdom.

00:00 Trailer & Introduction

03:46 Why Real Bone Broth Matters

05:24 Alysa's Postpartum Health Crisis

09:20 Healing Through Nourishment

12:20 Why Moms Need More Nutrients

19:06 Healthy Fats During Pregnancy & Postpartum

20:46 Childhood Health & Choosing Birth Centers

23:31 Fast Birth Stories & Home Births

26:18 Letting Go of Perfectionism

30:14 Babies Close Together & Pregnancy Nutrition

34:14 Lyme Disease & Pregnancy After Healing

37:27 Managing Expectations With a Large Family

43:06 Homeschooling Six Kids 49:46 Running a Business Together as Parents

52:25 The Problem With Perfectionism

56:40 Family Systems That Actually Work

60:10 Why the Company is Named FOND

61:51 Daily Routine & Work Schedule

65:05 Traveling & Building a Business With Kids

68:36 Healthy Sports Snacks for Kids

72:35 Favorite Ways to Use Bone Broth & Tallow

75:20 Are They Done Having Kids?

Resources From This Episode:

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | YouTube

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | Instagram

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | TikTok

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | Merch Store

Find more from Dr. Leah:

Dr. Leah Gordon | Instagram

Dr. Leah Gordon | Website

Womanhood Wellness | Website

Find more from Dr. Morgan:

Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Instagram

Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Website

Use code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 10% at Earthley

Use code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 15% at Redmond

For 20% off your first order at Needed, use code HEALTHYMOTHER

Save $260 at Lumebox, use code HEALTHYASAMOTHER

Use code HAAM and save 10% at Fond

Whether you're actively trying to conceive, already pregnant, or simply dreaming about becoming a mother one day, this episode explores a topic that rarely gets discussed: what happens when an ambitious woman becomes a mom.

Integrative genetic counselor Natalie Samson joins Dr. Leah Gordon for an honest conversation about preparing your business for pregnancy, navigating the identity shift into motherhood, and why success doesn't have to come at the expense of your family. They dive into practical strategies for delegation, building systems before pregnancy, planning for postpartum, and embracing the inevitable changes that come with this new season of life. Whether you're a founder, entrepreneur, healthcare provider, or working professional, this episode offers both mindset shifts and actionable advice for building a business that supports the life you truly want.

00:00 Trailer + Episode Introduction

03:00 Meet Natalie Samson

05:28 What Is Preconception?

06:48 Why Genetic Testing Matters

08:57 Why This Conversation Is Needed

11:05 Will Pregnancy Change Your Ambition?

17:53 Does Your Drive Come Back After Baby?

20:09 The Biggest Lesson Motherhood Teaches Founders

23:20 How to Prepare Your Business Before Pregnancy

28:29 Building Systems That Can Run Without You 3

1:31 Leading Your Team Through Pregnancy

39:10 Does Motherhood Change Your Business Identity?

46:20 The Delegation Exercise Every Founder Needs

48:18 Designing Your Ideal Work Week

57:29 Does Motherhood Make You a Better Founder?

62:49 Final Advice for Ambitious Women

Resources From This Episode:

Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) is far more than morning sickness. In this episode, we break down the science behind severe pregnancy nausea and vomiting, including how it's diagnosed, why it happens, potential genetic causes, treatment options, and what current research says.

Dr. Morgan explains the latest evidence surrounding GDF-15, risk factors, medications, IV therapy, nutritional deficiencies, and recovery, while Leah shares her own experience with debilitating pregnancy sickness. Whether you've experienced HG yourself, love someone who has, or simply want to better understand this often misunderstood condition, this episode offers education, compassion, and practical resources.

00:00 Introduction

02:17 What Is Hyperemesis Gravidarum?

03:26 Signs & Diagnostic Criteria

05:50 HG vs Severe Morning Sickness

07:41 Risk Factors & Who Is Most Likely to Develop HG

11:55 Health Risks for Mom

18:00 Mental Health & The Emotional Toll

23:16 Effects on Baby

25:33 What Causes Hyperemesis Gravidarum?

27:50 The GDF-15 Gene Explained

30:29 Histamine, Mast Cells & Other Possible Causes

33:31 Recurrence & Future Pregnancies

36:20 Medical Treatment Options

42:04 Natural & Integrative Therapies

46:21 Chinese Medicine vs Acupuncture

50:38 Additional Support Strategies

52:58 Recovery After Hyperemesis

54:53 Final Takeaways & Encouragement

Resources From This Episode:

If you've been told IVF is your only option, or you've already gone through failed IVF cycles, this episode may completely change the way you think about fertility treatment.

Dr. Leah sits down with her personal reproductive endocrinologist Dr. Lyndon Chang, founder of Hanabusa IVF and a pioneer in minimal stimulation IVF, to discuss why fertility treatment shouldn't be one-size-fits-all. Together, they break down the differences between traditional IVF and Mini IVF, why more medications don't always mean better outcomes, how individualized protocols can improve care, and why understanding the root cause of infertility matters just as much as creating embryos.

Whether you're just beginning your fertility journey or searching for answers after unsuccessful IVF cycles, this conversation offers a refreshing perspective on personalized fertility care.

00:00 Trailer & Introduction

00:53 How Dr. Chang Became an IVF Specialist

04:52 Mini IVF vs. Traditional IVF

08:52 Understanding Your IVF Options

13:27 Why Personalized IVF Matters

18:20 Why IVF Can Fail: Looking Beyond the Embryo

23:20 Natural vs. Medicated Embryo Transfers

27:42 When It's Time to Change IVF Clinics

29:20 Who Can Benefit Most from Mini IVF

30:52 Final Thoughts & Fertility Advice

Resources From This Episode:

Preparing for postpartum doesn't have to be overwhelming. In this episode, Dr. Morgan shares everything she's putting in her postpartum cart as she prepares for baby number five, including the products she swears by, the items she skips, and why less is often more.

From breastfeeding essentials, perineal healing, baby gear, and postpartum supplements to nutrition, mental health, and recovery, this episode is a practical guide for building a postpartum setup that truly supports both mom and baby.

Whether you're expecting your first baby or your fifth, you'll walk away knowing what actually deserves a spot on your registry, and what doesn't.

00:00 Trailer + Intro

02:15 Why You Don't Need Everything

07:46 Breastfeeding Essentials

09:41 Best Products for Nipple Healing

13:44 When to Use a Nipple Shield

21:07 Milk Collection & Breast Pads

27:24 Active Skin Repair

29:47 Electrolytes for Recovery

32:23 Milk Supply Support

34:29 Nursing Bras

35:09 Perineal Healing Essentials

39:48 Baby Essentials You Actually Need

41:15 Favorite Diapers & Wipes

44:35 Baby Clothes & Sleep Setup

48:29 Pacifiers & Baby Carriers

54:09 Postpartum Comfort & Recovery

56:44 Best Postpartum Supplements

58:37 Nourishing Herbs & Tonics

60:59 Stress & Mental Health Support

68:56 Nutrition & Meal Planning

74:16 What I Don't Buy

Resources From This Episode:

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | YouTube

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | Instagram

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | TikTok

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | Merch Store

Find more from Dr. Leah:

Dr. Leah Gordon | Instagram

Dr. Leah Gordon | Website

Womanhood Wellness | Website

Find more from Dr. Morgan:

Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Instagram

Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Website

Use code HEALTHMOTHER and save 10% atNinni Co.

Use code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 10% at Earthley

Use code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 15% at Redmond

For 20% off your first order at Needed, use code HEALTHYMOTHER

Save $260 at Lumebox, use code HEALTHYASAMOTHER

Use code HAAM and save 10% at Fond

Endometriosis affects an estimated 1 in 10 women, yet many spend years searching for answers before receiving a diagnosis. In this episode, Leah sits down with endometriosis and fertility dietitian Cindy Dabrowska to unpack the often-overlooked signs of endometriosis, its connection to infertility, painful periods, digestive issues, hormone imbalances, and chronic inflammation.

Together, they discuss why endometriosis is frequently missed, emerging diagnostic tools, the role of surgery, how pregnancy impacts symptoms, and the nutrition and lifestyle strategies that can help improve quality of life. Whether you've been diagnosed with endometriosis, suspect you may have it, or are navigating unexplained infertility, this conversation offers practical insights and hope.

00:00 Trailer & Introduction

01:52 Cindy's Endometriosis Journey

04:32 How Long Does It Take to Get Diagnosed?

05:32 Common & Unexpected Endometriosis Symptoms

07:39 Silent Endometriosis & Infertility

09:22 Subtle Signs Women Often Miss

11:45 Estrogen, Hormones & Endometriosis

16:42 How Endometriosis Is Diagnosed Today

20:35 Should You Start Treatment Before Diagnosis?

23:52 Birth Control, Surgery & Individualized Care

27:18 Can Diet & Lifestyle Reverse Endometriosis?

31:42 Pregnancy, Breastfeeding & Endometriosis Symptoms

38:23 Is Endometriosis Similar to Cancer?

41:39 Cindy's 4-Part Endometriosis Healing Framework

44:06 Why Progesterone Matters

47:06 The Nervous System's Role in Endometriosis

49:26 Trauma, Stress & Chronic Pain

50:43 How to Work with Cindy

52:34 Final Thoughts

Resources From This Episode:

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | YouTube

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | Instagram

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | TikTok

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | Merch Store

Find more from Dr. Leah:

Dr. Leah Gordon | Instagram

Dr. Leah Gordon | Website

Womanhood Wellness | Website

Find more from Dr. Morgan:

Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Instagram

Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Website

Use code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 10% at Earthley

Use code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 15% at Redmond

For 20% off your first order at Needed, use code HEALTHYMOTHER

Save $260 at Lumebox, use code HEALTHYASAMOTHER

Use code HAAM and save 10% at Fond

Planning a home birth or birth center birth? While most out-of-hospital births go as planned, hospital transfers are more common than many families realize. In this episode, we break down the most common reasons a transfer may happen before or during labor, including prolonged labor, maternal exhaustion, fetal positioning concerns, post-dates pregnancy, ruptured membranes, and more.

We also discuss the emotional side of transfer, why it is not a failure, how to prepare mentally and practically for the possibility of a hospital birth, and ways to stay empowered if your birth plan changes. Whether you're planning an out-of-hospital birth or supporting someone who is, this conversation offers valuable education, reassurance, and practical tools for navigating unexpected changes during birth.

00:00 Trailer & Introduction

02:21 Why Hospital Transfer Isn't Failure

05:46 Letting Go of Guilt & Self-Blame

11:49 Home Birth Transfer Statistics

15:11 Most Common Reasons for Transfer

16:54 Reasons You May Transfer Before Labor

19:36 Going Past Your Due Date

21:41 Fear of Hospital Births & COVID Experiences

24:20 Why You Should Prepare for Transfer

26:31 Low Fluid, Blood Pressure & Other Risks

28:23 Breech Babies & Other Pregnancy Complications

33:16 Reasons for Transfer During Labor

33:45 Water Breaking Without Labor

35:40 Stalled Labor & Baby Positioning

37:35 Maternal Exhaustion & Pain Relief Requests

41:56 Medical Complications During Labor

43:20 Fetal Concerns & Meconium

44:44 How to Mentally Handle a Transfer

46:46 What Happens When You Arrive at the Hospital

53:56 Practical Tips & Your Hospital Backup Plan

55:59 Processing Your Birth Experience Afterwards

58:13 Homeopathic Support for Fear & Shock

58:46 Healing, Perspective & Birth Trauma

59:39 Final Thoughts

Other Related Episodes:

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | YouTube

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | Instagram

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | TikTok

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | Merch Store

Find more from Dr. Leah:

Dr. Leah Gordon | Instagram

Dr. Leah Gordon | Website

Womanhood Wellness | Website

Find more from Dr. Morgan:

Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Instagram

Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Website

Use code HEALTHMOTHER and save 10% at Ninni Co.

Use code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 10% at Earthley

Use code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 15% at Redmond

For 20% off your first order at Needed, use code HEALTHYMOTHER

Save $260 at Lumebox, use code HEALTHYASAMOTHER

Use code HAAM and save 10% at Fond

Progesterone is one of the most important hormones for fertility, healthy ovulation, and sustaining early pregnancy, yet so many women are never taught how it actually works.

In this episode, Dr. Leah and Dr. Morgan sit down with fertility nutritionist Sophia Pavia to break down the truth about low progesterone, luteal phase defects, ovulation quality, and why so many women today are struggling with hormone imbalances, infertility, and pregnancy loss.

We unpack how progesterone is made, why ovulation is essential for healthy hormone balance, what “unopposed estrogen” really means, and the signs your luteal phase may need support. Sophia also explains why conventional medicine can be hesitant about progesterone supplementation, when it may be appropriate, and how nutrition, stress, blood sugar balance, and cycle tracking can help support stronger ovulation and healthier progesterone production naturally.

