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.

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Top 10 Healthy As A Mother Episodes

Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Healthy As A Mother episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Healthy As A Mother for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Healthy As A Mother episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

#36: All About Cesareans: Prevention, Planning, and Healing

Healthy As A Mother

10/01/23 • 74 min

In this episode, we tease out the many reasons for cesarean birth versus vaginal birth - some warranted and some the cause of an impatient modern medical system. We walk you through how to prepare for a cesarean if you know you are having one, and some tips for the quick moments before a potentially unplanned cesarean as well. Dr. Leah shares her unique perspective on her homebirth turned cesarean, and how a frameshift helped her find moments of peace in the OR. We discuss our top tips for thorough healing and recovery, with many practical tips and resources sprinkled throughout. We hope you find value in this episode, whether it's for your preparation or your emotional and physical healing afterwards. Let's dive in.

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Birth Documentary: The Business of Being Born
Breech information via Dr. Stuart Fischbein http://www.birthinginstincts.com/breech-birth-information
Breech Documentary: Heads Up
Evidence Based Birth article on “big babies” https://evidencebasedbirth.com/evidence-for-induction-or-c-section-for-big-baby/
Dr. Leah’s Birth Story episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/20-home-birth-turned-c-section-dr-leahs-birth-story/id1663942916?i=1000613406262
Magnesium types mentioned: Triple Mag by Vital Nutrients, Calm Powder by Natural Vitality
Homeopathics for symptom management mentioned: Arnica montana 30C, Aconitum nappellus 30C, Ignatia amara 30C, Bellis perennis 30C, Carbo veg 30C
Evivo probiotics great for cesarean born babies https://www.evivo.com/
Klaire Labs ABX Support for post-antibiotic usage for mom
Reverse pressure softening for engorgement: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJYZrAG6cRA
VBAC resources:

Mental emotional processing / birth trauma resources

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

#32: The Vital Importance of Baby's Position During Birth with Ann Gilligan, RN, LNC, RYPT

Healthy As A Mother

08/30/23 • 72 min

Calling all preggos! You are not going to want to miss this. In this week's episode, I talk with the incredible Ann Gilligan, Labor and Delivery Nurse and creator of Gilligan's Guide, which teaches pregnant women and providers specific maternal positioning in order to optimize the baby's position for a smooth vaginal birth. There was so much in this episode that I was absolute lit up by and I am SO excited about this information. I highly recommend looking into working with Ann and looking into taking her course if you're wanting to learn more - because I TRULY feel that this is the type of revolutionary information that we will see widely spread amongst ALL birth professionals in due time. Sit back and have a listen, you are going to learn a LOT.

LEARN ABOUT GILLIGAN'S GUIDE:

Learn more and work with Ann by following Ann @gilligansguide on Instagram and exploring her website at https://www.gilligansguide.com/

DOCTOR'S WEBSITES:

Dr. Leah’s website: www.womanhoodwellness.com

Dr. Leah's IG: https://www.instagram.com/drleahgordon/

Dr. Morgan’s website: www.milkmedicine.com

Dr. Morgan's IG: https://www.instagram.com/morganmacdermott/

#53: Miscarriage Mystery Decoded with Dr. Aumatma

Healthy As A Mother

03/13/24 • 56 min

Today we are talking all about miscarriages with Dr. Aumatma Simmons, naturopathic doctor and endocrinologist. We discuss what the root causes of pregnancy loss are, some of which may surprise you! We also touch on what the timing of the loss may indicate, the role hormones play, what to do after a loss, and how to support someone going through one. This is a much-anticipated episode on a topic that is under-talked about, especially in the way Dr. Aumatma shares. Let's dive in!

