Healthy As A Mother
Dr. Morgan MacDermott & Dr. Leah Gordon
Healthy as a Mother, the podcast for becoming and being a mother, with your cohosts Dr. Leah Gordon and Dr. Morgan MacDermott, two naturopathic doctors who get it. Each week we teach you how to be the healthiest mother you can be - from fertility and preconception, to pregnancy and birth prep, through postpartum and throughout motherhood - empowering you with the natural health guidance and education you’re not getting elsewhere, so you can confidently navigate the broken system at large. The real, the raw, the un-talked about.
Episodes
Mentioned books
7 snips
Apr 23, 2025 • 1h 12min
Vaccine Dilemmas: Hesitancy, Studies, & Alternative Schedules with Dr. Joel Gator Warsh | #109
Dr. Joel Gator Warsh, an integrative medicine pediatrician and author, dives deep into the complex world of vaccinations. He discusses the rising vaccine hesitancy among parents, emphasizing the need for better communication and comprehensive safety studies. Dr. Warsh shares insights on alternative vaccination schedules, the risks of delaying shots, and the implications of the 1986 legislation on vaccine liability. The conversation advocates for a nuanced understanding of vaccinations, encouraging open dialogue and research to rebuild trust in vaccination practices.
Apr 16, 2025 • 1h 19min
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 went through physically and emotionally, and what she wishes more women knew. They also discuss potential contributing factors, what to watch for if something feels off, and how to advocate for yourself in moments that matter most.If you’re trying to conceive, currently pregnant, or simply want to be more informed about your body, this is an important and eye-opening conversation — one that could help you recognize the signs and take action sooner.Trigger warning: This episode includes discussion of pregnancy loss.Resources From This Episode:Sophia's podcast: Food, Freedom and FertilitySophia's WebsiteFollow Sophia on Instagram: @ttc.nutritionistHealthy As A Mother Episode #81: Your Cycle: Using the Fifth Vital Sign as Birth Control with Lisa Hendrickson-JackFind more from Dr. Leah:Dr. Leah Gordon | InstagramDr. Leah Gordon | WebsiteWomanhood Wellness | WebsiteFind more from Dr. Morgan:Dr. Morgan MacDermott | InstagramDr. Morgan MacDermott | WebsiteUse code HAAM and save 10% at FondUse code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 15% at RedmondFor 20% off your first order at Needed, use code HEALTHYMOTHERSave $260 at Lumebox, use code HEALTHYASAMOTHER
Apr 9, 2025 • 1h 19min
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 BookArianna's Podcast The Hum of Home: Spirit Baby Connection and Communication EpisodeHannah's Children: The Women Quietly Defying the Birth Dearth BookHannah’s Children: The Women Quietly Defying the Birth Dearth with Catherine Pakaluk Podcast EpisodeFind more from Dr. Leah:Dr. Leah Gordon | InstagramDr. Leah Gordon | WebsiteWomanhood Wellness | WebsiteFind more from Dr. Morgan:Dr. Morgan MacDermott | InstagramDr. Morgan MacDermott | WebsiteUse code HAAM and save 10% at FondUse code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 15% at RedmondFor 20% off your first order at Needed, use code HEALTHYMOTHERSave $260 at Lumebox, use code HEALTHYASAMOTHER
Apr 2, 2025 • 1h 6min
The Motherhood Shift: Embracing the Pain, Growth & Power | #106
Motherhood is often painted as something purely joyful — but the reality is far more complex.In this episode, we get honest about the real process of becoming a mother — the identity shift, the discomfort, the unraveling, and the transformation that can happen when we’re actually supported through it.Using two powerful frameworks to guide the conversation, we explore why the pain, challenge, and emotional intensity of motherhood aren’t signs that something is wrong — but often signs that something meaningful is happening. And how, without proper support, expectations, and cultural acknowledgment, that transformation can feel confusing, isolating, or even lost altogether.This is a deeper conversation about what motherhood asks of us — and what it could become if we allowed space for the full experience.Resources From This Episode:Watch the I Am Documentary hereCheck out @clairefagin on InstagramSee @Lbreggy's post about postpartumFind more from Dr. Leah:Dr. Leah Gordon | InstagramDr. Leah Gordon | WebsiteWomanhood Wellness | WebsiteFind more from Dr. Morgan:Dr. Morgan MacDermott | InstagramDr. Morgan MacDermott | WebsiteUse code HAAM and save 10% at FondUse code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 15% at RedmondFor 20% off your first order at Needed, use code HEALTHYMOTHERSave $260 at Lumebox, use code HEALTHYASAMOTHER
Mar 26, 2025 • 58min