If you’re trying to conceive, navigating recurrent loss, or simply want to better understand your hormones, this episode is packed with practical education and empowering insight.

00:00 Intro + Sophia Returns To The Podcast

01:24 Why Low Progesterone Matters for Fertility

02:34 Why So Many Women Struggle with Progesterone Today

13:17 How PCOS, Endometriosis & Hypothalamic Amenorrhea Affect Progesterone

15:49 How Progesterone Is Actually Made in the Body

19:59 Estrogen vs Progesterone: What Balance Really Means

25:49 Can You Have a Weak Ovulation?

33:40 Egg Quality vs Progesterone: Which Comes First?

35:24 Why Doctors Often Hesitate to Prescribe Progesterone

41:59 When Progesterone Supplementation May Help

46:16 Signs Your Luteal Phase Needs Support

47:56 How to Support Progesterone Naturally

50:42 Where to Find Sophia + Final Encouragement

Resources From This Episode:

Other Related Episodes:

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | YouTube

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | Instagram

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | TikTok

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | Merch Store

Find more from Dr. Leah:

Dr. Leah Gordon | Instagram

Dr. Leah Gordon | Website

Womanhood Wellness | Website

Find more from Dr. Morgan:

Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Instagram

Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Website

Use code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 10% at Earthley

Use code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 15% at Redmond

For 20% off your first order at Needed, use code HEALTHYMOTHER

Save $260 at Lumebox, use code HEALTHYASAMOTHER

Use code HAAM and save 10% at Fond

What actually happens during a home birth?

In part two of this Home Birth 101 conversation, Dr. Morgan walks through what makes home birth safe, the role of midwives, what labor looks like at home, when transfers happen, newborn care, cost considerations, and how to prepare physically and mentally.

If you’ve ever wondered what home birth looks like behind the scenes, or what happens if things don’t go according to plan, this episode gives you the practical breakdown.

00:00 Trailer + Introduction

01:26 What Makes Home Birth Safe?

06:36 Different Types of Midwives Explained

11:56 Why Candidate Selection Matters

15:11 What Actually Happens During a Home Birth

20:56 Common Reasons for Hospital Transfer

26:11 Emergency vs Non-Emergency Transfers

29:06 Newborn Care After Home Birth

33:46 Finding the Right Midwife

39:36 Home Birth Cost & Insurance

45:41 Birth Prep & Classes

51:56 Managing Labor Pain at Home

57:46 Common Home Birth Fears

1:01:36 Final Thoughts: Is Home Birth Right for You?

Resources From This Episode:

Other Related Episodes:

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | YouTube

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | Instagram

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | TikTok

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | Merch Store

Find more from Dr. Leah:

Dr. Leah Gordon | Instagram

Dr. Leah Gordon | Website

Womanhood Wellness | Website

Find more from Dr. Morgan:

Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Instagram

Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Website

Use code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 10% at Earthley

Use code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 15% at Redmond

For 20% off your first order at Needed, use code HEALTHYMOTHER

Save $260 at Lumebox, use code HEALTHYASAMOTHER

Use code HAAM and save 10% at Fond

Thinking about a home birth but unsure whether it’s actually safe?

In part one of this Home Birth 101 series, Dr. Morgan breaks down the biggest myths around home birth, who is actually a good candidate, why some women choose home birth over hospital birth, and what the research says about safety outcomes for low-risk pregnancies.

We also unpack intervention rates, C-sections, epidurals, transfers, and why birth environment matters more than most people realize.

If you’ve been curious about home birth but overwhelmed by fear-based messaging, this episode is a must-listen.

00:00 Introduction + Trailer

02:39 Why We Needed a Home Birth Episode

09:05 What We’re Covering in This Series

09:54 Home Birth vs Birth Center vs Hospital Birth

13:19 Why Women Choose Home Birth

20:09 Who Is a Good Candidate for Home Birth?

23:05 The Mindset Required for Home Birth

26:32 COVID & The Shift Toward Home Birth

28:09 Is Home Birth Actually Safe?

36:47 What Research Says About Home Birth Outcomes

44:37 Part 1 Wrap-Up

Resources From This Episode:

Other Related Episodes:

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | YouTube

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | Instagram

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | TikTok

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | Merch Store

Find more from Dr. Leah:

Dr. Leah Gordon | Instagram

Dr. Leah Gordon | Website

Womanhood Wellness | Website

Find more from Dr. Morgan:

Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Instagram

Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Website

Use code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 10% at Earthley

Use code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 15% at Redmond

For 20% off your first order at Needed, use code HEALTHYMOTHER

Save $260 at Lumebox, use code HEALTHYASAMOTHER

Use code HAAM and save 10% at Fond

In this candid life update, Leah and Morgan share the highs, lows, and unexpected twists they've been navigating behind the scenes.

Leah opens up about the emotional weight of supporting fertility patients through both pregnancies and losses, her husband's exciting startup milestone, and how the "Chinese bamboo tree" analogy is reshaping her perspective on purpose, patience, and growth.

Morgan shares a challenging pregnancy season filled with health scares, a surprising viral infection, a powerful experience supporting a home birth, and a frightening family medical emergency involving her father. Together, they explore motherhood, identity, business, resilience, and what it means to keep moving forward when life feels overwhelming.

00:00Trailer: High Highs, Low Lows & Life Updates

00:43Why We Love Life Update Episodes

05:28 The Emotional Weight of Fertility Care

09:58 Looking Beyond Root Causes: The Bigger Infertility Crisis

12:13 Startup Wins & A New Season of Life

14:13 The Chinese Bamboo Tree Lesson on Patience

18:43 Growing a Podcast Without Clickbait

20:43 Work, Motherhood & Identity Shifts

24:43 Toddler Sleep, Nursing & Parenting Updates

26:58 The Dream Life Formula & Becoming Your Future Self

30:43 Morgan's Pregnancy Challenges Begin

31:43 Bee Stings, Swelling & Pregnancy Surprises

36:43 A Painful HSV Infection & Health Scare

41:13 The Doctor Who Showed Up When It Mattered Most

44:28 Missing the Dance Recital for a Birth

47:28 Supporting a Long Labor & Hospital Transfer

53:13 Baby Archer Arrives

54:33 A Family Emergency: Dad's ICU Stay

01:01:13 Navigating Stress, Caregiving & Pregnancy

01:05:43 Preparing for Baby #3 & Summer Plans

01:09:28 Therapy, Support Systems & Looking Ahead

01:10:43 Final Thoughts & Outro

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | YouTube

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | Instagram

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | TikTok

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | Merch Store

Find more from Dr. Leah:

Dr. Leah Gordon | Instagram

Dr. Leah Gordon | Website

Womanhood Wellness | Website

Find more from Dr. Morgan:

Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Instagram

Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Website

Use code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 10% at Earthley

Use code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 15% at Redmond

For 20% off your first order at Needed, use code HEALTHYMOTHER

Save $260 at Lumebox, use code HEALTHYASAMOTHER

Use code HAAM and save 10% at Fond

Getting pregnant again after a C-section comes with unique physical, emotional, and hormonal considerations that many women are never told about. In this episode, we break down what to know about fertility after cesarean birth, scar tissue healing, adhesions, secondary infertility, VBAC considerations, pelvic floor recovery, and the emotional impact a C-section can leave on the body.

We discuss how scar tissue and C-section healing may affect implantation, why some women experience difficulty conceiving after a cesarean, and the importance of supporting your core, pelvic floor, nervous system, and microbiome before trying for another baby. We also dive into placenta previa and accreta risks, uterine rupture statistics, spacing pregnancies after C-section, and how trauma can remain stored in the body long after birth.

Whether you’re preparing to conceive after a cesarean, considering a VBAC, healing from birth trauma, or simply wanting to better understand your body after a C-section, this episode offers both practical guidance and compassionate support.

00:00 Trailer & Intro

01:43 How C-Sections Can Affect Future Fertility

03:52 Scar Tissue & Adhesions Explained

05:25 Placenta Previa & Accreta Risks After Cesarean

10:25 Antibiotics, Microbiome & Secondary Infertility

11:41 Birth Trauma & Nervous System Healing

15:25 Body Image, Desire & Emotional Recovery

18:54 How Long Should You Wait Before Another Pregnancy?

22:46 Pregnancy Spacing, Core Strength & Recovery

24:29 Signs Your Scar May Need More Support

26:15 Pelvic Floor Therapy & Core Healing

29:19 Scar Massage, Gua Sha & Red Light Therapy

32:18 Supplements & Nutrients for Scar Healing

36:35 Preparing for a VBAC After C-Section

38:38 Multiple C-Sections & Birth Decisions

43:05 VBAC Statistics & Uterine Rupture Risks

49:15 Why Birth Decisions Aren’t One-Size-Fits-All

50:25 Preconception Support After a C-Section

51:30 Encouragement for Your Next Pregnancy Journey

Resources From This Episode:

Other Related Episodes:

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | YouTube

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | Instagram

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | TikTok

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | Merch Store

Find more from Dr. Leah:

Dr. Leah Gordon | Instagram

Dr. Leah Gordon | Website

Womanhood Wellness | Website

Find more from Dr. Morgan:

Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Instagram

Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Website

Use code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 10% at Earthley

Use code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 15% at Redmond

For 20% off your first order at Needed, use code HEALTHYMOTHER

Save $260 at Lumebox, use code HEALTHYASAMOTHER

Use code HAAM and save 10% at Fond

Tongue ties are one of the most misunderstood topics in infant feeding and airway health and many parents are left confused, dismissed, or unsure what to do next.

In this episode, Dr. Morgan sits down with IBCLC and craniosacral therapist Lynnelle King to break down the difference between babies who are simply “tight” versus babies who are truly tongue tied, why oral function matters far beyond breastfeeding, and how ties can impact everything from milk transfer and nipple pain to palate development, breathing, sleep, and long-term airway health.

They discuss common signs of oral ties, including clicking while nursing, blistered lips, white-coated tongues, poor milk transfer, gas, tension patterns, and recurring breastfeeding struggles. The conversation also dives into craniosacral therapy, fascial tension, healing after tie releases, timing of releases, and why individualized care matters so much for both mom and baby.

This episode is packed with nuanced discussion for parents trying to decide whether bodywork alone is enough, when a release may actually be necessary, and how to better advocate for yourself if you feel something isn’t right with your baby’s feeding experience.

00:00 Trailer + Intro

00:42 Why Tongue Ties Matter

02:55 Meet IBCLC Lynnelle King

05:40 Finding Lactation Support Before Birth

07:48 What Craniosacral Therapy Is

11:04 Tight vs Tied Explained

12:37 Are Tongue Ties More Common Today?

14:00 Airway Health & Modern Facial Development

15:38 Early Tongue Tie Releases

17:03 Why Tie Releases Aren’t a Quick Fix

18:44 Long-Term Effects of Tongue Ties

21:06 Common Signs of Oral Ties

22:24 High Palates & Airway Development

25:10 Understanding Fascial Tension

32:32 Can Bodywork Alone Fix Tongue Ties?

35:22 Why Lynnelle Only Did Bodywork for 4 Years

36:36 Are Tongue Tie Releases Harmful?

37:50 Why Some Tie Releases “Don’t Work”

41:35 How Tongue Tie Healing Actually Works

44:47 How Providers Assess Tight vs Tied

46:32 Best Timing for a Tongue Tie Release

53:37 The Ideal Window for Treatment

56:32 What Happens If You Wait Too Long

58:29 Why Early Lactation Support Matters

63:00 The Mental Health Impact of Feeding Struggles

64:47 Trusting Your Mother’s Intuition

65:28 Final Thoughts & Resources

Resources From This Episode:

Other Related Episodes:

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | YouTube

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | Instagram

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | TikTok

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | Merch Store

Find more from Dr. Leah:

Dr. Leah Gordon | Instagram

Dr. Leah Gordon | Website

Womanhood Wellness | Website

Find more from Dr. Morgan:

Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Instagram

Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Website

Use code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 10% at Earthley

Use code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 15% at Redmond

For 20% off your first order at Needed, use code HEALTHYMOTHER

Save $260 at Lumebox, use code HEALTHYASAMOTHER

Use code HAAM and save 10% at Fond

What if hormone imbalances aren’t just physical?

In this episode, we sit down with women’s health and hormone coach Sam “The Hormone Goddess” to explore the deeper emotional, nervous system, and societal roots behind so many women’s health struggles.

We dive into the connection between trauma, stress, suppressed anger, feminine energy, and hormone health, and why so many women feel disconnected from their bodies in modern culture.

From painful periods and burnout to nervous system dysregulation and people-pleasing, this conversation unpacks the hidden layers influencing women’s health and healing.

We also discuss female rage, womb work, joy, pleasure, circadian rhythm, somatic healing, and what it actually means to reconnect with yourself as a woman.

If you’ve ever struggled with PMS, anxiety, exhaustion, hormone imbalances, fertility challenges, or feeling disconnected from your body, this episode is for you.

