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 “spirit babies” and family planning decisions to vasectomy reversal, postpartum mental health, and handling judgment from others. They also dive into the practical side of life with many kids — managing schedules, sleep, space, sibling dynamics, and the systems that keep it all running.
This is a raw, fascinating, and deeply human conversation about motherhood at scale — and the intentional choices behind creating a life that looks different from the norm.
Resources From This Episode:
- Follow Arianna on Instagram: @oh_thathippiemomwlotsofkids
- Spirit Babies by Walter Mackichen Book
- Arianna's Podcast The Hum of Home: Spirit Baby Connection and Communication Episode
- Hannah's Children: The Women Quietly Defying the Birth Dearth Book
- Hannah’s Children: The Women Quietly Defying the Birth Dearth with Catherine Pakaluk Podcast 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
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