Healthy As A Mother
Healthy As A Mother is a podcast for becoming and being a mother, hosted by Dr. Leah Gordon and Dr. Morgan MacDermott, two naturopathic doctors passionate about helping women navigate fertility, pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and motherhood through a natural health lens. Each week, they share conversations and education designed to help you become the healthiest mother possible through evidence-based and holistic approaches to wellness. From preconception and pregnancy preparation to postpartum recovery and motherhood, they cover topics many women are not hearing elsewhere.
Episodes
Miscarriage: What No One Tells You About Loss, Recovery & Trying Again | #186
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
How to Protect Your Kids From Predators & Grooming: A Survivor's Guide for Parents with Mandi Pagliarini | #185
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 abo
Women’s Health Labs Your Doctor Isn’t Running but Should Be | #184
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 he
Eczema in Babies & Kids: Gut, Food, Mold & More with Abbie Bradford | #183
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 ecze
Birth Control & the War on Female Biology: How We Learned to Suppress the Menstrual Cycle | #182
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 per
ADHD in Motherhood: How Hormones, Pregnancy & Postpartum Affect Your Brain with Dr. Carrie McMillin | #181
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 prog
Are IVF Babies Less Healthy? What the Research Really Shows | #180
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 t
Dr. Morgan's Fifth Home Birth Story | #179
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
Trying to Conceive Is Affecting Your Relationship? How to Stay Connected Through Fertility Struggles | #178
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 avo
Raising 6 Kids, Running a Business & Staying Nourished | Alysa Seeland of FOND Regenerative | #177
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 conver
What Every Female Founder Needs to Know Before Getting Pregnant with Natalie Samson | #176
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 mot
Hyperemesis Gravidarum 101: Why Severe Pregnancy Sickness Can Become Life-Threatening | #175
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, a
Mini IVF vs Traditional IVF: A Personalized Fertility Approach with Dr. Lyndon Chang | #174
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,
Baby Registry Supplies: What's in My Postpartum Cart | #173
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
The Hidden Signs of Endometriosis: Infertility, Painful Periods & What Actually Helps with Cindy Dabrowska | #172
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 discu
Hospital Transfer During Birth: Why It Happens, What to Expect & How to Stay Empowered | #171
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
Low Progesterone & Fertility: Luteal Phase Defects, Miscarriage Risk + Natural Hormone Support with Sophia Pavia | #170
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 wit
Home Birth 101, Part 2: Midwives, Transfers, Cost, Prep + What Actually Happens During a Home Birth | #169
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
Home Birth 101, Part 1: Is Home Birth Safe? Research, Risks, Myths + Who It’s For | #168
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,
Pregnancy, Purpose & Unexpected Challenges | #167
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 sha
Trying to Conceive After a C-Section: Scar Tissue, VBACs, Fertility & Healing | #166
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
Tongue Ties in Babies: Is Your Baby Just Tight or Truly Tied? with Lynnelle King | #165
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 bre
Women’s Hormones, Feminine Power & Nervous System Healing with Samantha Hadadi | #164
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
Birth Mindset for Unmedicated Birth: Practical Tips & What Actually Matters | #163
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 ov
Detoxing Before Pregnancy: What Actually Matters (and What Doesn’t) | #162
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 “detox
Boundaries in Motherhood: Why You Feel Controlled (and How to Take Your Power Back) | #161
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 bou
The Future of IVF Embryo Testing (and What Rhino Babies Reveal About Fertility) with Cara Wells, PhD | #160
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. Le
A Better Way to Understand Mental & Emotional Patterns in You and Your Kids with Dr. Steve Rondeau | #159
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
Epidurals: What They Don’t Tell You (Risks, Myths & When You Actually Need One) | #158
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 wome
Trying to Get Pregnant After Pregnancy Loss? Here’s What No One Tells You | #157
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 c
Newborn Interventions Every Mom Should Understand Before Birth | #156
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 t
The Truth About Motherhood Right Now: Sleep Deprivation, Overwhelm & Finding Routine Again | #155
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
Your Cycle Report Card: Symptom Clues That Reveal Your Hormones & Fertility | #154
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”, thi