00:00 Intro + Trailer

01:36 Meet Samantha Hadadi

01:56 Sam’s Hormone Healing Journey

04:46 Trauma, Stress & Hormone Imbalances

05:51 Why Women Aren’t Taught About Their Bodies

07:36 Shame Around Periods & Womanhood

08:46 Why Society Fears Women’s Power

13:41 Female Anger & Hormonal Health

17:36 Suppressed Anger, Liver Health & Hormones

20:56 Somatic Practices for Releasing Anger

23:56 Trauma Release & Emotional Processing

25:51 The Healing Power of Movement & Community

26:46 Nervous System & Hormone Connection

29:56 Trauma, Stress & Women’s Health

32:16 Root Causes of Hormonal Imbalances

36:06 What Is Womb Work?

40:16 The Missing Piece in Hormone Healing

40:46 Joy, Pleasure & Feminine Energy

42:36 Productivity Culture & Women’s Health

47:36 Healing Through Dance & Movement

50:06 Hormones as Messengers

51:36 Reconnecting to Your Authentic Self

52:41 Final Message for Women

54:26 Supporting the Next Generation of Girls

57:36 Where to Find Sam

Resources From This Episode:

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | YouTube

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | Instagram

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | TikTok

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | Merch Store

Find more from Dr. Leah:

Dr. Leah Gordon | Instagram

Dr. Leah Gordon | Website

Womanhood Wellness | Website

Find more from Dr. Morgan:

Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Instagram

Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Website

Use code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 10% at Earthley

Use code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 15% at Redmond

For 20% off your first order at Needed, use code HEALTHYMOTHER

Save $260 at Lumebox, use code HEALTHYASAMOTHER

Use code HAAM and save 10% at Fond

Birth preparation is often focused on the physical side of labor, including breathing techniques, birth positions, and what to expect during delivery. But for many women planning an unmedicated birth, the biggest factor influencing their experience is not physical at all.

In this episode, we explore birth mindset and how your mental and emotional state can impact labor, pain perception, and your overall birth experience. If you are preparing for an unmedicated birth, learning how to shift from control into surrender may be one of the most important skills you develop.

We discuss how modern culture conditions women to fear birth and how those beliefs can show up during labor. We also explore why high-achieving and type-A women often struggle more during birth, not because they are unprepared, but because they are wired to rely on control in situations that require trust and surrender.

You will learn how mindset influences the body’s natural ability to give birth, including the role of stress, fear, and the nervous system. We also introduce the concept of the "birth goddess" and explain how understanding the intuitive process of labor can completely change the birth experience.

This episode also unpacks the balance between preparation and surrender, and how your environment, support system, and energy in the room can either support or disrupt labor.

0:00 - Trailer and Introduction

1:55 - Why Birth Mindset Is Overlooked

3:00 - How Culture Creates Fear Around Birth

5:00 - Birth Is Mental and Physical

7:00 - Why We Fear Pain

9:00 - The Missing Rite of Passage in Modern Birth

11:00 - Birth as Transformation

13:00 - Why Control Makes Birth Harder

15:00 - The Birth Goddess Concept

18:00 - Surrender vs Control

21:00 - Preparation vs Surrender

24:00 - Why Knowledge Still Matters

27:00 - The Role of Your Support Team

30:00 - What a Spiritual Epidural Means

34:00 - How Environment Affects Labor

38:00 - Why High Achievers Struggle More

42:00 - Masculine and Feminine Energy in Labor

46:00 - Trust and Letting Go

50:00 - Rewiring Beliefs About Birth

55:00 - Preparing for the Unexpected

58:00 - Staying Grounded When Plans Change

Resources From This Episode:

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | YouTube

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | Instagram

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | TikTok

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | Merch Store

Find more from Dr. Leah:

Dr. Leah Gordon | Instagram

Dr. Leah Gordon | Website

Womanhood Wellness | Website

Find more from Dr. Morgan:

Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Instagram

Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Website

Use code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 15% at Redmond

For 20% off your first order at Needed, use code HEALTHYMOTHER

Save $260 at Lumebox, use code HEALTHYASAMOTHER

Use code HAAM and save 10% at Fond

Detoxing before pregnancy is one of the most misunderstood topics in the health space. In this episode, we break down what detox actually means in the body, why it matters for fertility, and how to approach it safely without creating more harm than good.

You’ll learn how toxins impact hormones, ovulation, and pregnancy, and why your body’s ability to eliminate toxins matters more than simply “detoxing.”

We also walk through the most important systems involved in detoxification including the liver, lymphatic system, and organs of elimination, plus the biggest mistakes people make when trying to detox while actively trying to conceive.

If you’ve ever wondered whether you should detox before pregnancy, this episode gives you a clear, realistic framework.

0:00 Trailer & Introduction

2:44 What Is a Toxin? Internal vs. External Explained

6:27 Endocrine Disruptors & Their Impact on Fertility

7:55 The Overflowing Sink Analogy 8:51 Why Some People Can "Get Away With" Anything (Genetics & Drain)

11:43 Epigenetics — Why You & Your Grandma Are Different

13:29 The 3-Part Detox Framework: Faucet, Drain & Liver 13:58 The Knife Factory Analogy (How Your Liver Works)

14:52 The Poop Train & Pee Train Explained

17:44 Critical Rule: No Active Detox During Your Two-Week Wait

21:51 Ideal Timeline: 3–6 Months Before Trying to Conceive

24:12 Step 1 — Getting Your Organs of Elimination Working (Poop, Pee, Sweat)

26:31 Sauna & Sweating: When It's Safe & When to Stop

29:17 The Sperm Factor — Why Men Need to Stop Sauna 3 Months Early

30:41 The Lymph System — Trash in New York City Analogy

31:46 Dry Brushing, Rebounders & Vibration Plates

36:35 Breast Massage & Electrolymphatic Drainage

38:27 The Liver Deep Dive: Phase 1 vs. Phase 2 Detox

41:13 Cruciferous Vegetables, DIM & Food-Based Liver Support

42:37 Key Herbs: Dandelion, Burdock, Milk Thistle, Artichoke

47:18 What Liver Enzymes on Blood Work Actually Tell You (And What They Don't)

48:52 Bile, Gallbladder Health & Bitter Herbs

53:20 Castor Oil Packs — How, When & Where

56:57 The Nervous System as a Detox Organ

58:55 Social Media, News & EMFs as "Energetic Toxins"

60:51 Protecting Yourself From Information Overload During TTC

62:59 The Energetic Sink: Why Some People Spiral & Others Don't

70:29 Boundaries With News & Social Media in the Preconception Window

74:05 How to Go Deeper: Courses, Membership & Working with a Practitioner

Resources From This Episode:

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | YouTube

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | Instagram

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | TikTok

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | Merch Store

Find more from Dr. Leah:

Dr. Leah Gordon | Instagram

Dr. Leah Gordon | Website

Womanhood Wellness | Website

Find more from Dr. Morgan:

Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Instagram

Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Website

Use code HAAM and save 10% at Fond

Use code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 15% at Redmond

For 20% off your first order at Needed, use code HEALTHYMOTHER

Save $260 at Lumebox, use code HEALTHYASAMOTHER

What if the tension you feel in motherhood isn’t about your decisions… but about your boundaries?

In this episode, we break down one of the most overlooked skills women need to navigate pregnancy, birth, and early motherhood: setting boundaries with family, friends, and outside opinions.

From pressure around home birth to unsolicited advice from parents and in-laws, this conversation unpacks why boundaries feel so hard, what they actually are (and aren’t), and how to confidently take your power back without damaging your relationships.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by opinions, pressure, or expectations around motherhood… this episode will shift how you see it.

00:00 Trailer & Introduction

01:33 Why Boundaries in Motherhood Feel So Hard

02:54 What a Boundary Actually Is (and What It’s Not)

06:42 Why Most Women Misunderstand Boundaries

07:38 The Power of Controlling Your Response (Not Others)

09:22 Real-Life Example of Healthy Boundaries

11:07 Why Boundaries Protect Relationships (Not Damage Them)

13:37 Should You Communicate Boundaries Ahead of Time?

16:29 Handling Strong Disagreements (Vaccines, Parenting Choices)

18:24 Why Parents Struggle to Let Go of Control

21:16 What Happens When You Set Boundaries for the First Time

22:36 Why Consistency Is Everything

24:48 Becoming a “New Version” of Yourself in Relationships

28:40 Communication Frameworks That Actually Work

30:10 Birth Choices and Family Pressure Explained

33:26 Real Story: Shifting Beliefs Around Home Birth

34:51 How to Respond to Extreme Pushback

37:43 Who Gets to Be at Your Birth (and Who Doesn’t)

41:30 How to Communicate Firm Boundaries Clearly

44:46 Why Waiting for Birth Can Create Stress

48:37 Postpartum Boundaries and Baby Handling

51:38 Scripts for Setting Boundaries Respectfully

53:18 Why Women Struggle with Boundaries More Than Men

56:30 The Deeper Root: Fear of Rejection and Losing Connection

57:37 The Role of Intuition and Safety (Gift of Fear Insight)

01:00:00 Final Thoughts: Boundaries as Empowerment

Resources Mentioned In This Episode:

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | YouTube

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | Instagram

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | TikTok

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | Merch Store

Find more from Dr. Leah:

Dr. Leah Gordon | Instagram

Dr. Leah Gordon | Website

Womanhood Wellness | Website

Find more from Dr. Morgan:

Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Instagram

Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Website

Use code HAAM and save 10% at Fond

Use code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 15% at Redmond

For 20% off your first order at Needed, use code HEALTHYMOTHER

Save $260 at Lumebox, use code HEALTHYASAMOTHER

In this episode of Healthy As A Mother, we’re pulling back the curtain on one of the most misunderstood parts of IVF: embryo selection.

Because here’s the truth most people don’t realize…

Even today, many IVF labs still rely on visual grading methods developed over 50 years ago to choose which embryo becomes your baby. And that could be the reason so many “perfect-looking” embryos fail.

Today, Dr. Leah sits down with Cara Wells, PhD, a reproductive physiologist and founder of a groundbreaking fertility technology that uses non-invasive video analysisto assess embryo health in real time.

Instead of just looking at embryos… Her technology measures how they behave.

And what they’ve discovered could completely change IVF outcomes.

0:00 Trailer + Intro

0:55 Meet Cara Wells, PhD + Her Background

2:15 The Problem with IVF Embryo Grading

6:25 Why IVF Feels Like a “Black Box”

10:47 The Technology That Inspired a Breakthrough

13:04 How Embryo Video Analysis Works

18:15 Why This Technology Matters for IVF Patients

20:49 Can We Improve Egg + Sperm Quality?

22:20 Why “Perfect” Embryos Still Fail

24:36 What Animal Research Reveals About Fertility

29:15 Why Animal Health Research Matters for Humans

32:12 What This Tech Reveals About Sperm Quality

40:25 How This Impacts Endangered Species

47:35 The Rhino Fertility Discovery

53:02 What Animals Reveal About Human Conditions

59:35 PGT Testing vs Non-Invasive Embryo Testing

1:03:25 How to Learn More + Closing Thoughts

Resources From This Episode:

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | YouTube

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | Instagram

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | TikTok

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | Merch Store

Find more from Dr. Leah:

Dr. Leah Gordon | Instagram

Dr. Leah Gordon | Website

Womanhood Wellness | Website

Find more from Dr. Morgan:

Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Instagram

Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Website

Use code HAAM and save 10% at Fond

Use code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 15% at Redmond

For 20% off your first order at Needed, use code HEALTHYMOTHER

Save $260 at Lumebox, use code HEALTHYASAMOTHER

Mental health is often treated like a guessing game, but what if we could actually see what’s happening in the brain?

In this episode, Dr. Steve Rondeau, founder of Axon EEG Solutions and author of Think Like a Brain, breaks down how brain-based data is changing the way we understand mental health, postpartum struggles, and behavior in both women and children.

We dive into why traditional diagnoses often miss the root cause, how brain patterns shape your personality and responses, and why your environment plays a bigger role than you think. This conversation also explores a newly released study on hormonal birth control and antidepressant response, the concept of the “overwhelmed brain,” and how small shifts in your daily life can dramatically change your mental resilience.

If you’ve ever felt like something is off but can’t explain why, or wondered why one season of life feels manageable while another feels overwhelming, this episode will completely reframe how you think about your brain, your behavior, and your capacity.