How to stay connected with our guest Dr. Aumatma:

Instagram: @holisticfertilitydoctor

TikTok: @holisticfertilitydoctor

Facebook: @DrAumatmaND

YouTube: @HolisticFertilityExpert

LinkedIn: @Aushah

This episode is sponsored by Needed >> Click here to see Needed Supplements, use code HEALTHYMOTHER to save 20% off your first order.
Get Dr. Leah's Pregnancy Loss Guide >> visit www.womanhoodwellness.com/loss

Stay Connected With Us:

Dr. Leah: www.womanhoodwellness.com

Instagram: @drleahgordon

TikTok: @drleahgordon

Dr. Morgan: www.milkmedicine.com

Instagram: @morganmacdermott

Disclaimer: Please remember that the ideas and views of this podcast are for informational purposes only and are not intended to serve as a substitute for medical care of any kind, including the diagnoses or treatment of any illness or disease. Consult with your provider before integrating this information into your unique health plan.

#44: TTC During the Holidays: Health Tips

Healthy As A Mother

11/29/23 • 54 min

Today's episode is packed full of health tips for navigating the holidays when you are trying to conceive! The holidays often bring many events and circumstances that aren't always in alignment with optimal health and fertility, such as drinking alcohol, over-indulging on desserts and treats, traveling, being stressed, and navigating toxin exposures while traveling or staying at other people's homes, just to name a few. Today I interviewed Sadie Ackerman, an integrative mental health consultant, and we discussed how to make better choices while still enjoying yourself, how to navigate choosing different behaviors than you have in the past, and how to have difficult conversations if they are necessary. This episode really applies to all of us as we move into the holiday season, however, if you dream of having a baby soon or someday, this is especially important. Let's dive right in!

Our Guest:

Sadie Ackerman

Sadie is an integrative mental health consultant who specializes in integrative psychology and emotional well-being to help highly sensitive women navigate their sensitivities, family and romantic relationships, career, trauma, and mood disorders. She is especially gifted at teaching others emotional intelligence, communication, and healthy relationship tools.

www.thesavvysensitive.com

@thesavvysensitive on TikTok and Instagram

Other Resources:

Needed's Immune Support- HERE - Use code HEALTHYMOTHER to save 20% off your first order!

CLICK HERE to get access to the Womanhood Wellness Hormone & Fertility Holiday Gift Guide!

CLICK HERE for fertility support with The Fertility Formula!

Dr. Leah's Instagram and TikTok

Dr. Morgan's Instagram

#38: Homeopathy During Birth and Postpartum: Top 8 Remedies with Jill Giesinger from HerHomeopathy

Healthy As A Mother

10/11/23 • 57 min

This week we reap the expert advice of guest Jill Geesinger, certified professional homeopath specializing in the world of pregnancy, postpartum, and motherhood. She teaches us the top 5 remedies she recommends to have on hand during birth to ensure things progress smoothly and appropriately, and her top 3 remedies for a solid postpartum recovery. We discuss how homeopathics work, who can take them and when and how, proper storage, and ways to know they're working well. Homeopathy is a gentle, supportive, effective, and safe way to support your entire motherhood experience, so let's go ahead and start learning!

SHOW NOTES:

More on how to reach and learn from Jill:

https://herhomeopathy.ca/

https://www.instagram.com/herhomeopathy

Order Prenatal Supplements from Needed and save 20% using code HealthyMother!

The remedies mentioned for birth:

Arnica montana 200C
Caulophyllum thalictroides 200C
Gelsemium sempervirens 200C
Aconitum napellus / Aconite 200C
Kali carbonicum 200C

Cell salts mentioned: Magnesia phosphorica 6X and Kali phosphoricum 6X

The remedies mentioned for postpartum:

Belladonna 30C or 200C
Bryonia 30C or 200C
Phytolacca decandra 30C or 200C

Dr. Elana Roumell's Birth Story using homeopathy throughout: https://medschoolformoms.com/podcast/homeopathy-pregnancy-labor-postpartum-gabrielle-traub/

Morning sickness homeopathic remedies and naturopathic principles post Jill and Dr. Morgan created together: https://www.instagram.com/morganmacdermott/?img_index=1

#31: The Power of Progesterone: An Essential Fertility Hormone

Healthy As A Mother

08/25/23 • 89 min

What do PMS, anxiety, sleep issues, and miscarriages all have in common? Low progesterone may be playing a role in any of these. In today's episode we unpack everything you need to know about progesterone. We talk about the important role it plays in hormone balance, fertility and conception, and maintaining a pregnancy. We discuss why it may be low, how to tell if you are, how to test for it, and what to do to increase it naturally . We dive into supplementing with progesterone and we answer all of the questions our listeners asked about this incredible hormone. I think you are going to love this one!

