Healthy As A Mother

Can you actually train your body for an easier and faster birth?In this episode, Dr. Morgan sits down with experienced doula Krisha Crosley of Train for Birth to explore how intentional movement and physical preparation can impact your labor and delivery experience.We break down why birth is an inherently physical and athletic event, and how modern lifestyles may be working against our bodies when it comes to labor. Krisha shares how the parents she has coached have experienced shorter and more efficient births, including an average first-time labor length of around 8 hours.You will learn how daily movement patterns, body alignment, and simple exercises can help prepare your body for birth, support your baby’s positioning, and potentially lead to a smoother and less complicated delivery.If you are pregnant or planning to be, and want to feel more confident and prepared for birth, this episode will give you a new way to think about training your body for the experience.Stay Connected With Our Guest:Find all of Krisha's offerings, here!Follow Krisha on InstagramFind 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

What should you actually be eating to improve your fertility?In this episode, we dive into the connection between nutrition and fertility with registered dietitian and bestselling author Lily Nichols. We break down what foods support both female and male fertility and why diet plays a much bigger role than most people realize.We also explore common misconceptions around popular dietary approaches, including where certain recommendations may fall short when it comes to optimizing fertility. Lily shares insights from her research and her work on Real Food for Fertility, offering practical guidance on how to nourish your body for conception.Whether you are trying to conceive now or planning for the future, this episode will help you understand how to use food as a powerful tool to support hormone balance, egg quality, sperm health, and overall reproductive health.Stay Connected With Our Guest:https://lilynicholsrdn.comhttps://realfoodforfertility.com/ Instagram: @lilynicholsrdnFind 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

Is a vaginal birth after cesarean actually possible and what does it really look like?In this episode, we share three powerful VBAC birth stories to give you a realistic and inspiring look at what is possible after a cesarean. Each story walks through the journey from the first birth experience to the preparation for a VBAC and the birth itself.You will hear three different paths, including a planned hospital VBAC, a home birth after cesarean, and a hospital VBAC that happened faster than expected. Each experience highlights different approaches, decisions, and outcomes so you can see a range of possibilities.We also discuss the importance of hearing positive birth stories and how they can shape your mindset and confidence as you prepare for your own birth.If you are considering a VBAC or simply want to understand your options after a cesarean, this episode will help you feel more informed, supported, and inspired.Resources from this episode:Join Dr. Morgan's ultimate motherhood prep course, the 6-Week Pregnancy CallThe Birthing Instincts PodcastThe VBAC Link PodcastIna May's Guide to Childbirth by Ina May GaskinBaby Got VBAC by Colleen NoonThe Expectful appFind 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

Is modern feminism helping or hurting women when it comes to health, hormones, and family life?In this episode, we dive into a nuanced conversation around feminism, culture, and the evolving roles of women in today’s world. We explore both the benefits and unintended consequences of modern feminist movements, including how they may be impacting women’s stress levels, burnout, fertility, and overall well-being.We also discuss the differences between masculine and feminine energy from both a biological and lifestyle perspective, and how these dynamics may influence relationships, family structure, and personal fulfillment.This episode is not about taking sides, but about opening up a deeper conversation around the complexities of modern womanhood and the cultural forces shaping it.If you are interested in women’s health, fertility trends, relationships, and the bigger picture of how culture impacts our lives, this episode will challenge you to think differently.Resources from this episode:Episode #63: Role Changes and Expectations within Fatherhood 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

How do you actually prepare for a successful VBAC and who should be on your birth team?In this episode, we kick off part one of a two-part VBAC series by bringing together three different birth professionals to share their perspectives on vaginal birth after cesarean. You will hear from an OBGYN, a homebirth midwife, and a doula, each offering unique insights into what it takes to prepare for a VBAC.We cover practical tips for planning your next birth, how to process previous birth experiences, and what to look for when choosing the right support team. This conversation goes beyond VBAC and offers valuable guidance for anyone preparing for birth who wants to feel more informed and empowered.If you are considering a VBAC or simply want to approach your next birth with more clarity and confidence, this episode will give you a strong foundation to start from.Resources From This Episode:From OBGYN, Dr. Capetanakis DO: Find more information about Dr. Cap at the Cap Wellness CenterFrom midwife, Julianne Robinson LM, CPM: Take her online homebirth birth classVBAC statistics mentioned: https://www.ajog.org/article/S0002-9378(22)00840-7/fulltext & https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db359-h.pdfFrom doula, Care Messer: Learn about Care's online Hypnobirthing classes at the Birth Education CenterTake her FREE course on How to Prevent an Unnecessary CesareanDoula Traci to talk about advocacy for birth workersPerinatal birth psychology with Anna VerwaalAPPPAH Live Training on "What's Missing In Childbirth Education?"From Dr. Morgan: Learn more about the 6-Week Pregnancy CallStay Connected With Our Guests:Dr. Capetanakis DO, OBGYN: Website: https://drcapetanakis.com/Instagram: @drcapetanakisJulianne Robinson LM, CPM - Midwife: Websites: https://www.pangaeamidwifery.com/ & https://www.hellohomebirth.com/Instagram: @pangaeamidwifery & @tales.of.a.midwifeCare Messer, Doula: Website: https://www.birtheducationcenter.com/Instagram: @birtheducationcenterFind 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