Blending Ancient Wisdom & Modern Motherhood with Carson Meyer | #105
What if the way we approach birth and motherhood today is missing something essential?In this episode, we sit down with Carson Meyer — doula, nutritional consultant, founder of C & The Moon, and author of Growing Together — to explore a more grounded, intuitive, and holistic approach to pregnancy, birth, and early motherhood.Together, we unpack the tension between modern motherhood and our more ancestral ways of living — and what it looks like to blend the two. From reclaiming birth as a meaningful, transformative experience, to cultivating maternal intuition and questioning current systems of care, this conversation invites you to think differently about what support, health, and motherhood can truly look like.This is a reflective, perspective-shifting episode for any woman navigating pregnancy, birth, or the early stages of motherhood — and wondering if there’s another way.Resources From This Episode:Carson's new book: Growing Together: Doula Wisdom & Holistic Practices for Pregnancy, Birth & Early MotherhoodCarson's brand: C & The MoonCheck out Carson's website: www.carson-meyer.comFollow Carson on Instagram: @ccmeyerThe Continuum Concept: In Search Of Happiness Lost bookFind more from Dr. Leah:Dr. Leah Gordon | InstagramDr. Leah Gordon | WebsiteWomanhood Wellness | WebsiteFind more from Dr. Morgan:Dr. Morgan MacDermott | InstagramDr. Morgan MacDermott | WebsiteUse code HAAM and save 10% at FondUse code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 15% at RedmondFor 20% off your first order at Needed, use code HEALTHYMOTHERSave $260 at Lumebox, use code HEALTHYASAMOTHER
Mar 19, 2025 • 1h 15min
Boosting Egg Quality for IVF, Egg Freezing & Natural Conception | #104
If you’re going through IVF or considering egg freezing, one of the most important — and often overlooked — factors is egg quality.In this episode, we break down how to optimize egg quality before and during IVF, using both science-backed strategies and holistic approaches that go beyond conventional fertility care. From nutrition and lifestyle to key underlying factors that impact egg health, we cover what actually makes a difference when it comes to improving embryo quality and pregnancy outcomes.Whether you’re preparing for a retrieval, currently in the process, or trying to conceive naturally, this episode will help you understand how to better support your body during this critical window — so you can improve your chances of success.Resources From This Episode:Dr. Leah's Fertility FormulaDr. Leah's Optimize IVF mini-courseFind more from Dr. Leah:Dr. Leah Gordon | InstagramDr. Leah Gordon | WebsiteWomanhood Wellness | WebsiteFind more from Dr. Morgan:Dr. Morgan MacDermott | InstagramDr. Morgan MacDermott | WebsiteUse code HAAM and save 10% at FondUse code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 15% at RedmondFor 20% off your first order at Needed, use code HEALTHYMOTHERSave $260 at Lumebox, use code HEALTHYASAMOTHER
Mar 12, 2025 • 1h 9min
Bleeding in the First Trimester of Pregnancy | #103
Bleeding in early pregnancy can be one of the most alarming experiences — and it’s often unclear what’s normal and what isn’t.In this episode, we break down the most common causes of first trimester bleeding, helping you understand the difference between what may be benign and what could require immediate attention. From implantation bleeding and subchorionic hemorrhages to ectopic pregnancy, low progesterone, and early pregnancy loss, we walk through what each scenario can look like and what it might mean for you and your baby.If you’re currently experiencing bleeding — or want to be prepared with clear, grounded information — this episode will help you better understand what’s happening in your body and when to seek support.Resources From This Episode:Episode #31 - The Power of Progesterone: An Essential Fertility Hormone Episode #53 - Miscarriage Mystery Decoded with Dr. AumatmaEpisode #100 - Ok You're Pregnant - Now What?!Find more from Dr. Leah:Dr. Leah Gordon | InstagramDr. Leah Gordon | WebsiteWomanhood Wellness | WebsiteFind more from Dr. Morgan:Dr. Morgan MacDermott | InstagramDr. Morgan MacDermott | WebsiteUse code HAAM and save 10% at FondUse code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 15% at RedmondFor 20% off your first order at Needed, use code HEALTHYMOTHERSave $260 at Lumebox, use code HEALTHYASAMOTHER
Mar 5, 2025 • 42min
Father Led Sleep Training with Wes MacDermott | #102