Resources Mentioned

Detoxing Before Pregnancy - Podcast Episode

Low-Tox Product Recommendations from Dr. Leah

EWG.org to look up non-toxic products

Testing Options for Progesterone

Free Lab Testing Optimal Lab Ranges Guide from Dr. Leah

Proov at home test

Order yourself blood test at Ulta Labs

Urinary DUTCH or Blood Comprehensive Fertility Panel at Womanhood Wellness

Courses Mentioned

Fertility Formula Steps - Mini Courses by Dr. Leah

Supplements Mentioned

Curcumin supplement

Biphasic tinctures: Phytoest and Phytoprogest

The Doctor's Links

DOCTOR'S WEBSITES:

Dr. Leah’s website: www.womanhoodwellness.com

Dr. Leah's IG: https://www.instagram.com/drleahgordon/

Dr. Morgan’s website: www.milkmedicine.com

Dr. Morgan's IG: https://www.instagram.com/morganmacdermott/

#09: Body Image from Womanhood to Motherhood with Dr. Cerra Kelly

Healthy As A Mother

02/15/23 • 26 min

We’re talking all things body image in pregnancy and postpartum this week, with special guest, Dr. Cerra Kelly naturopathic doctor and women’s reproductive health expert. The body changes that come with building and raising children are largely un talked about and almost considered taboo. There’s immense pressure to “snap back” to your old body, one without any marks or signs of life. We’re here to destroy that notion, and deeply discuss the work that many women must go through to find body neutrality and self love after making babies. For those with history of disordered eating, these changes can be incredibly overwhelming, and Dr. Cerra guides us through how she talks with patients to emphasize the importance of eating more to become fertile, how the weight gain is protective of breastmilk supplies, and how she leads women through re-parenting exercises to heal the hurt inner child aspect of themselves where body awareness and image issues began to take hold in their lives. The goal is to find radical self love for the amazing work our bodies are doing to build a family and bring forth life.

DOCTOR'S WEBSITES

Dr. Cerra Kelly's website: https://www.windandseawellness.com/contact

Dr. Cerra Kelly's IG: https://www.instagram.com/the.mindful.doctor/

Dr. Morgan’s website: www.milkmedicine.com

Dr. Morgan's IG: https://www.instagram.com/morganmacdermott/

Dr. Leah’s website: www.womanhoodwellness.com

Dr. Leah's IG: https://www.instagram.com/drleahgordon/

RESOURCES MENTIONED

"Loving What Is" by Byron Katie

#34: The First 10 Days Postpartum: Top 5 Tips to Thrive

Healthy As A Mother

09/13/23 • 61 min

The first 10 days with your baby is a beautiful, dynamic, constantly changing season of life with many steep learning curves to tackle. I, Dr. Morgan, am incredibly passionate about this time period because I see so many families completely overwhelmed and underprepared for the day-to-day changes that occur in these early days. I want all new families to feel confident and able to enjoy their new babies during this immediate postpartum time, so in this episode I give my top 5 tips to thrive, and talk about my 11-video course that details all of these changes so that you and your partner know what to expect and can feel ready and confident in what is normal and what is not. From post-birth interventions through the first latch, milk coming in, meconium and normal stool changes, weight gain, birth recovery, true postpartum healing, placenta options and more - we've got you covered.