Could your thyroid be affecting your fertility without you even realizing it?In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Hanisha Patel to break down the critical role the thyroid plays in both female and male fertility. We explore how low thyroid function can impact your ability to conceive, the connection between thyroid health and conditions like PCOS and endometriosis, and why this piece is often overlooked.You will learn how to properly test your thyroid, what markers actually matter, and how to identify potential autoimmune causes such as Hashimoto’s. We also discuss how stress directly affects thyroid function and what you can do to support your body naturally.If you are trying to conceive or want to better understand your hormone health, this episode will give you a clear, actionable starting point to evaluate and support your thyroid.Stay Connected With Our Guest:Dr. Hanisha Patel: https://mahanhealth.com/Instagram: @holistichanishaTikTok: @holistichanishaResources from this episode:Dr. Hanisha's It Takes Two: Ultimate Fertility ProgramDr. Hanisha's Mahan MembershipFind 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

Wes MacDermott, father of four, shares insights on fatherhood, gender roles, and communication in parenthood. He emphasizes the importance of dads being actively involved in child-rearing, managing expectations, and adapting to shifts in parenting styles. The discussion highlights the challenges and rewards of expanding a family, self-improvement, setting goals, and parenting as a team.

Could your gut health be affecting your fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum recovery?In this episode, Dr. Leah sits down with naturopathic physician Dr. Kelsey Stang to explore the powerful connection between gut health, the microbiome, and reproductive health.We break down how the gut influences hormones, immune function, and inflammation, all of which play a critical role in your ability to conceive, stay pregnant, and support a healthy baby. You will learn what aspects of gut health matter most before pregnancy, how the microbiome impacts each stage of motherhood, and what you can do to support your gut naturally.This conversation covers practical strategies for optimizing gut health before conception, maintaining balance during pregnancy, and supporting recovery in the postpartum period.If you are trying to conceive or want to take a root-cause approach to your health, this episode will help you understand why gut health is one of the most important places to start.Stay Connected With Our Guest:Dr. Kelsey Stang: www.drkelseystang.com@drkelseystangDr. Kelsey's Free Functional Fertility ChecklistDr. Kelsey's Community Facebook group 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

Not sure how to start feeding your baby solids or where to begin with baby-led weaning?In this episode, Dr. Morgan sits down with Dr. Alyssa, founder of Thriving Foundations, to break down a simple and holistic approach to introducing solids. We cover when to start solids, how to safely prepare foods, and what some of the best first foods are for your baby.We also dive into one of the biggest concerns for parents, how to introduce allergens and how to tell the difference between a true food allergy and a food intolerance.This episode will help you feel more confident and prepared as you begin this new stage with your baby, giving you practical tools and guidance to support their nutrition and development.If you want a clear, realistic approach to baby-led weaning and starting solids, this episode is a great place to start.Resources from this episode:Use code HEALTHYMOTHER for 30% off all of Dr. Alyssa's courses!Holistic Baby-Led Weaning® courseHolistic Baby-Led Weaning FREE guideFirst Four Months of BLW guide (meal plan & recipes)Get on the waitlist for Dr. Morgan's next 6-Week Pregnancy Call HEREConnect with our guest, Dr. Alyssa:Instagram: @thrivingfoundationsWebstie: www.thrivingfoundations.orgFind 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

What do you do when motherhood feels overwhelming or just really hard?In this episode, we share the personal tools and mindset shifts that have helped us navigate some of the most challenging seasons of motherhood, from infertility to pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and raising our children.We each break down our top three strategies for getting through difficult moments, including how we process emotions, stay grounded, and move forward when things do not go as planned.This is a raw and honest conversation designed to remind you that you are not alone in the hard seasons and that there are ways to move through them with more clarity and resilience.If you are navigating a challenging chapter right now, this episode will offer both comfort and practical support.Resources from this episode:Dr. Morgan's Postpartum Planning for Partners Free GuidePractitioners to support emotional struggles, trauma, the nervous system, and beliefs:Elizabeth KingSadie AckermanTammera Logan Jennifer JacksonFind 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