00:00 Intro

01:52 Why mental health is still a guessing game

03:40 The misdiagnosis that exposes a broken system

06:10 Can brain scans predict personality

09:30 Why people experience life differently

13:15 Birth control and antidepressant study

16:47 Why one-size-fits-all treatment fails

18:40 Why postpartum experiences vary

22:40 Your brain isn’t broken your environment is

24:21 When symptoms don’t match the diagnosis

26:40 The case that changed everything

29:10 Why root causes get missed

32:10 Are brain patterns genetic or learned

34:40 The 3 areas that shape mental health

37:40 Why you can’t just push through

39:10 The overwhelmed brain pattern

42:10 The habit that regulates your nervous system

43:46 Why coping mechanisms make sense

46:40 Why normal brains don’t exist

49:10 Parenting and relationships through this lens

53:10 What’s normal behavior for kids

55:10 The parenting mistake most people make

58:10 Are screens rewiring our brains

61:10 How to find brain scan providers

73:31 Outro

Resources From This Episode:

Dr. Rondeau's Website - https://axoneegsolutions.com/Dr. Rondeau's Book: Think Like Brain Treating Manual - https://www.amazon.com/Think-Like-Brain-Treating-Manual-ebook/dp/B0GFXQK1DVFollow Dr. Steve Rondeau on Socials:Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/people/Dr-Steve-Rondeau/100068808602146/LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-steven-rondeau-148aa421/Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dr_rondeau_qeeg/Dr. Morgan's Pregnancy Call Lessons - https://milkmedicine.com/lessonsonly/

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | YouTube

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | Instagram

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | TikTok

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | Merch Store

Find more from Dr. Leah:

Dr. Leah Gordon | Instagram

Dr. Leah Gordon | Website

Womanhood Wellness | Website

Find more from Dr. Morgan:

Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Instagram

Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Website

Use code HAAM and save 10% at Fond

Use code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 15% at Redmond

For 20% off your first order at Needed, use code HEALTHYMOTHER

Save $260 at Lumebox, use code HEALTHYASAMOTHER

Epidurals are one of the most common, and most misunderstood, parts of modern birth.

In this episode, we break down everything you actually need to know: what’s in an epidural, how it works, when it helps, and when it can create more complications than expected.

We also get honest about the parts most people don’t talk about, including side effects, the cascade of interventions, and why so many women feel blindsided after the fact.

This isn’t about telling you what to do.

It’s about giving you the clarity to make the right decision for your birth.

00:00 — Trailer & Intro

01:33 — Why This Conversation Matters

03:33 — Epidural vs Spinal: What’s the Difference

06:03 — “Do No Harm” Framework for Birth Decisions

08:03 — The History of Pain Management in Birth

11:33 — What’s Actually In an Epidural

15:33 — What It Feels Like to Get One

19:33 — When You Can (and Can’t) Get an Epidural

23:33 — The Timing Mistake Most Women Make

26:33 — When an Epidural is Actually Helpful

30:33 — Guilt, Shame & Birth Expectations

35:33 — Common Side Effects Explained

41:33 — The Cascade of Interventions

45:33 — What Happens When It Doesn’t Work

49:33 — Effects on Baby (Myths vs Reality)

53:33 — Why Women Feel Misinformed

57:33 — Epidurals & Postpartum/Bonding

01:00:33 — How to Decide What’s Right for You

Resources From This Episode:

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | YouTube

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | Instagram

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | TikTok

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | Merch Store

Find more from Dr. Leah:

Dr. Leah Gordon | Instagram

Dr. Leah Gordon | Website

Womanhood Wellness | Website

Find more from Dr. Morgan:

Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Instagram

Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Website

Use code HAAM and save 10% at Fond

Use code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 15% at Redmond

For 20% off your first order at Needed, use code HEALTHYMOTHER

Save $260 at Lumebox, use code HEALTHYASAMOTHER

If you’ve experienced pregnancy loss and are thinking about trying to conceive again, this episode walks you through what most women aren’t told about getting pregnant after pregnancy loss. From the emotional impact of miscarriage and pregnancy loss to the physical factors that can influence fertility, we break down what actually matters when preparing your body and mind for another pregnancy.

We cover common causes of pregnancy loss, including hormonal imbalances like low progesterone, egg and sperm quality, inflammation, thyroid health, and other underlying fertility factors. You’ll also learn how long to wait before trying again, how to support your body after pregnancy loss, and what steps you can take to reduce the risk of another loss.

This episode also dives deep into the emotional side of pregnancy loss, including anxiety, fear, grief, and the mental challenges of trying to conceive again after loss. Whether you’ve had one pregnancy loss or multiple, this conversation is designed to help you feel less alone and more empowered with both knowledge and support.

If you’re navigating fertility after pregnancy loss, trying to get pregnant again, or looking for answers about why pregnancy loss happens, this episode will give you a grounded, whole-body perspective, combining science, mindset, and real experiences.

00:00 — Trailer + Intro

01:27 — The Emotional Reality of Pregnancy Loss

04:41 — Real Stories of Loss & Trying Again

07:44 — Pregnancy After Loss Feels Different

11:20 — IVF, Embryo Loss & Different Grieving Experiences

13:07 — Why Pregnancy Loss Happens (Physical + Unknown Factors)

14:41 — It’s NOT Your Fault (But You Can Optimize)

15:35 — Spiritual & Emotional Interpretations of Loss

18:57 — Physical Causes of Pregnancy Loss

21:45 — What Happens During Pregnancy Loss (Options Explained)

27:18 — Emotional & Physical Preparation for Each Option

30:35 — When Can You Try Again?

32:39 — Your Body Is in “Mini Postpartum”

35:36 — The Emotional Side No One Supports Enough

38:07 — Male Fertility: The Missing 50%

40:13 — Egg & Sperm Quality Optimization

41:23 — Hormones & Progesterone Explained

46:15 — Inflammation, Gut Health & Vaginal Microbiome

48:58 — What to Do After One Loss vs Multiple Losses

52:39 — A Practical Game Plan Moving Forward

53:50 — Emotional Integration & Healing

55:33 — The Hidden Losses (Identity, Timing, Life Plans)

56:28 — Closing Thoughts & Support Resources

Resources From This Episode:

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | YouTube

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | Instagram

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | TikTok

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | Merch Store

Find more from Dr. Leah:

Dr. Leah Gordon | Instagram

Dr. Leah Gordon | Website

Womanhood Wellness | Website

Find more from Dr. Morgan:

Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Instagram

Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Website

Use code HAAM and save 10% at Fond

Use code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 15% at Redmond

For 20% off your first order at Needed, use code HEALTHYMOTHER

Save $260 at Lumebox, use code HEALTHYASAMOTHER

What actually happens to your baby in the first 24–48 hours after birth, and which newborn interventions should you say yes or no to?

In this episode, we break down 14 common newborn interventions and procedures parents may be offered right after delivery. From delayed cord clamping and suctioning to vitamin K, hepatitis B, erythromycin eye ointment, newborn metabolic screening, hearing and heart tests, circumcision, jaundice, early bathing, and pediatric follow-up, we explain what these interventions are, why they’re offered, and what parents should understand before birth.

Whether you’re planning a hospital birth, home birth, or birth center delivery, this conversation will help you make informed decisions about newborn care and know what questions to ask when creating your birth plan.

00:00 Trailer + intro

01:13 Why newborn interventions matter

03:44 Delayed cord clamping

09:23 Rubbing and suctioning after birth

14:26 Swaddling, hats, and skin-to-skin

18:37 The golden hour and delaying newborn exams

21:10 Vitamin K shot vs oral vitamin K

29:44 Hepatitis B vaccine at birth

34:07 Erythromycin eye ointment

36:57 Newborn metabolic screening / heel prick / PKU test

39:19 Newborn blood sugar testing

41:42 Hearing test and congenital heart disease screening

46:36 Circumcision considerations

47:32 Early bath and newborn microbiome

52:31 Newborn jaundice explained

56:39 Breastfeeding jaundice vs breast milk jaundice

59:04 Pediatrician visits and delayed vaccine schedules

01:05:39 Closing thoughts

Resources From This Episode:

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | YouTube

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | Instagram

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | TikTok

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | Merch Store

Find more from Dr. Leah:

Dr. Leah Gordon | Instagram

Dr. Leah Gordon | Website

Womanhood Wellness | Website

Find more from Dr. Morgan:

Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Instagram

Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Website

Use code HAAM and save 10% at Fond

Use code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 15% at Redmond

For 20% off your first order at Needed, use code HEALTHYMOTHER

Save $260 at Lumebox, use code HEALTHYASAMOTHER

In this honest life update episode, we’re sharing what motherhood looks like for us right now... the wins, the challenges, and the very real in-between.

We talk about rebuilding strength after a C-section, navigating toddler chaos and overstimulation, how sleep deprivation affects everything, and why routines can feel life-giving in certain seasons of motherhood. We also open up about feeling baby kicks during pregnancy, the emotional weight of the mental load, waking up at 5 a.m., hormone-supportive habits, and the financial pressure that can come with running a business while raising a family.

This episode is candid, relatable, and full of those real mom moments that often go unspoken. If you’re in a season of trying to hold it all together while also finding your way back to yourself, this one will feel like a conversation with friends who get it.

In this episode, we cover:

00:00 Intro

01:33 Life updates

02:14 Toddler chaos and the destruction phase

07:49 Reflecting on postpartum while caring for other children

12:33 Why sleep deprivation is so hard in motherhood

13:35 Trying to stay organized as a mom (and why chaos still happens)

21:39 The small parenting struggles that add up

31:00 The Skylight calendar and organizing family life

39:24 Getting back into exercise after a C-section

44:30 Getting back into routine and finding rhythm again

54:45 The pressure for business to grow financially

1:00:00 Money as the next personal growth frontier

1:03:51 Why sharing life updates matters

1:07:19 Outro

Resources Mentioned:

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | YouTube

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | Instagram

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | TikTok

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | Merch Store

Find more from Dr. Leah:

Dr. Leah Gordon | Instagram

Dr. Leah Gordon | Website

Womanhood Wellness | Website

Find more from Dr. Morgan:

Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Instagram

Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Website

Use code HAAM and save 10% at Fond

Use code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 15% at Redmond

For 20% off your first order at Needed, use code HEALTHYMOTHER

Save $260 at Lumebox, use code HEALTHYASAMOTHER

Your menstrual cycle isn’t random; it’s a monthly hormone report card.

In this episode, Dr. Leah breaks down how to decode your cycle from bleed to bleed and what common symptoms may be telling you about progesterone, estrogen, inflammation, ovulation, and fertility.

If you’ve ever wondered whether your spotting, PMS, heavy bleeding, dry cycles, painful periods, or irregular timing are “normal”, this episode will help you understand what your body may actually be communicating.

In this episode, we cover:

• Spotting before your period & what it means for progesterone

• Light or short periods & signs of low estrogen or under-fueling

• Heavy bleeding & estrogen dominance

• Ovulation pain: normal vs red flag

• PMS, PMDD & progesterone deficiencies

• Mood shifts right after ovulation

• Low cervical mucus / dry cycles

• Long cycles & PCOS clues

• Short cycles, luteal phase defects & egg reserve

• Brown blood & blood stagnation

• Severe cramping & endometriosis

• Breast tenderness, prolactin & fibrocystic changes

00:00 – Trailer & Intro

02:06 – Your cycle as a “report card”

06:14 – Spotting before your period (low progesterone clues)

08:53 – Mid-luteal spotting: infection, polyps, implantation

13:54 – Light or short periods (low estrogen & under-fueling)

18:54 – Heavy bleeding (estrogen dominance & growth conditions)

23:47 – Ovulation pain explained

26:05 – PMS & PMDD (progesterone, nutrients, blood sugar)

30:19 – Mood changes after ovulation

33:38 – Low cervical mucus / dry cycles

36:46 – Long cycles & PCOS

42:47 – Short cycles & ovarian reserve

47:25 – Brown blood & stagnation

48:50 – Severe cramping & endometriosis

53:09 – Breast changes & lymph support

57:06 – Final thoughts

Resources From This Episode:

If you want step-by-step hormone education, cycle tracking guidance, and root-cause protocols, explore the Womanhood Wellness Membership for deeper support: https://drleahgordon.com/join

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | YouTube

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | Instagram

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | TikTok

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | Merch Store

Find more from Dr. Leah:

Dr. Leah Gordon | Instagram

Dr. Leah Gordon | Website

Womanhood Wellness | Website

Find more from Dr. Morgan:

Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Instagram

Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Website

Use code HAAM and save 10% at Fond

Use code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 15% at Redmond

For 20% off your first order at Needed, use code HEALTHYMOTHER

Save $260 at Lumebox, use code HEALTHYASAMOTHER

Pregnancy over 40 is often surrounded by fear, but the real story is more nuanced than most women are told.

In Part 2 of our Over 40 series, we break down what actually matters when considering pregnancy later in life, including medical risks, lifestyle factors, birth decisions, and even the surprising benefits of having babies in your 40s.

If you’ve been labeled “advanced maternal age,” feeling pressure about timing, or wondering whether it’s too late to grow your family, this episode offers an evidence-based and compassionate perspective.