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Immediate Postpartum Series Course
Find an IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) near me

Healthy as a Mother Podcast #17: Developing a Birth Plan

Healthy as a Mother Podcast #10: Breastfeeding: What to Know BEFORE Your Baby is Born

Healthy as a Mother Podcast #14: Mastitis and Clogged Ducts: What TO Do and What NOT To Do

Healthy as a Mother Podcast #12: A Deep Dive into Lip and Tongue Ties

Healthy as a Mother Podcast #07: Postpartum Healing: No More Mothers Left in the Dust

DOCTOR'S WEBSITES

Dr. Leah’s website: www.womanhoodwellness.com

Dr. Leah's IG: https://www.instagram.com/drleahgordon/

Dr. Morgan’s website: www.milkmedicine.com

Dr. Morgan's IG: https://www.instagram.com/morganmacdermott/

#27: The Complexity of Relationships Around Trying to Conceive: Part 1

Healthy As A Mother

07/05/23 • 65 min

What is it like to be someone going through infertility while others around you conceive easily - or vice versa? And how can you best support someone who is going through infertility? Relationship dynamics while trying to conceive, or while supporting someone who is trying to conceive, can be tricky to manage - and we are no strangers to how this can play out in a close friendship. Join us in this two-part series where we share our personal relationship story of how easy conceiving versus infertility affected our friendship, and follow along as we unpack several complex concepts like understanding your triggers, using non-violent communication and strong boundary setting, neurolinguistic programming, as well as many practical tips on how to move through the difficult emotions that come up throughout this process.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

1. Supporting friends going through infertility and the types of things to say, or avoid saying: Episode #18: "Just Relax" and the Wisdom Behind Fertility Energy

2. Non-Violent Communication, the book

3. Neurolinguistic Programming

4. The Five Personality Patterns: Your Guide to Understanding Yourself and Others and Developing Emotional Maturity, the book

DOCTOR'S WEBSITES:

Dr. Leah’s website: www.womanhoodwellness.com

Dr. Leah's IG: https://www.instagram.com/drleahgordon/

Dr. Morgan’s website: www.milkmedicine.com

Dr. Morgan's IG: https://www.instagram.com/morganmacdermott/

#68: Real Food for Fertility with Lily Nichols

Healthy As A Mother

07/10/24 • 90 min

What should we be eating to boost our fertility? Today we unpack all things food and fertility with Registered Dietitian, Nutritionist, and popular author of the book: Real Food for Pregnancy, Lily Nichols. Lily and Lisa Hendrickson-Jack, the author of the Fifth Vital Sign, teamed up to write the brand new book, Real Food for Fertility and we talk about what to eat for female and male fertility, what's wrong with the Mediterranean diet diet, some of the things that surprised her during her research, and so much more! Let's dive right in!

This episode is sponsored by: Active Skin Repair and Needed >>

Active Skin Repair: Click here and use code HEALTHYMOTHER to save 20%.

Needed Supplements: Click here and use code HEALTHYMOTHER to save 20% off your first order.

Stay Connected With Our Guest:

Lily Nichols is a Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist, Certified Diabetes Educator, researcher, and author with a passion for evidence-based nutrition. Her work is known for being research-focused, thorough, and sensible. She is the founder of the Institute for Prenatal NutritionR, co-founder of the Women’s Health Nutrition Academy, and the author of three books: Real Food for Fertility (co-authored with Lisa Hendrickson-Jack), Real Food for Pregnancy, and Real Food for Gestational Diabetes. Lily’s bestselling books have helped tens of thousands of mamas (and babies!), are used in university-level maternal nutrition and midwifery courses, and have even influenced prenatal nutrition policy internationally.

https://lilynicholsrdn.com

https://realfoodforfertility.com/
Instagram: @lilynicholsrdn

Stay Connected With Us:

Healthy As A Mother: www.healthyasamother.com

Instagram: @healthy.as.a.mother

Dr. Leah: www.womanhoodwellness.com

Instagram: @drleahgordon

Dr. Morgan: www.milkmedicine.com

Instagram: @morganmacdermott