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.

#21 Postpartum Depression & Anxiety: Five Important Considerations

Healthy As A Mother

05/24/23 • 75 min

Dr. Morgan here, and this episode is near and dear to my heart - as I am no stranger to the experience of postpartum depression and anxiety. I feel for myself looking back on those experiences, and have immense compassion for those going through these dark times. PPD and PPA unfortunately affect as many as 1 in 7 or 8 women, and we are here today to tease out five possible root causes so that in case these are a component in your story, you have a path to walk towards finding yourself again. Some of these are easily missed on improper lab orders, or are commonly mistaken as normal symptoms of life with a new baby - but we know there is a different way - a way where you can enjoy motherhood feeling like yourself, even through the tough times. We are here for you, and hope this episode helps.

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/

SHOW NOTES:

Baby blues information and symptoms: https://drsarahallen.com/baby-blues/
Postpartum depression symptoms: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9312-postpartum-depression
Postpartum depression screening questionnaire https://www.fresno.ucsf.edu/pediatrics/downloads/edinburghscale.pdf and https://www.phqscreeners.com/ and https://screening.mhanational.org/screening-tools/postpartum-depression/
https://www.postpartumlink.com/ for motherhood focused therapy
Episode #07 for more information on postpartum healing from our perspective
Episode #09 for Dr. Cerra Kelly’s episode on postpartum body image
Episode #13 for

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

#67: All About VBAC pt. 2: Three VBAC Birth Stories

Healthy As A Mother

07/03/24 • 128 min

This is the second part of a two-part series about VBAC, or, vaginal birth after cesarean. This episode highlights three very different VBAC birth stories so you can find inspiration in a variety of stories. With each birth, we discuss the progression and process between each woman's first birth, their prep for a VBAC, the things they did or resources they found helpful, and the VBAC birth story itself. We believe that hearing as many positive birth stories as possible is a beneficial part of preparing for our births, especially when preparing to do something different than we did the last time, no matter how it all happened. Packing our subconscious with the stories of women who have walked the path we want is powerful. In this episode, we have a planned hospital VBAC, a planned VBAC at home - called an HBAC, and a planned hospital VBAC that happened a little too quickly to get there.

This episode is sponsored by:

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.

Resources from this episode:

Join Dr. Morgan's ultimate motherhood prep course, the 6-Week Pregnancy Call
The Birthing Instincts Podcast
The VBAC Link Podcast
Ina May's Guide to Childbirth by Ina May Gaskin
Baby Got VBAC by Colleen Noon
The Expectful app

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

#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/

#57: Pregnancy Nausea + Postpartum Fog: An Update From the Doctors

Healthy As A Mother

04/10/24 • 66 min

We love deep-diving into various topics surrounding the journey into and throughout motherhood, not only because we have chosen women's reproductive and perinatal health as our medical specialties, but because we are mothers ourselves - going through this all right alongside you. This week we chat about Dr. Leah's early pregnancy symptoms and discuss the difficulties of pregnancy nausea, or "morning sickness," while also outlining several helpful strategies to try. She discusses how she's feeling overall, as well as her plans for this birth. Then Dr. Morgan details what it has been like coming out of the intensity of the early postpartum months, and how life is flowing with her fourth baby. Thank you for being with us on these journeys!

This episode is sponsored by Needed >> Click here to see Needed Supplements, use code HEALTHYMOTHER to save 20% off your first order.

Resources From This Episode:

Dr. Morgan's Pregnancy nausea posts, here and here.
Dr. Homeo - Homeopathy blog
Dr. Leah's Joyful Eating Reset course
Dr. Morgan's Reflux post, here.

Stay Connected With Us:

Dr. Leah: www.womanhoodwellness.com

Instagram: @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. ult with your provider before integrating this information into your unique health plan.

#82: All About Newborns Part 1

Healthy As A Mother

10/16/24 • 66 min

Today Dr Leah interviewed Dr. Morgan all about newborns! As she is about to have her second baby, she needs a refresher on what to expect with a brand-new baby. For any of you first-time moms or even subsequent mommies, you do not want to miss this one. We dive into the items you truly need, newborn sleep, and newborn feeding, which are all such big topics they probably each need their own episode. Dr. Morgan's knowledge and wisdom are pure gold. Hopefully, you find it invaluable too! We will have a part two where we go into even more topics on newborns so keep an eye out for that next week!
This episode is sponsored by:
Needed >> Click here and use code HEALTHYMOTHER to save 20% off your first order.
Resources From This Episode:

Non-sleep deep rest on YouTube
Growing up Bebe book about parenting like the French
Baby Delight bedside bassinet
Frida baby nail clipper
@Cosleepy Instagram - Check out "Chest Sleeping" highlight
Safe Sleep Seven - Principles for co-sleeping
Wonder Weeks app for baby's developmental leaps
Healthy As A Mother Episode #10: Breastfeeding: What To Know Before Your Baby Is Born
Healthy As A Mother Episode #12: A Deep Dive into Lip and Tongue Ties

#41: Mitochondrial Health for Fertility with Dr. Kalea Wattles

Healthy As A Mother

11/02/23 • 37 min

Did you know that there is a key part of egg cells and sperm that can greatly impact egg quality, sperm quality, conception potential, miscarriage risk, and outcomes for mom and baby? They are called the mitochondria and to say it simply...they are really important. The coolest thing is there is so much that we can do to optimize and improve our mitochondria. On the podcast episode today, I interview Dr. Kalea Wattles, a naturopathic doctor and certified functional medicine practitioner who specializes in fertility and the mitochondria. She walks us through what they are, how they impact fertility and our overall health, and gives us actionable steps we can start doing today to optimize them!