In this episode, we discuss:

✔️ Induction pressure and spontaneous labor after 40

✔️ How to evaluate pregnancy risks realistically

✔️ Miscarriage and chromosomal risk explained simply

✔️ When shorter age gaps may make sense biologically

✔️ The truth about twins and fertility after 40

✔️ Longevity myths — why later fertility may signal better health

✔️ Breastfeeding, family planning & timing decisions

✔️ Breast cancer risk reduction linked to pregnancy and nursing

✔️ Lifestyle factors that matter most in pregnancy after 40

✔️ Preconception health, nutrition, and exercise recommendations

00:00 Trailer + Podcast Intro

01:45 Episode Begins — Pregnancy & Birth Over 40 Overview

02:13 Why More Women Are Having Babies After 40

03:55 Advanced Maternal Age: What Actually Matters

06:02 Chromosomal Risks Explained (Down Syndrome & Testing)

08:00 NIPT Testing — Pros, Cons & When It Makes Sense

10:14 Twin Pregnancy Risk After 40

13:27 Miscarriage Statistics by Age

16:54 Pregnancy Complications Over 40 (Hypertension & Preeclampsia)

19:35 Placenta Previa Risk Factors

21:35 Gestational Diabetes & Lifestyle Factors

23:30 Growth Restriction & Paternal Health Influence

24:58 Preterm Labor Risk

25:47 Stillbirth Risk — What the Numbers Really Mean

28:02 Induction & Cesarean Rates After 40

30:35 Medical System vs Physiological Birth Discussion

Pregnancy outcomes are influenced by far more than age alone: metabolic health, lifestyle, and individualized care play a major role. Whether you’re trying to conceive, are currently pregnant, or are simply exploring your options, this episode aims to replace fear with clarity.

Watch Part 1 of this seriesHERE

Resources From This Episode:

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | YouTube

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | Instagram

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | TikTok

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | Merch Store

Find more from Dr. Leah:

Dr. Leah Gordon | Instagram

Dr. Leah Gordon | Website

Womanhood Wellness | Website

Find more from Dr. Morgan:

Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Instagram

Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Website

Use code HAAM and save 10% at Fond

Use code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 15% at Redmond

For 20% off your first order at Needed, use code HEALTHYMOTHER

Save $260 at Lumebox, use code HEALTHYASAMOTHER

Part 1 of a 2-Part Series: Fertility Over 40

Fertility over 40 is becoming more common than ever, but with it comes confusion, fear, and a lot of outdated information.

In this episode of Healthy As A Mother, we begin a two-part fertility series focused on conception after age 40. We break down what actually changes with age, what matters most for fertility, and — most importantly — what you can influence.

Because chronological age is only one piece of the picture.

You’ll learn why egg quality matters more than egg count, how lifestyle and metabolic health impact fertility outcomes, and how women can support ovulation, hormone balance, and mitochondrial health as they age. If you’ve been told your age alone determines your fertility, this episode offers a more nuanced and hopeful perspective.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why chronological age doesn’t equal ovarian health

• The real role of egg quality vs. egg count (AMH explained)

• How mitochondrial health impacts fertility

• Environmental toxins and hidden fertility stressors

• Blood sugar balance and metabolic health after 40

• Inflammation, oxidative stress, and hormone disruption

• Ovulation strength and progesterone production

• Short luteal phases and why they matter for implantation

• Signs of low progesterone you shouldn’t ignore

• How lifestyle changes can meaningfully improve fertility outcomes

00:00 — Trailer & Podcast Intro

03:25 — Episode begins: Fertility over 40 overview

05:10 — Chronological age vs ovarian environment

21:30 — Egg quality, lifestyle, and metabolic health

23:58 — Inflammation, stress & nutrient deficiencies explained

24:25 — Progesterone, luteal phase & cycle changes after 40

25:10 — Signs of low progesterone to watch for

48:43 — IVF myths: why optimization matters first

49:12 — Why IVF doesn’t bypass egg or sperm quality

49:42 — Rethinking fertility decisions after 40

50:51 — Fertility as a marker of overall health

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | YouTube

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | Instagram

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | TikTok

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | Merch Store

Find more from Dr. Leah:

Dr. Leah Gordon | Instagram

Dr. Leah Gordon | Website

Womanhood Wellness | Website

Find more from Dr. Morgan:

Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Instagram

Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Website

Use code HAAM and save 10% at Fond

Use code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 15% at Redmond

For 20% off your first order at Needed, use code HEALTHYMOTHER

Save $260 at Lumebox, use code HEALTHYASAMOTHER

Painful sex is far more common than most women realize and far more complex than we’re ever taught.

In this episode, Dr. Leah shares her deeply personal 18-year journey with painful sex, low libido, and feeling dismissed by the medical system, alongside a comprehensive breakdown of the real root causes of pain during sex, from trauma and pelvic floor dysfunction to hormonal changes and lesser-known conditions like provoked vestibulodynia (PVD).

We talk honestly about why painful sex is not something you should “just push through,” why many conventional treatments miss the mark, and how healing often requires addressing multiple layers at once: physical, neurological, hormonal, and emotional.

If sex has ever felt painful, burning, tense, or emotionally complicated, or if you’ve been told everything “looks normal” but something still feels wrong, this conversation is for you.

Painful sex is not a personal failure, a relationship problem, or something you should tolerate. It’s often a signal, and when you understand the signal, healing becomes possible.

Content Note

This episode includes discussion of sexual trauma, medical trauma, and chronic pain. Please take care while listening and pause if needed.

00:00Trailer + show intro

02:00Why painful sex is more common than we think (and why women feel so isolated)

04:00Dr. Leah’s personal story: living with painful sex from the very beginning

08:00Being dismissed by doctors + why chronic pain is so confusing and isolating

12:30Why treating symptoms doesn’t work

16:00Endometriosis and deep pain during sex

25:30Why pregnancy sometimes improves pain (and why it doesn’t always last)

32:45Vaginismus explained

40:45Pain, pleasure, and the nervous system

44:30Trauma healing during pregnancy and how it changed postpartum pain

47:45Provoked Vestibulodynia (PVD)

52:45Birth control, testosterone, and why estrogen isn’t always the issue

56:45What finally worked

59:45Other overlooked causes of painful sex

1:04:30Hypertonic pelvic floors

1:08:30Final reflections, hope, and next steps

Resources From This Episode:

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | YouTube

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | Instagram

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | TikTok

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | Merch Store

Find more from Dr. Leah:

Dr. Leah Gordon | Instagram

Dr. Leah Gordon | Website

Womanhood Wellness | Website

Find more from Dr. Morgan:

Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Instagram

Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Website

Use code HAAM and save 10% at Fond

Use code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 15% at Redmond

For 20% off your first order at Needed, use code HEALTHYMOTHER

Save $260 at Lumebox, use code HEALTHYASAMOTHER

The placenta is one of the most misunderstood organs in pregnancy, yet it plays a central role in implantation, miscarriage risk, fetal growth, preeclampsia, birth complications, and postpartum recovery.

In this episode of Healthy As A Mother, Dr. Morgan delivers a clear, grounded crash course on the placenta: what it is, how it forms, how it functions, and what can go wrong. We unpack common myths, explain real risks without fear, and clarify why the placenta quietly determines so many pregnancy outcomes.

This conversation is designed to replace anxiety with understanding and confusion with clarity, so parents can make informed decisions throughout pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.

Educational purposes only. Always consult your healthcare provider for personal medical care.

00:00 – Why the placenta matters more than people think

03:00 – Placenta development and implantation

09:00 – Male fertility, sperm health, and pregnancy outcomes

15:00 – Placental anatomy explained simply

18:30 – Cord insertions and placental variants

22:00 – Velamentous cord insertion and vasa previa

27:00 – Placental positioning and placenta previa

32:00 – Placenta accreta and surgical risks

37:00 – Subchorionic hemorrhage and first-trimester bleeding

42:00 – Placental insufficiency and fetal growth restriction

45:00 – Preeclampsia explained

48:30 – Placental abruption

50:00 – Retained placenta and postpartum hemorrhage

53:30 – Birthing the placenta (third stage of labor)

56:00 – Pitocin and hospital management

59:00 – What to do with the placenta after birth

Resources From This Episode:

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | YouTube

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | Instagram

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | TikTok

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | Merch Store

Find more from Dr. Leah:

Dr. Leah Gordon | Instagram

Dr. Leah Gordon | Website

Womanhood Wellness | Website

Find more from Dr. Morgan:

Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Instagram

Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Website

Use code HAAM and save 10% at Fond

Use code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 15% at Redmond

For 20% off your first order at Needed, use code HEALTHYMOTHER

Save $260 at Lumebox, use code HEALTHYASAMOTHER

Why does modern motherhood feel so hard — even when you’re doing everything “right”?

In this episode of Healthy As A Mother, we explore a powerful lens for understanding hormones, fertility, pregnancy, postpartum, and burnout: humans are animals — and modern life is not designed for our biology.

From nervous system dysregulation and chronic stress to fertility struggles, postpartum depletion, and emotional overwhelm, this conversation reframes modern motherhood as a biological mismatch, not a personal failure.

This episode is for women and mothers who feel like something about modern life, health, and motherhood just isn’t working — and want a deeper, root-cause understanding.

00:00 Introduction: The Human Animal

02:05 Humans as Animals

05:10 Animals in Captivity

09:15 The Continuum Concept

14:05 Biohacking vs Nature

18:20 Hormones, Detox & Toxic Load

22:45 Genetics & Sensitivity

27:10 Evolution or De-Evolution

31:30 The Loss of the Village

36:20 Reciprocity & Support

40:55 Parenting, School & Disconnection

44:35 Sunlight, Sleep & Circadian Rhythm

48:40 Men, Women & Biological Roles

53:10 Food, Nutrient Depletion & Seasonality

57:45 Sensory Overload & The News

1:03:10 Warriors, Nurturers & Purpose

1:08:40 Living Like an Animal Again

1:12:30 Final Thoughts

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | YouTube

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | Instagram

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | TikTok

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | Merch Store

Find more from Dr. Leah:

Dr. Leah Gordon | Instagram

Dr. Leah Gordon | Website

Womanhood Wellness | Website

Find more from Dr. Morgan:

Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Instagram

Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Website

Use code HAAM and save 10% at Fond

Use code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 15% at Redmond

For 20% off your first order at Needed, use code HEALTHYMOTHER

Save $260 at Lumebox, use code HEALTHYASAMOTHER

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 like

This 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 Conversation

02:45 — This Isn’t Everyone’s Experience But It’s a Real Pattern

05:30 — Feminism Gave Women Choice... And Then the Pendulum Swung

09:45 — When Motherhood Became an Afterthought

13:20 — Career First, Motherhood “On the Side”

17:40 — The Lie We Were Sold About Fertility & Birth Control

22:10 — Why So Many Women Are Struggling to Conceive in Their 30s

27:15 — “Our Society Is Not Set Up for Women to Become Mothers”

31:00 — We Prepare for College & Sports — But Not Health

34:30 — Imagine a World Where Girls Are Taught About Their Bodies

38:20 — The Cost of Ignoring Motherhood (Burnout, Infertility, Trauma)

42:45 — Weddings, Nurseries & Misplaced Priorities

47:30 — What the Medical System Gets Wrong About Fertility

52:10 — How This Could Change for the Next Generation

56:00 — This Isn’t About Blame, It’s About What’s Broken

59:00 — Final Thoughts, Hope & Why These Conversations Matter

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | YouTube

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | Instagram

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | TikTok

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | Merch Store

Find more from Dr. Leah:

Dr. Leah Gordon | Instagram

Dr. Leah Gordon | Website

Womanhood Wellness | Website

Find more from Dr. Morgan:

Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Instagram

Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Website

Use code HAAM and save 10% at Fond

Use code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 15% at Redmond

For 20% off your first order at Needed, use code HEALTHYMOTHER

Save $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.

00:00 – Welcome & why we love life update episodes

02:15 – Social media, sharing updates, and being more offline

06:30 – Deciding whether to have another baby

12:45 – Pregnancy after health issues & fertility considerations

20:30 – Getting sick in early pregnancy & managing anxiety

27:40 – Progesterone, fertility differences, and early symptoms

33:50 – Finding out the baby’s gender & family reactions

39:45 – Emotional shifts, energy changes, and pregnancy differences

45:30 – Sleep deprivation, teething, and postpartum struggles

52:10 – Children’s health worries, co-sleeping, and mental load

57:00 – Gratitude, perspective, and closing thoughts

Resources From This Episode:

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | YouTube

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | Instagram

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | TikTok

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | Merch Store

Find more from Dr. Leah:

Dr. Leah Gordon | Instagram

Dr. Leah Gordon | Website

Womanhood Wellness | Website

Find more from Dr. Morgan:

Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Instagram

Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Website

Use code HAAM and save 10% at Fond

Use code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 15% at Redmond

For 20% off your first order at Needed, use code HEALTHYMOTHER

Save $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.

