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.

#93: Dr. Leah's Postpartum & Dr. Morgan's Preconception Care

Healthy As A Mother

01/01/25 • 86 min

Welcome to Season 7 in this life update episode where Dr. Leah shares all about how her second postpartum has been, now that her son is 1 month. She shares how, despite the birth and cesarean recovery and problems with his latch, she is thriving in postpartum. We discuss how various phases of motherhood can be so different for women, and possible reasons for it too - based on hormonal constitutions, recovery, complications, and more. Then Dr. Morgan discusses how her husband and her are potentially considering a fifth baby - even though they felt completely done after their fourth was born. It's been a heart-opening experience having their fourth here. She shares the fears, hopes, and layers of complexity around making this decision for their family and how they plan to approach it with a strong 6-month preconception plan first. We really are right there with you all in this family-building era - the ups, downs, high highs, and low lows. Let's dive in!
This episode is sponsored by:

Redmond Salt - Click here and use code HEALTHYMOTHER to save 15% on your order.

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

Resources From This Episode:

Other Episodes Mentioned:

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

#51: Trimester Breakdown: Focus Points + Tips

Healthy As A Mother

02/28/24 • 49 min

This week I take you on a little adventure through the trimesters of pregnancy. I break down common symptoms you might feel and offer ideas on how to manage those from a natural, integrative medicine perspective, as well as highlight various focus points for each 3-month period - whether that be the types of labs you might want to ask your provider for, or the types on information that would be smart to begin researching. I help answer some of the common questions I get all the time: What can be done about morning sickness? When do I start supplementing, and with what? Can you manage a UTI naturally during pregnancy? When do I need to change my exercise routine? And so much more!
This episode is sponsored by Needed >> Click here to see Needed Supplements, use code HEALTHYMOTHER to save 20% off your first order.

Resources From The Episode:

Join Dr. Morgan's 6-Week Pregnancy Call for a jam-packed, expert-led pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding, and postpartum education to help prepare you for motherhood with a group of like-minded women!
Redmond Relyte electrolyte powders, use code DRMORGAN for 15% off.
Morning sickness natural remedies blog post by Dr. Morgan.
Homeopathy for morning sickness, Her Homeopathy article.
Needed Prenatal and Fish Oil, use code HEALTHYMOTHER for 20% off.
Triple Mag by Vital Nutrients, make a Fullscript account 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.

#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

Dr. Morgan: www.milkmedicine.com

Instagram: @morganmacdermott

#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

#23: All About Weaning: Philosophy, How To, and Factors to Consider

Healthy As A Mother

06/07/23 • 55 min

How in the world do you begin weaning your child, and when can you safely start? In this episode we talk in detail about factors to consider for night weaning and day weaning (because they are different), as well as my personal, yet also tried and true method of how to organize and approach the topic with your child in a way that respects their emotions AND respects the milk in your boobs so you're at less risk for clogged ducts or mastitis. We discuss weaning babies versus toddlers, whether or not you need to give them replacement milk, and explain the signs and symptoms of post weaning depression, which unfortunately is rarely talked about. We ALSO talk about trying to conceive while breastfeeding or throughout weaning, and share our maybe unpopular opinions about optimal age gaps between children. Here we go!

Additional notes:

THE SMOOTHIE recipe (to feed 3-4 people):

2 tablespoons seed mix: flax, hemp, chia
1 piece fresh fruit: banana or something similar
1-2 cups frozen organic berries 3-4 tablespoons nut butter or coconut mana, or the fat from canned coconut milk or 1/2 avocado for fat
Several big handfuls of mixed greens or spinach (we freeze ours so it lasts longer)
Protein powder if you wish (something clean like a pure grassfed whey, collagen, or pea protein if vegan is fine)
Greens powder, like a super greens or super foods powder
1/2 the blender full of organic real orange juice (or not if you prefer)
1/2 the jug full of filtered water
Blend well and keep adding liquid if it's too thick!

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/

#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 #

#10: Breastfeeding: What to Know BEFORE Your Baby is Born

Healthy As A Mother

02/22/23 • 43 min

Breastfeeding is the next natural step after birthing a baby - but guess what, you AND your baby still have to learn how to do it. In this episode, we discuss several principles to successful breastfeeding, and how to prepare for the process during your pregnancy. Having a newborn comes with many steep learning curves, and this is certainly one of them - but having education and resources to back your inherent instincts and motivation to breastfeed your baby can make or break the experience. We have to remember that we used to get this info as little girls surrounded by community - but today, most new mothers have never even seen a baby latch. From tongue ties to letdowns, building your supply, positioning, and mastitis - let us help guide and pump you up for this special relationship, so there’s no surprises - let’s go!