Needed's Egg Quality Support

Check out Needed's Egg Quality Support supplement to support your mitochondria here.

Use code HEALTHYMOTHER to save 20% off your first order!

Dr. Kalea Wattles Information

Website: https://drkaleawattles.com/

IG: https://www.instagram.com/functionalfertility/

Dr. Leah's Information

Dr. Leah: www.womanhoodwellness.com

IG: https://www.instagram.com/drleahgordon/

#37: First 6 Steps to Take Along Your Fertility Journey

Healthy As A Mother

10/10/23 • 41 min

If you were to say, "Dr. Leah, I want to have a baby. What are the first 6 things I should do?" I would respond exactly as I do in today's podcast episode. I highlight the first 6 things I would tell a woman to do as soon as the idea of a baby has entered her mind, but even if you have been trying to conceive for a while, these still apply. There are so many important things to do along the preconception and fertility journey, however, I shared some big-hitting ones and I think you will really enjoy how practical they are. I also share the exciting news that my Fertility Formula course is finally open for enrollment, so you can finally get the in-depth support so many of you have been asking me for on your journey toward motherhood! Without further ado, let's get started!

I am launching my Fertility Formula course, cart opens on October 5th and closes on the 13th. Learn more at www.womanhoodwellness.com/fertilityformula

Check out the Needed Prenatal and other supplement offerings here! Use code HealthyMother to save 20% off your first order!

Doctor's Websites:

Dr. Leah: www.womanhoodwellness.com

IG: https://www.instagram.com/drleahgordon/

Dr. Morgan: www.milkmedicine.com

IG: https://www.instagram.com/morganmacdermott/

#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

#29: Top 3 Things Each Doctor is Doing to Prep: Dr. Leah's Conception & Dr. Morgan's Birth

Healthy As A Mother

07/19/23 • 77 min

We are right there with you in the process of growing our families, and in this episode, we take you through the top 3 areas of focus each of us are prioritizing as we prep for the big transitions we both have coming up in the next few months. For Dr. Leah, it’s optimizing her health to conceive her second child, and for me Dr. Morgan, it’s preparing for the birth and postpartum of my fourth child. Dr. Leah leads you through her personal preconception journey, including what supplements she is taking and dietary or lifestyle steps to optimize the transfer, and for me Dr. Morgan, I outline my main focus points for the rest of my pregnancy, and then how I am making different planning decisions for my home birth as well as preparing those around me for a supported postpartum. Let’s dive in!

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES MENTIONED:

#23: All About Weaning: Philosophy, How To, and Factors to Consider
#04: Preconception: What It Is and Why It Matters
#22: Detoxing Before Pregnancy: Why and How to Do It
Medley non-toxic couch
Dr. Leah's Lady Part Repair Protocol all about vaginal microbiome optimization
Dr. Leah's Fertility Formula, a comprehensive self-paced course to
Needed's Stress Support for preconception or postpartum, use code DRGORDON or DRMORGAN for 20% off your first order
The Red Tent, the book

#49: Toxins and Fertility: Living Low-Tox Without the Overwhelm with Aida Garcia-Toledo

Healthy As A Mother

02/14/24 • 50 min

We are so excited for today's episode where Dr. Leah interviews Aida Garcia-Toledo of 3 Little Plums. She is an expert in low-tox living and as a consultant and educator in this space, she has a wealth of knowledge to share. Toxins majorly impact us, our fertility, and our babies, yet switching to a low-tox lifestyle can be overwhelming. That is where Aida comes in. Whether you are just thinking about kids, along the fertility or infertility journey, pregnant, or have little ones at home, this episode is a must-listen! Let's dive right in!

This episode is sponsored by Needed >> Click here to see Needed Supplements, use code HEALTHYMOTHER to save 20% off your first order.

How to stay connected with our guest Aida Garcia-Toledo:

Aida's website >> 3 Little Plums

Aida's Instagram >> @3littleplums
3 Little Plums Non-Toxic Clothing Guide

Resources From The Episode:

Branch Basics cleaning products

Force of Nature cleaning products

Switch natural app

Dr. Leah's Ditch The Toxins Course

Stay Connected With Us:

Dr. Leah: www.womanhoodwellness.com

Instagram: @drleahgordon