If you are looking for a practical and partner-led approach to sleep training, this episode walks you through exactly what has worked for our family.Dr. Morgan and her husband Wes share how they have night weaned all of their babies and helped them sleep through the night using a simple and repeatable method. This is not an overly complicated system, but one that focuses on consistency, preparation, and teamwork between partners.They cover how to know when your baby is ready for sleep training, including situations where it may be better to wait. You will also learn how to prepare both yourself and your child for the transition, what to expect during the adjustment period, and how to handle common challenges along the way.Wes breaks down exactly what he does during the process, while Dr. Morgan shares how she manages milk supply and feeding considerations. This episode also includes real-life examples and lessons learned from using this method across multiple children.If you are trying to night wean or help your baby sleep through the night in a way that feels manageable and supportive, this episode will give you a clear starting point.Resources From This Episode:The Wonder Weeks AppHealthy As A Mother Episode #63: Role Changes and Expectations within Fatherhood with Wes MacDermottHealthy As A Mother Episode #92: Homebirth & Postpartum For Partners with Wes MacDermottFind more from Dr. Leah:Dr. Leah Gordon | InstagramDr. Leah Gordon | WebsiteWomanhood Wellness | WebsiteFind more from Dr. Morgan:Dr. Morgan MacDermott | InstagramDr. Morgan MacDermott | WebsiteUse code HAAM and save 10% at FondUse code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 15% at RedmondFor 20% off your first order at Needed, use code HEALTHYMOTHERSave $260 at Lumebox, use code HEALTHYASAMOTHER
Feb 26, 2025 • 1h 15min
Manifestation and Fertility with Brooke Carver | #101
In this special episode, we explore manifestation, spirituality, and the deeper beliefs that can shape your fertility journey, relationships, and life.Dr. Leah sits down with Brooke Carver to talk about manifesting partners, calling in your future children, and the role of intuition, spirit guides, and energy work along the path. They share personal stories from Dr. Leah’s infertility journey and how these practices helped her reconnect with hope, trust, and possibility.This conversation dives into topics like mediums, spirit babies, and manifestation techniques, while also offering a grounded perspective on how to apply these ideas in your own life. Whether you are trying to conceive, navigating uncertainty, or simply feeling called to something more, this episode invites you to explore what becomes possible when you align with your desires and trust your inner knowing.If you are curious about manifestation, spiritual healing, or how mindset and belief can influence your path, this episode will open up a new way of thinking.Resources From This Episode:Connect With Our Guest:Instagram: @loveherwildpodcastTikTok: @mrshappilyeverafterPodcast: Love Her Wild Find more from Dr. Leah:Dr. Leah Gordon | InstagramDr. Leah Gordon | WebsiteWomanhood Wellness | WebsiteFind more from Dr. Morgan:Dr. Morgan MacDermott | InstagramDr. Morgan MacDermott | WebsiteUse code HAAM and save 10% at FondUse code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 15% at RedmondFor 20% off your first order at Needed, use code HEALTHYMOTHERSave $260 at Lumebox, use code HEALTHYASAMOTHER
Feb 19, 2025 • 1h 10min
Ok You're Pregnant - Now What?! | #100
You just found out you’re pregnant. Now what?In this episode, we walk you through what to do first when you find out you are pregnant, so you can feel more confident and prepared from the very beginning. Whether you just saw a positive test or are hoping to conceive soon, this episode covers the most important early pregnancy steps.We explain how to calculate your due date based on ovulation, what to start doing right away to support a healthy pregnancy, and what habits or exposures you may want to avoid. We also share our favorite supplement recommendations, guidance on nutrition without unnecessary stress, and how to approach food choices with flexibility.You will also learn how to choose the right birth provider for your values and goals, along with other key decisions that can shape your pregnancy experience.If you are in early pregnancy or preparing for it, this episode will give you a clear and grounded starting point.Resources From This Episode:Dr. Morgan's Pregnancy CourseEBB Article: Due DatesHealthy As A Mother Episode #13: Baby Brain Support in Pregnancy with Dr Ari CalhounFind more from Dr. Leah:Dr. Leah Gordon | InstagramDr. Leah Gordon | WebsiteWomanhood Wellness | WebsiteFind more from Dr. Morgan:Dr. Morgan MacDermott | InstagramDr. Morgan MacDermott | WebsiteUse code HAAM and save 10% at FondUse code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 15% at RedmondFor 20% off your first order at Needed, use code HEALTHYMOTHERSave $260 at Lumebox, use code HEALTHYASAMOTHER