00:00 Introduction & Why this conversation matters

02:15 How birth influences breastfeeding

07:10 IV fluids, engorgement & supply panic

12:30 Epidurals & interventions

18:45 The worst breastfeeding advice

24:10 Bottles, pacifiers & nipple confusion

30:05 Where “fed is best” falls short

36:40 Systemic gaps in breastfeeding education

43:20 Formula, IVF & C-sections

51:10 Sleep pressure & breastfeeding

58:30 Compassion, context & informed choice

1:03:30 Final reflections

In 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

Resources From This Episode:

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | YouTube

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | Instagram

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | TikTok

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | Merch Store

Find more from Dr. Leah:

Dr. Leah Gordon | Instagram

Dr. Leah Gordon | Website

Womanhood Wellness | Website

Find more from Dr. Morgan:

Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Instagram

Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Website

Use code HAAM and save 10% at Fond

Use code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 15% at Redmond

For 20% off your first order at Needed, use code HEALTHYMOTHER

Save $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 From This Episode:

In this episode, we cover:

00:00 Coming Off Birth Control & Preconception Overview

02:55 Why Preconception Matters More Than We’re Taught

06:10 What Really Happens When You Stop Hormonal Birth Control

10:55 Why “Wait and See” Isn’t Enough After Birth Control

14:45 How Birth Control Disrupts Hormone Communication

19:05 Post-Pill Hormone Surges & Acne Explained

22:20 Why Your Cycle May Not Return Right Away

25:05 The Hidden Nutrient Depletions From Birth Control

29:45 Birth Control as Symptom Masking (The Fire Alarm Analogy)

34:50 The Key Nutrients Needed for Fertility & Pregnancy

40:20 Why Most Prenatals Aren’t Enough

43:30 Liver Health, Detox & Hormone Clearance

48:35 How Birth Control Impacts the Gut & Microbiome

53:10 Inflammation, Stress & Fertility Challenges

57:40 Nervous System Regulation & Preparing for Pregnancy

01:02:10 Final Thoughts on Healing Before Conception

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | YouTube

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | Instagram

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | TikTok

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | Merch Store

Find more from Dr. Leah:

Dr. Leah Gordon | Instagram

Dr. Leah Gordon | Website

Womanhood Wellness | Website

Find more from Dr. Morgan:

Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Instagram

Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Website

Use code HAAM and save 10% at Fond

Use code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 15% at Redmond

For 20% off your first order at Needed, use code HEALTHYMOTHER

Save $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 the hardest part of trying to conceive isn't your body, but the silence around what you're actually feeling?



In this episode, Dr. Leah sits down with Dr. Andrea Liner, a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in reproductive mental health. She's also an IVF mama who navigated nearly four years of infertility, including misdiagnosis, two egg retrievals, and being told at 32 that she needed an egg donor.

The trying to conceive journey brings up emotions most people don't know how to name, let alone process. Dr. Andrea walks through the mental traps that commonly keep couples stuck, the relationship dynamics that shift under pressure, and what actually helps when nothing is going according to plan.

You’ll Learn:

[00:00] Introduction

[02:60] Dr. Andrea's nearly four-year fertility journey

[15:27] The mental toll on high-functioning achievers who can't muscle their way through infertility

[17:44] How fertility struggles permeate every aspect of your daily life and identity

[18:45] The existential questions that surface when you feel like a failure at what matters most

[24:29] When sex becomes a chore rather than a fun activity that cultivates connection and brings new life into the world

[27:13] The worst things people say and how to navigate relationships during infertility

[37:34] First steps for navigating pregnancy loss

[40:55] The shame of struggling in pregnancy when you fought so hard to conceive



Connect on a deeper level with Dr. Andrea by joining hermailing list.

Find more from Dr. Andrea:

Flux Psychology |Website

Reproductive Psychology |Instagram

Find more from Dr. Leah:

Dr. Leah Gordon |Instagram

Dr. Leah Gordon |Website

Womanhood Wellness |Website

Find more from Dr. Morgan:

Dr. Morgan MacDermott |Instagram

Dr. Morgan MacDermott |Website

Use code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 15% atRedmond

For 20% off your first order atNeeded, use code HEALTHYMOTHER

Save $260 atLumebox, use code HEALTHYASAMOTHER

Pregnant and wanting to learn how to optimize your health, prepare for birth, learn to breastfeed, and heal during postpartum? Come take Dr. Morgan’s pregnancyclass!

Not every supplement in pregnancy is harmless. Some can actually increase risk for you and your baby.

Pregnancy supplements can be sorted into clear buckets: hard yes, maybe, and hard no. In this episode, you’re going to learn our core essentials, the optional add-ons that depend on your labs and symptoms, and the products that sound helpful online but clash with how a pregnant body actually works. We draw the line on some popular herbs, powders, and nervous system helpers, and for good reason—these decisions are shaped by both research limits and real clinical experience.

If you’re pregnant and staring at a cabinet full of bottles scratching your head, the real challenge isn’t finding more options; it’s knowing which few are worth taking and when. You’ll receive insights on how we think about risk, timing, and dose, when we’ll push harder on something like immune support to avoid medications, and where we’d rather you do nothing than experiment. A small, intentional stack can serve you better than chasing every trending supplement.

[00:00] Introduction

[03:07] The overlooked problem with most prenatals and why ingredient form matters

[04:30] The simple rule that prevents most women from absorbing iron properly

[07:11] The hidden reason pregnant women shouldn’t fear vitamin A

[09:20] How magnesium becomes a multipurpose lifesaver for sleep, cramps, and digestion

[09:55] The real vitamin D levels you should aim for

[17:04] When probiotics actually matter in pregnancy, and when they don’t

[20:16] The surprising list of safe remedies you can use when you get sick while pregnant

[27:05] The trending supplements that truly are safe

[41:03] The herbs you must avoid because they disrupt hormones and fetal development

Resources From This Episode:

Find more from Dr. Leah:

Dr. Leah Gordon |Instagram

Dr. Leah Gordon |Website

Womanhood Wellness |Website

Find more from Dr. Morgan:

Dr. Morgan MacDermott |Instagram

Dr. Morgan MacDermott |Website

Use code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 15% atRedmond

For 20% off your first order atNeeded, use code HEALTHYMOTHER

Save $260 atLumebox, use code HEALTHYASAMOTHER

Save 10% on pasture-raised bone broths fromFONDwith code HEALTHYMOTHER

Get real, true hydration with Redmond Re-lyte! Try it for 15% off,here.

What if the real problem isn't salt itself but the way we've stripped it, feared it, and deadened the water we drink it with?

We’re sitting down with Darryl Bosshardt, a salt expert from Redmond, Utah, who grew up inside his family's mineral business. We had a lot of fun recording this episode because he's as intensely nerdy about salt as we are about birth and motherhood.

We question how salt ended up cast as the villain and what that fear has quietly done inside us, especially when studies and headlines ignored context like water and overall diet. We open up the tension between the mineral-rich salt and spring water humans adapted to and the stripped, “dead” versions most people are leaning on today. Instead of handing you another protocol, we stay focused on how it actually feels when you give your body enough of what it runs on and stop fighting its design.

You’ll Learn:

[00:00:00] Introduction

[00:06:09] How ancient civilizations survived and thrived around salt deposits

[00:11:52] The clever way our ancestors found salt and water

[00:17:17] The fascinating science of salt crystal size and why it changes how salty food tastes on your tongue

[00:20:30] The biblical origins of "kosher salt" and why it's called that (it has nothing to do with being blessed)

[00:26:31] The 1954 mouse study that demonized salt

[00:32:17] The shocking truth: consuming less than 2,300mg of sodium resulted in a 430% increase in heart attacks

[00:34:19] The Brewer's Diet approach to preventing preeclampsia with unrestricted salt, protein, and water

[00:40:16] What "dead water" is and why spring water contains the full electrolyte profile our bodies expect

[00:47:32] The bottle experiment that proves RO water is aggressively trying to dissolve everything it touches

[00:52:30] Drinking demineralized water makes your body pull minerals from your jawbone and teeth

[01:03:05] The heavy metals question: understanding parts per billion versus actual micrograms consumed

[01:13:04] How to evaluate ANY product with three simple questions about producer, source, and processing

Resources Mentioned:

Find A Spring |Website

Water & Salt, the Essence of Life by Barbara Hendel and Peter Ferreira |Book

FDA Total Diet Study |Article

Find more from Darryl Bosshardt by following him onLinkedIn.

Find more from Dr. Leah:

Dr. Leah Gordon |Instagram

Dr. Leah Gordon |Website

Womanhood Wellness |Website

Find more from Dr. Morgan:

Dr. Morgan MacDermott |Instagram

Dr. Morgan MacDermott |Website

Use code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 15% atRedmond

For 20% off your first order atNeeded, use code HEALTHYMOTHER

Save $260 atLumebox, 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 the everyday things touching your skin were quietly working against your hormones and fertility?



Are there products lurking in your home, messing with your hormones, fertility, and even your kids? In this episode, you’re going to learn how something as simple as underwear, leggings, lube, or your favorite scent can shift your entire vaginal microbiome, change the pH in that delicate ecosystem, and ripple into things like infections, discharge, odor, and trouble conceiving.

Most of us were raised to assume that if a product is on the shelf, it must be safe, and no one ever sat us down to explain how to spot the things that are the least like nature in our environment. Things like hidden plastics, fragrances, and chemicals might be sneaking into your daily routine, and there are simple swaps that can dramatically lower the load without making you feel like you’re living in a bubble.

You’ll Learn:

[00:00] Introduction

[06:50] How the wrong underwear disrupts your vaginal microbiome and fertility

[12:05] What tight, synthetic leggings do to moisture, bacteria, and hormone balance

[17:14] Why most personal lubricants damage sperm, and what to use instead

[21:12] The everyday plastic exposures are silently lowering fertility

[25:20] The hidden hormone disruptors in candles and home fragrances

[28:17] How laundry detergents and dryer sheets flood your body with hormone disruptors

[34:24] Why shower products may be a daily source of toxins you don’t realize

Resources Mentioned:

Auden Underwear |Website

Country Save Laundry Detergent |Amazon

Molly Suds Laundry Detergent |Amazon

Branch Basics Laundry Detergent |Website

Pyrex Food Storage |Website

Find more from Dr. Leah:

Dr. Leah Gordon |Instagram

Dr. Leah Gordon |Website

Womanhood Wellness |Website

Find more from Dr. Morgan:

Dr. Morgan MacDermott |Instagram

Dr. Morgan MacDermott |Website

Use code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 15% atRedmond

For 20% off your first order atNeeded, use code HEALTHYMOTHER

Save $260 atLumebox, 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.

Why do some women who “do everything right” still struggle to get pregnant?

There are five hidden fertility factors most doctors never mention, things like infections you can’t feel but quietly sabotage your chances, how your immune system might be attacking instead of protecting, and what your nervous system has to do with conception.

This episode is not another checklist of supplements or labs. It’s a deeper look at what your body’s really trying to tell you, and how to start listening.

You’ll Learn:



[00:00] Introduction

[02:31] The hidden infections silently impacting fertility and why your doctor might miss them

[08:04] How autoimmunity quietly disrupts conception and what to test for

[10:34] The surprising role of your nervous system in signaling whether it’s safe to get pregnant

[17:57] The feminine energy imbalance that blocks fertility

[20:42] How toxin overload and poor detox pathways create a hidden barrier to conception

[26:05] Where to find deeper support for uncovering your hidden fertility blocks

Resources Mentioned:

Vibrant Wellness – Environmental Toxins Test |Website

For a deeper dive, listen to our past episodes:

#22 Detoxing Before Pregnancy |SpotifyorApple

#112: Thriving with Hashimoto’s |SpotifyorApple

#99: Holistic Approaches to Fertility |SpotifyorApple

#97: Mold and Fertility with Dr. Leslie Black |SpotifyorApple

#66: How Feminism Has Influenced Our Modern Culture & Hormones |SpotifyorApple

#62: Gut Health, the Microbiome, and Fertility |SpotifyorApple

Find more from Dr. Leah:

Dr. Leah Gordon |Instagram

Dr. Leah Gordon |Website

Womanhood Wellness |Website

Find more from Dr. Morgan:

Dr. Morgan MacDermott |Instagram

Dr. Morgan MacDermott |Website

Use code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 15% atRedmond

For 20% off your first order atNeeded, use code HEALTHYMOTHER

Save $260 atLumebox, use code HEALTHYASAMOTHER

Have you ever pumped milk in an airport bathroom while your boss texted you about a meeting?

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Jaclyn Smeaton, a naturopathic doctor, past president of the AANP, speaker, author, and mom of five. She’s lived every version of the working-mom juggle, from returning to work at four weeks postpartum to running national organizations while nursing on red-eye flights.