DOCTOR'S WEBSITES

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

Breastfeeding videos by Jack Newman's International Breastfeeding Centre: https://ibconline.ca/breastfeeding-videos-english/
Book: The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding by the Le Leche League - click here
Haakaa Silicone Breast Pump: https://haakaausa.com/products/haakaa-silicone-breast-pump-with-suction-base-5-oz-1pk-1
Ina May's Guide to Breastfeeding by Ina May Gaskin - click here
Ina May Gaskin's Guide to Childbirth by Ina May Gaskin - click here
Kelly Mom Breastfeeding website: kellymom.com
Dr. Morgan MacDermott's Mastitis Manual

#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

#87: Gestational Diabetes Part 1 with Lily Nichols

Healthy As A Mother

11/20/24 • 76 min

This episode is part 1 of an interview all about gestational diabetes with registered dietitian and well-known author, Lily Nichols. We discuss the ins and outs of how pregnancy metabolism changes insulin function and levels, and what happens when this process results in elevated blood sugar levels over time. We discuss risk factors for developing gestational diabetes, prevention, early screening that should be taking place but is not, lab lists, the risks to the baby if the mom's blood sugar continues to stay elevated, and the problems with certain testing methods. We also go on an all-too-important rant about vitamin D3 supplementation that you'll not want to miss. Be sure to check out part 2 next week as well - and now let's jump in!

This episode is sponsored by:

Redmond Salt >> Click here and use code HEALTHYMOTHER to save 15% on your order.

Kudos Diapers >> Click here and use code HEALTHYMOTHER to save 15% on your order.

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

RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE:

Learn more from Lily Nichols:
- Website - www.lilynicholsrdn.com
- Instagram - @lilynicholsrdn
- Lily's Books
- Women’s Health Nutrition Academy
- Lily's article on Vitamin D and Pregnancy
Order micronutrient testing via Dr. Leah's website
Healthy as a Mother episode discussing blood sugar more: #78 Lifestyle Hacks of Hormone Balancing
Dr. Morgan's Immune Wellness for the Pregnant or Nursing Mother Course

#64: Thyroid Health and Fertility with Dr. Hanisha Patel

Healthy As A Mother

06/12/24 • 64 min

Did you know that your thyroid plays a massive role in fertility? Today we unpack the thyroid with Dr. Hanisha Patel and dive into low thyroid function and how that impacts fertility, how to test your thyroid and see if you have an issue, including ruling out autoimmune causes. We discuss how stress impacts the thyroid and how to support that, the impact that thyroid has on men as well as women, the interconnectedness of thyroid and other conditions like PCOS and endometriosis, and so much more. Without further ado, let's get started.

More About Our Guest:

Dr. Hanisha Patel, a published Naturopathic Doctor specializing in women's health, helps women to reverse their hormonal health issues, including PCOS, Hashimoto’s Hypothyroidism, and infertility, so they can live the life they desire without their health getting in the way. Having personally overcome autoimmune challenges from birth and achieving Mahan (Great) health through naturopathic medicine, she established Mahan Health, a virtual telehealth practice where she has supported hundreds of women. In her commitment to making holistic medicine more accessible and affordable, she has created the Mahan Membership program. This program embodies her accumulated expertise from 10 years of medical school and clinical practice, enabling others to experience the benefits of Mahan or Great Health themselves. Dr. Hanisha hosts a podcast, Mahan Health, where she engages in enlightening discussions with leading doctors of natural medicine. Furthermore, she has been featured in numerous podcast interviews, delivered dozens of live talks, and is a published author in the esteemed Townsend Letter. With a dedicated social media following of over 12k individuals, she consistently provides support and shares invaluable tips and tricks on achieving Mahan Health, empowering her audience to live the fulfilling lives they desire.

Stay Connected With Our Guest:

Dr. Hanisha Patel: https://mahanhealth.com/

Instagram: @holistichanisha

TikTok: @holistichanisha

Resources from this episode:

Dr. Hanisha's It Takes Two: Ultimate Fertility Program

Dr. Hanisha's Mahan Membership

Dr. Leah's Optimal Female Lab Ranges Free Guide

Dr. Leah's Balance Your Hormones course

Dr. Leah's Reduce Your Stress course

Dr. Leah's Investigate Male Fertility course

Dr. Leah's Fertility Formula Program