Pregnancy Over 40: Real Risks, Benefits & What No One Explains About Having Babies Later | #153
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 pre
Fertility Over 40: What Actually Matters (And How to Optimize Your Chances) | #152
Part 1 of a 2-Part Series: Fertility Over 40Fertility 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 infl
When Sex Hurts: The Root Causes No One Talks About | #151
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
Everything You Were Never Taught About the Placenta (And Why It Matters So Much) | #150
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
Why Modern Motherhood Feels So Hard: The Human Animal in Captivity | #149
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 em
How Our Culture & Systems Failed Women Who Want to Be Mothers | #148
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 wom
A Real Life Update: Pregnancy, Motherhood Seasons & What’s Changing for Us | #147
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 pre
5 Things That Ruin Breastfeeding (And Why No One Prepares Mothers for This) | #146
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 slee
Coming Off Birth Control: What Your Body Needs Before Pregnancy | #145
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
The Hidden Emotional Toll of Infertility with Dr. Andrea Liner | #144
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 specialize
Supplements in Pregnancy: What You SHOULD and SHOULD NOT Take | #143
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 pregnancy class!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
Why Salt Is More Important Than You Think with Darryl Bosshardt | #142
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 ab
7 Everyday Things That Are Actually Bad for Your Hormones & Fertility - And What to Use Instead | #141
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’r
You’ll Never Conceive Until You Do This (The Top Fertility Killers) |#140
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 immu
How to Transition Back to Work After Having a Baby with Dr. Jaclyn Smeaton ND | #139
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.W
Everything You Need to Know About Post-Weaning Hormones in 30 Minutes | #138
Dealing with mastitis? Get Dr.Morgan’s comprehensive Mastitis Manual here, 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?What really happens to your body and mind when breastfeeding ends? From mood swings and night sweats to shifts in libido and energy, the
Things We Wish We Knew Before IVF About Infertility With Dr. Leah’s Husband, Mike Gordon | #137
Join Womanhood Wellness to 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
How Breech Birth Exposes Hospital Dysfunction with Dr. Stuart Fischbein MD | #136
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 tw
The Truth About Ultrasounds: Risks & Benefits | #135
Want to learn all of Dr. Morgan's expert advice on pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding, and postpartum? Get her lessons here! Ultrasounds can save babies… and harm them.In this episode, we break down the real risks, the imperfect tech, and the benefits so you can choose with nuance. We don’t take an all-or-nothing stance; We look at where this tool helps and where it doesn’t, and name the common pre
How to Find the Right Balance in Fertility, Parenting & Beauty Treatments | #134
Womanhood Wellness is where functional medicine meets feminine wisdom—guiding you to balance hormones, awaken libido, and prepare for pregnancy with intention. Join todayWhat if chasing health and beauty ends up making us sick, anxious, and disconnected?This episode is all about choosing joy instead of fear and questioning the pressure to do everything “right,” from Botox to seed oils. That lens a
Understanding & Fixing The Root Cause of Low Milk Supply with Lynnelle King | #133
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 noth
Prolactin: The Hormone You Didn't Know You Needed to Check | #132
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
How to Handle Sibling Fights with Ralphie Jacobs | #131
Got sick kids? Click here to learn all our favorite natural remedies for children from newborn through to big kids!What if sibling rivalry isn’t something to fix, but something kids actually need?In this episode, we sit down with Ralphie Jacobs, founder of Simply On Purpose. She’s a mom of four, holds a degree in early childhood education, and has spent years turning her curiosity about child deve
Fertility, Birth & Motherhood: Expectation vs. Reality with Dr. Aviva Romm, MD | #130
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
Everything You Need to Know About Hospital Birth with Care Messer | #129
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 an
The Secret Fertility Factor No One Talks About: Your Uterine Microbiome with Jaclyn Smeaton | #128
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 y
Morning Sickness: Root Causes + Treatment | #127
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
Abortion: Nuance + Challenge with Dr. Nathan Riley OBGYN | #126
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
Season 9 Life Updates From Dr. Morgan and Dr. Leah | #125
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
Don't Make This Hormone Mistake Before Pregnancy! | #124
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.