We unpack what “going back to work” really looks like when you’re healing, pumping, leading, and trying not to lose yourself in the process. The sleep deprivation, the daycare colds, the guilt, the wins, and the systems that make it survivable. It’s raw, funny, and painfully real.



You’ll Learn:

[00:00] Introduction

[04:44] What going back to work at four weeks postpartum really feels like

[09:33] When breastfeeding becomes a mental and physical breaking point

[19:37] The reality of pumping and traveling while balancing leadership roles

[28:34] Simple ways to prep your baby’s immune system for daycare

[42:44] How an au pair can completely change family life and sanity

[48:49] The real cost of help versus trying to do it all alone

[53:41] Creating your village and finding real mom friendships

[58:38] The energetic shift between ambition and motherhood

[1:00:17] Why having it all never means doing it all at once

[1:04:52] What happens when motherhood and work collide

Resources Mentioned:

All supplements can be found throughFullscript(save 15%)

Electric flosser | Amazon

Learn more from Dr. Jaclyn on herwebsite. You can also follow her onLinkedIn.

Explore gentle, science-based cold & flu wellness tipsfrom Dr. Morgan

Find more from Dr. Leah:

Dr. Leah Gordon |Instagram

Dr. Leah Gordon |Website

Womanhood Wellness |Website

Find more from Dr. Morgan:

Dr. Morgan MacDermott |Instagram

Dr. Morgan MacDermott |Website

Use code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 15% atRedmond

For 20% off your first order atNeeded, use code HEALTHYMOTHER

Save $260 atLumebox, use code HEALTHYASAMOTHER

Dealing with mastitis? Get Dr.Morgan’s comprehensive Mastitis Manualhere, and learn all about how to tell which type of mastitis you have, if you need antibiotics or not, and how to treat it naturally!

Why does weaning sometimes feel like puberty all over again?

Whatreallyhappens to your body and mind when breastfeeding ends? From mood swings and night sweats to shifts in libido and energy, the postpartum experience doesn’t stop once your baby’s done nursing. Hormones recalibrate, neurotransmitters change, and sometimes it all hits harder than you expect.

In this episode, we get into why some women glide through weaning while others feel like they’ve been knocked sideways, as well as what that “mini puberty” moment actually means for your physiology and emotions. It’s a mix of real talk, biology, and the reassurance you wish you’d heard sooner.

You’ll Learn:

[00:00] Introduction

[06:53] Why breastfeeding protects against postpartum depression

[09:00] The surprising physical changes after weaning

[12:55] The truth about when it’s biologically normal to night wean

[15:33] How weaning can feel like puberty and what mood swings really mean

[17:06] Why low progesterone after weaning can lead to early miscarriages

[18:03] What to know about fertility, ovulation, and contraception while weaning

[22:40] How weaning affects your thyroid, adrenals, and overall energy

Resources Mentioned:

Milk Medicine Pregnancy Course |Website

Related Healthy as a Mother Podcast Episodes:

All About Weaning: Philosophy, How To, and Factors to Consider |SpotifyorApple

Breastfeeding and Trying To Conceive |SpotifyorApple

Mastitis and Clogged Ducts: What TO Do and What NOT To Do |SpotifyorApple

Baby-Led Weaning with Thriving Foundations with Dr. Alyssa |SpotifyorApple

Find more from Dr. Leah:

Dr. Leah Gordon |Instagram

Dr. Leah Gordon |Website

Womanhood Wellness |Website

Find more from Dr. Morgan:

Dr. Morgan MacDermott |Instagram

Dr. Morgan MacDermott |Website

Use code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 15% atRedmond

For 20% off your first order atNeeded, use code HEALTHYMOTHER

Save $260 atLumebox, use code HEALTHYASAMOTHER

JoinWomanhood Wellnessto learn more about all of the things we discuss in this episode.

What if the world really was rigged in your favor, even when your fertility journey feels impossible?



In this episode, Dr.Leah sits down with her husband, Mike, to unpack their six-year journey through severe male factor infertility that eventually led them to IVF. Mike shares the raw truths and lessons he wishes every man knew before stepping into this process, from the mindset that kept him grounded to the habits and testing that changed everything.

They get real about the hardest moments, the difference between fighting and surrendering, and the mindset shift that made the impossible feel bearable. It’s not a how-to guide, it’s a story about meaning, surrender, and what it really takes to stay connected through the storm.

Because… sometimes the only way forward is trusting that even this is happeningforyou.

You’ll Learn:

[00:00] Introduction

[04:52] Why viewing life as “rigged in your favor” can shift infertility grief into gratitude

[08:03] The critical balance between fighting for answers and surrendering control

[09:39] Why avoiding testing keeps men stuck in ego instead of empowered

[12:38] How releasing judgment and embracing IVF with excitement changes the experience

[14:28] Everyday toxins that quietly damage testosterone and sperm quality

[20:28] The truth about EMFs and keeping phones in your pockets

[22:32] Which supplements and detox tools actually matter for men’s sperm health

[37:22] The difference between ejaculated and immature sperm can determine IVF success

[43:47] The important lesson their six-year journey revealed about finding meaning in struggle

Resources Mentioned:

Peter Sage Academy |Website

Needed – Men’s Fertility Line |Website

Good Clean Love Lubricants |Website

Coconu – Water-Based or Oil-Based Lubricant |Website

Yes – Organic Lubricant |Website

Find more from Dr. Leah:

Dr. Leah Gordon |Instagram

Dr. Leah Gordon |Website

Womanhood Wellness |Website

Find more from Dr. Morgan:

Dr. Morgan MacDermott |Instagram

Dr. Morgan MacDermott |Website

Use code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 15% atRedmond

For 20% off your first order atNeeded, use code HEALTHYMOTHER

Save $260 atLumebox, use code HEALTHYASAMOTHER

What if the skills that make breech and twin birth safe have been intentionally erased from modern medicine?

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Stuart Fischbein, an OB-GYN and longtime advocate for physiological birth. After nearly three decades in hospitals and over a decade attending home births alongside midwives, he’s become a leading voice in reteaching the lost art of vaginal breech and twin delivery. Together, we dig into how this knowledge disappeared, what replaced it, and why practitioners are no longer taught to trust birth.

Dr. Stuart exposes the ripple effects of fear, policy, and profit that shape today’s obstetric system. We look at the flawed studies that reshaped global practice, the quiet politics behind “standard of care,” and the consequences of replacing skill with surgery. There’s a reason breech birth became a lost language, and a growing movement to relearn it.

You’ll Learn:



[00:00] Introduction

[03:17] Why the medical system stripped doctors of individuality and decision-making power

[12:05] How one flawed study reshaped global birth practices overnight

[19:59] Who qualifies for vaginal breech birth

[31:33] When “hands off the breech” isn’t enough

[36:46] How doctors rationalize ignoring evidence that contradicts hospital policy

[40:52] The hidden conflicts of interest behind vaccine and medication recommendations

[56:36] Why hospitals prioritize liability and revenue over individualized, physiological care

[01:03:41] Rediscovering birth as a human experience

[01:08:25] When medicine loses its humanity

Resources Mentioned:

Fearless Pregnancy by Stuart Fischbein, Victoria Clayton, and Joyce Weckl |Book

Twin Home Birth by Fischbein, S. |Article

Breech Birth At Home by Fischbein, S. and Freeze, R. |Article

“Home Birth” With An Obstetrician by Fischbein, S. |Article

Term Breech Trial (2000) by Hannah, M. et al. |Article

Healthy as a Mother episode #135 on The Truth About Ultrasounds: Risks & Benefits |AppleorSpotify

Birthing Instincts Podcast |AppleorSpotify

Learn more from Dr. Stuart on hiswebsite. You can also follow him onInstagram,Facebook, andX.

Find more from Dr. Leah:

Dr. Leah Gordon |Instagram

Dr. Leah Gordon |Website

Womanhood Wellness |Website

Find more from Dr. Morgan:

Dr. Morgan MacDermott |Instagram

Dr. Morgan MacDermott |Website

Use code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 15% atRedmond

For 20% off your first order atNeeded, use code HEALTHYMOTHER

Save $260 atLumebox, use code HEALTHYASAMOTHER

​​Want to learn all of Dr. Morgan's expert advice on pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding, and postpartum? Get her lessonshere!

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 checks



Resources Mentioned:

Healthy as a Mother podcast episode on The Power of Progesterone: An Essential Fertility Hormone |AppleorSpotify

Find more from Dr. Leah:

Dr. Leah Gordon |Instagram

Dr. Leah Gordon |Website

Womanhood Wellness |Website

Find more from Dr. Morgan:

Dr. Morgan MacDermott |Instagram

Dr. Morgan MacDermott |Website

Use code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 15% atRedmond

For 20% off your first order atNeeded, use code HEALTHYMOTHER

Save $260 atLumebox, 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 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 middle

Resources Mentioned:

Healthy as a Mother podcast episode on How to Handle Sibling Fights with Ralphie Jacobs |AppleorSpotifyorYouTube

Find more from Dr. Leah:

Dr. Leah Gordon |Instagram

Dr. Leah Gordon |Website

Womanhood Wellness |Website

Find more from Dr. Morgan:

Dr. Morgan MacDermott |Instagram

Dr. Morgan MacDermott |Website

Use code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 15% atRedmond

For 20% off your first order atNeeded, use code HEALTHYMOTHER

Save $260 atLumebox, use code HEALTHYASAMOTHER

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.”

[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 reflex

Resources From This Episode:

Find more from Dr. Leah:

Dr. Leah Gordon |Instagram

Dr. Leah Gordon |Website

Womanhood Wellness |Website

Find more from Dr. Morgan:

Dr. Morgan MacDermott |Instagram

Dr. Morgan MacDermott |Website

Use code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 15% atRedmond

For 20% off your first order atNeeded, use code HEALTHYMOTHER

Save $260 atLumebox, use code HEALTHYASAMOTHER

What if the same hormone responsible for breastfeeding is also suppressing ovulation, lowering libido, and impacting your mood?

In this episode, we break down prolactin, a hormone produced by the pituitary gland that plays a critical role in fertility, reproductive health, and dopamine regulation.

While prolactin is essential for breastfeeding, elevated levels outside of pregnancy and postpartum can disrupt ovulation, reduce sexual desire, and interfere with overall hormone balance.

We explore the most common causes of high prolactin, including chronic stress, poor sleep, over-exercising, and certain medications. You’ll also learn how prolactin interacts with dopamine and why this connection matters for both fertility and mood.

Finally, we walk through natural ways to support healthy prolactin levels, including key nutrients like vitamin B6 and magnesium, along with simple lifestyle shifts that can help restore hormonal balance.

If you’re struggling with irregular cycles, low libido, or unexplained fertility challenges, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.

[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 balance

Resources From This Episode:

Find more from Dr. Leah:

Dr. Leah Gordon |Instagram

Dr. Leah Gordon |Website

Womanhood Wellness |Website

Find more from Dr. Morgan:

Dr. Morgan MacDermott |Instagram

Dr. Morgan MacDermott |Website

Use code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 15% atRedmond

For 20% off your first order atNeeded, use code HEALTHYMOTHER

Save $260 atLumebox, use code HEALTHYASAMOTHER

Got sick kids?Click hereto 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:

Timestamps:

[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 parenting

Join Ralphie for a LIVE webinar and learn scientifically proven strategies to decrease fighting in your home,Sibling Rivalry: What Helps and What Doesn't

Learn more from Ralphie on the Simply On Purposewebsite. You can also follow her onInstagram.

Find more from Dr. Leah:

Dr. Leah Gordon |Instagram

Dr. Leah Gordon |Website

Womanhood Wellness |Website

Find more from Dr. Morgan:

Dr. Morgan MacDermott |Instagram

Dr. Morgan MacDermott |Website

Use code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 15% atRedmond

For 20% off your first order atNeeded, use code HEALTHYMOTHER

Save $260 atLumebox, 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:

Timestamps:

[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 motherhood

Resources Mentioned:

Womanhood Wellness |Website

American Herbalists Guild |Website

The Mama Pathway |Website

Books by Dr. Aviva Romm |Website

Learn more from Dr. Aviva:

Dr. Aviva Romm |Website

Dr. Aviva Romm |Facebook

Dr. Aviva Romm |Instagram

Dr. Aviva Romm |LinkedIn

Dr. Aviva Romm |X

Dr. Aviva Romm |YouTube

On Health For Women Podcast |AppleorSpotify

Find more from Dr. Leah:

Dr. Leah Gordon |Instagram

Dr. Leah Gordon |Website

Womanhood Wellness |Website

Find more from Dr. Morgan:

Dr. Morgan MacDermott |Instagram

Dr. Morgan MacDermott |Website

Use code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 15% atRedmond

For 20% off your first order atNeeded, use code HEALTHYMOTHER

Save $260 atLumebox, 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:

Timestamps:

[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 labor

Resources Mentioned:

Episode 65: All About VBAC pt.1: Perspectives from an OB, Midwife, and Doula with Care Messer |SpotifyorApple

Birth Education Center |Website

Bucky Eye Mask |Amazon

The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk M.D. |BookorAudiobook

Men, Love & Birth by Mark Harris |BookorAudiobook

Labor Like A Goddess by Alexandria Moran and Lauren Mahana |Book

Birth Psychology |Website

Dr. Morgan’s First Birth |Video

Learn more about the Birth Education Care by visiting theirwebsite,YouTube channel, andFacebookpage.