Twin Mom Life: Real Talk + Practical Tips from Allegra Gast of Aloha Nutrition | #123
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
Is Your Prenatal Enough? The Truth About Women's Nutrient Needs with Julie Sawaya & Ryan Woodbury | #122
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 pr
Pregnancy + Homebirth with Type 1 Diabetes with Dr. Gina Cummins | #121
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 th
The Lowdown on Laryngomalacia | #120
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
Raising Kids So They Don't Need Therapy with Sadie Ackerman | #119
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
All About Preeclampsia, with Tiffany from Beautiful One Midwifery | #118
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 h
Fueled and Feminine: How to Get Your Period Back with Dr. Elly Michelle | #117
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, move
8 Root Causes of Pregnancy Loss | #116
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
Birth Considerations + Prep for Sexual Trauma Survivors with Beth Warren LCSW | #115
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 trigg
Truth is Your Medicine with Janne Robinson | #114
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 wi
Breastfeeding and Trying To Conceive | #113
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 k
Thriving with Hashimoto’s: Gut Healing & Autoimmunity with Alison Marras | #112
If you’ve been dealing with symptoms like fatigue, hormone imbalances, or feeling “off” in your body — especially alongside Hashimoto’s or other autoimmune conditions — this episode is for you.Today, Dr. Leah sits down with Alison Marras to explore a different approach to healing — one that doesn’t rely on extreme restriction, but instead focuses on nourishing the body, healing the gut, and regula
Top 5 Reasons For Colic in Babies with Dr. Elana Roumell | #111
If you’re dealing with a colicky baby or worried you might be, this episode is here to help you understand what could actually be going on.Dr. Morgan sits down with pediatric naturopathic doctor Dr. Elana Roumell to break down the top 5 root causes of infant colic and what you can do about them. Instead of viewing colic as something random or untreatable, this conversation explores the underlying
Season 8 Life Updates | #110
We’re back with Season 8 of Healthy As A Mother — and we’re kicking things off with a real, unfiltered look at life right now.In this episode, Dr. Leah shares what postpartum has actually been like nearly five months in with baby number two — from navigating the emotional and physical recovery to balancing work, motherhood, and everything in between. It’s honest, messy, and probably more relatable
Vaccine Dilemmas: Hesitancy, Studies, & Alternative Schedules with Dr. Joel Gator Warsh | #109
Vaccines are one of the most talked-about, and often polarizing, topics in modern medicine. But what happens when we step outside of black-and-white thinking and make space for a more nuanced conversation?In this episode, Dr. Morgan sits down with integrative pediatrician Dr. Joel “Gator” Warsh to explore the growing conversation around vaccines, parental decision-making, and the challenges of nav
Surviving a Ruptured Ectopic Pregnancy with Sophia Pavia | #108
Ectopic pregnancy is something many women don’t fully understand — until they’re faced with it.In this episode, Dr. Leah sits down with Sophia Pavia, The TTC Nutritionist, to share her deeply personal and recent experience with a ruptured ectopic pregnancy — a life-threatening condition that often comes as a complete shock.Sophia walks us through the early signs, the unexpected diagnosis, what she
Raising a Big Family: Logistics, Judgment & Joy with Arianna Alloway | #107
What does life actually look like with nine kids — and how do you make it work?In this episode, Dr. Morgan sits down with Arianna Alloway (“Oh That Hippie Mom”) to explore the realities of building a big family — from the emotional and spiritual decisions behind having more children, to the very real logistics of making daily life function.Arianna shares her experience navigating everything from “
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