Follow Care on Instagram,LinkedInand listen to her Podcast onAppleorSpotify.

Find more from Dr. Leah:

Dr. Leah Gordon |Instagram

Dr. Leah Gordon |Website

Womanhood Wellness |Website

Find more from Dr. Morgan:

Dr. Morgan MacDermott |Instagram

Dr. Morgan MacDermott |Website

Use code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 15% atRedmond

For 20% off your first order atNeeded, use code HEALTHYMOTHER

Save $260 atLumebox, 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:

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Watch the video episode on YouTube HERE!

Stay Connected With Us:

Healthy As A Mother: www.healthyasamother.com

Instagram: @healthyasamotherpodcast

Dr. Leah: www.womanhoodwellness.com

Instagram: @drleahgordon

Dr. Morgan: www.milkmedicine.com

Instagram: @morganmacdermott

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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. 

Find more from Dr. Leah:

Dr. Leah Gordon | Instagram

Dr. Leah Gordon |Website

Womanhood Wellness |Website

Find more from Dr. Morgan:

Dr. Morgan MacDermott |Instagram

Dr. Morgan MacDermott |Website

Use code HAAM and save 10% atFond

Use code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 15% atRedmond

For 20% off your first order atNeeded, use code HEALTHYMOTHER

Save $260 at Lumebox, use code HEALTHYASAMOTHER

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:

Find more from Dr. Leah:

Dr. Leah Gordon | Instagram

Dr. Leah Gordon | Website

Womanhood Wellness | Website

Find more from Dr. Morgan:

Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Instagram

Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Website

Use code HAAM and save 10% at Fond

Use code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 15% at Redmond

For 20% off your first order at Needed, use code HEALTHYMOTHER

Save $260 at Lumebox, use code HEALTHYASAMOTHER

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!

Find more from Dr. Leah:

Dr. Leah Gordon | Instagram

Dr. Leah Gordon |Website

Womanhood Wellness |Website

Find more from Dr. Morgan:

Dr. Morgan MacDermott |Instagram

Dr. Morgan MacDermott |Website

Use code HAAM and save 10% atFond

Use code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 15% atRedmond

For 20% off your first order atNeeded, use code HEALTHYMOTHER

Save $260 at Lumebox, use code HEALTHYASAMOTHER

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.

Find more from Dr. Leah:

Dr. Leah Gordon | Instagram

Dr. Leah Gordon | Website

Womanhood Wellness | Website

Find more from Dr. Morgan:

Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Instagram

Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Website

Use code HAAM and save 10% at Fond

Use code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 15% at Redmond

For 20% off your first order at Needed, use code HEALTHYMOTHER

Save $260 at Lumebox, use code HEALTHYASAMOTHER

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.

Resources From This Episode:

Find more from Dr. Leah:

Dr. Leah Gordon | Instagram

Dr. Leah Gordon | Website

Womanhood Wellness | Website

Find more from Dr. Morgan:

Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Instagram

Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Website

Use code HAAM and save 10% at Fond

Use code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 15% at Redmond

For 20% off your first order at Needed, use code HEALTHYMOTHER

Save $260 at Lumebox, use code HEALTHYASAMOTHER

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.

Resources From This Episode:

Find more from Dr. Leah:

Dr. Leah Gordon | Instagram

Dr. Leah Gordon | Website

Womanhood Wellness | Website

Find more from Dr. Morgan:

Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Instagram

Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Website

Use code HAAM and save 10% at Fond

Use code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 15% at Redmond

For 20% off your first order at Needed, use code HEALTHYMOTHER

Save $260 at Lumebox, use code HEALTHYASAMOTHER

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.

Find more from Dr. Leah:

Dr. Leah Gordon | Instagram

Dr. Leah Gordon | Website

Womanhood Wellness | Website

Find more from Dr. Morgan:

Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Instagram

Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Website

Use code HAAM and save 10% at Fond

Use code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 15% at Redmond

For 20% off your first order at Needed, use code HEALTHYMOTHER

Save $260 at Lumebox, use code HEALTHYASAMOTHER

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.

Resources From This Episode:

Find more from Dr. Leah:

Dr. Leah Gordon | Instagram

Dr. Leah Gordon | Website

Womanhood Wellness | Website

Find more from Dr. Morgan:

Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Instagram

Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Website

Use code HAAM and save 10% at Fond

Use code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 15% at Redmond

For 20% off your first order at Needed, use code HEALTHYMOTHER

Save $260 at Lumebox, use code HEALTHYASAMOTHER

How do we raise kids so they don't need therapy? Today, Dr. Leah interviews Sadie Ackerman of Finding Home Healing, all about how we heal our own trauma by working with the various parts of ourselves. This is the amazing work that we need, whether we want to conceive, become better parents, or feel better in our lives no matter what season we are in. This is the kind of work that has made all the difference for Dr. Leah along her own healing, fertility, and motherhood journey. Toward the end, Sadie walks us through a specific example about Dr. Leah's daughter, where she taught her how to show up differently so her daughter could potentially have a different experience leading to less dysregulation, and she's so grateful.

Resources From This Episode:

Find more from Dr. Leah:

Dr. Leah Gordon | Instagram

Dr. Leah Gordon | Website

Womanhood Wellness | Website

Find more from Dr. Morgan:

Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Instagram

Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Website

Use code HAAM and save 10% at Fond

Use code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 15% at Redmond

For 20% off your first order at Needed, use code HEALTHYMOTHER

Save $260 at Lumebox, use code HEALTHYASAMOTHER

Have you ever wondered how preeclampsia is handled by midwives? Or how you can prevent it from occurring in the first place? Today on the podcast, Dr. Morgan interviews Tiffany Alblinger, a homebirth midwife with Beautiful One Midwifery in San Diego, and we talk all about preeclampsia through a midwifery model of care lens. We discuss the basic things, like what it is, what the symptoms are, and how you might come to be diagnosed - but then we also talk about prevention from a holistic point of view - and what can be done if you'd had preeclampsia in a previous pregnancy and don't want to get it again. Tiffany explains how she uses a functional medicine approach to looking at a woman's whole diet and lifestyle to work at optimizing birth outcomes from before they even become pregnant, and then what she does to support them if the body is showing signs of tracking toward preeclampsia. It's a fascinating conversation, so let's jump in!

Resources From The Episode:

Find more from Dr. Leah:

Dr. Leah Gordon | Instagram

Dr. Leah Gordon | Website

Womanhood Wellness | Website

Find more from Dr. Morgan:

Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Instagram

Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Website

Use code HAAM and save 10% at Fond

Use code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 15% at Redmond

For 20% off your first order at Needed, use code HEALTHYMOTHER

Save $260 at Lumebox, use code HEALTHYASAMOTHER

What does it really mean if you are not getting your period?

In this episode, Dr. Leah sits down with her dear friend and colleague, Dr. Elly Michelle, to dive deep into hypothalamic amenorrhea, a condition where the body stops ovulating and menstruating due to stress, undernourishment, or imbalance.

We unpack the root causes of missing periods and explore the delicate balance between exercise, movement, and proper nourishment. You will learn how overtraining, undereating, and chronic stress can signal to the body that it is not safe to reproduce, ultimately impacting your hormones and fertility.

Dr. Elly shares her personal story of navigating disordered eating and the path to healing, offering both hope and practical insight for anyone struggling with similar challenges. We also discuss how reconnecting with your feminine side, slowing down, and supporting your body can play a powerful role in restoring your cycle.

Whether your goal is to regulate your hormones, recover your period, or prepare your body for pregnancy, this episode provides both education and encouragement. Healing is possible, and your body is capable of finding balance again with the right support.

Resources From This Episode:

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | YouTube

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | Instagram

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | TikTok

Healthy As A Mother Podcast | Merch Store

Find more from Dr. Leah:

Dr. Leah Gordon | Instagram

Dr. Leah Gordon | Website

Womanhood Wellness | Website

Find more from Dr. Morgan:

Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Instagram

Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Website

Use code HAAM and save 10% at Fond

Use code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 15% at Redmond

For 20% off your first order at Needed, use code HEALTHYMOTHER

Save $260 at Lumebox, use code HEALTHYASAMOTHER

Pregnancy loss is far more common than most people realize — affecting 1 in 4 pregnancies — yet so many women are left without real answers.

In this episode, we break down the 8 most common root causes of pregnancy loss, from hormonal imbalances and nutrient deficiencies to inflammation, egg and sperm quality, and more. This conversation goes beyond surface-level explanations to help you understand why loss can happen — and what may be overlooked in conventional care.

If you’ve experienced a pregnancy loss, are trying to conceive, or want to reduce your risk moving forward, this episode will give you a deeper, more comprehensive understanding of what’s happening in your body — and what you can do to support a healthy pregnancy.

Think of this as a masterclass in pregnancy loss — designed to empower you with both knowledge and next steps.

Resources From This Episode:

Find more from Dr. Leah:

Dr. Leah Gordon | Instagram

Dr. Leah Gordon | Website

Womanhood Wellness | Website

Find more from Dr. Morgan:

Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Instagram

Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Website

Use code HAAM and save 10% at Fond

Use code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 15% at Redmond

For 20% off your first order at Needed, use code HEALTHYMOTHER

Save $260 at Lumebox, use code HEALTHYASAMOTHER

Motherhood can be a deeply transformative experience — but for women with a history of sexual or reproductive trauma, it can also bring up unexpected and overwhelming triggers.

In this episode, Dr. Morgan sits down with perinatal mental health therapist Beth Warren to explore how past trauma can resurface during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. From subtle emotional responses to more obvious triggers, they unpack why this happens and how it can impact a woman’s experience of motherhood.

More importantly, this conversation offers a path forward. You’ll learn how to recognize trauma responses, advocate for your needs, and build a truly trauma-informed support team — so you can move through pregnancy and postpartum feeling safer, more supported, and more in control.

This is an important and often unspoken conversation — one that brings awareness, validation, and tools for healing.

Find more from Dr. Leah:

Dr. Leah Gordon | Instagram

Dr. Leah Gordon | Website

Womanhood Wellness | Website

Find more from Dr. Morgan:

Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Instagram

Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Website

Use code HAAM and save 10% at Fond

Use code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 15% at Redmond

For 20% off your first order at Needed, use code HEALTHYMOTHER

Save $260 at Lumebox, use code HEALTHYASAMOTHER

What does it actually mean to live in your truth — and why is it so hard to access?

In this episode, Dr. Leah sits down with poet, author, and coach Janne Robinson for a deeply personal conversation about truth — how we lose it, how we find it, and what it costs to live in alignment with it.

Janne shares her own journey of coming back to herself, and how that path led her to help others reconnect with their truth in a world that often pulls us away from it. Together, they explore the courage it takes to be honest with yourself, the layers that keep us disconnected, and what becomes possible when you start listening inward again.

This is an intimate, reflective conversation — one that invites you to slow down, get honest, and reconnect with what’s real for you.

Resources From This Episode:

Find more from Dr. Leah:

Dr. Leah Gordon | Instagram

Dr. Leah Gordon | Website

Womanhood Wellness | Website

Find more from Dr. Morgan:

Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Instagram

Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Website

Use code HAAM and save 10% at Fond

Use code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 15% at Redmond

For 20% off your first order at Needed, use code HEALTHYMOTHER

Save $260 at Lumebox, use code HEALTHYASAMOTHER

Trying to get pregnant while still breastfeeding can feel confusing — and often frustrating.

In this episode, we break down what’s actually happening in your body when you’re nursing and trying to conceive at the same time. From hormonal shifts to metabolic demands, breastfeeding creates a very different physiological environment than a typical fertile cycle — and understanding that difference is key.

We walk through how lactation impacts ovulation, what might be delaying your return to fertility, and what you can do to support your body if you’re hoping to grow your family while still nursing.

If you’ve been wondering why it’s taking longer to conceive while breastfeeding — or what you can do to improve your chances — this episode will give you a clear, grounded path forward.

Resources From This Episode:

Find more from Dr. Leah:

Dr. Leah Gordon | Instagram

Dr. Leah Gordon |Website

Womanhood Wellness |Website

Find more from Dr. Morgan:

Dr. Morgan MacDermott |Instagram

Dr. Morgan MacDermott |Website

Use code HAAM and save 10% atFond

Use code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 15% atRedmond

For 20% off your first order atNeeded, use code HEALTHYMOTHER

Save $260 at Lumebox, use code HEALTHYASAMOTHER