Healthy As A Mother

Dr. Morgan MacDermott & Dr. Leah Gordon
  • 4.5 (11)
  • Alternative Health
  • Updated Weekly

Healthy As A Mother is a podcast for becoming and being a mother, hosted by Dr. Leah Gordon and Dr. Morgan MacDermott, two naturopathic doctors passionate about helping women navigate fertility, pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and motherhood through a natural health lens. Each week, we share conversations and education designed to help you become the healthiest mother possible through evidence-based and holistic approaches to wellness. From preconception and pregnancy preparation to postpartum recovery and motherhood, we cover the topics many women are not hearing elsewhere. Real conversations. Honest education. Support for every stage of motherhood.

  1. 22 hrs ago

    Low Progesterone & Fertility: Luteal Phase Defects, Miscarriage Risk + Natural Hormone Support with Sophia Pavia | #170

    Progesterone is one of the most important hormones for fertility, healthy ovulation, and sustaining early pregnancy, yet so many women are never taught how it actually works. In this episode, Dr. Leah and Dr. Morgan sit down with fertility nutritionist Sophia Pavia to break down the truth about low progesterone, luteal phase defects, ovulation quality, and why so many women today are struggling with hormone imbalances, infertility, and pregnancy loss. We unpack how progesterone is made, why ovulation is essential for healthy hormone balance, what “unopposed estrogen” really means, and the signs your luteal phase may need support. Sophia also explains why conventional medicine can be hesitant about progesterone supplementation, when it may be appropriate, and how nutrition, stress, blood sugar balance, and cycle tracking can help support stronger ovulation and healthier progesterone production naturally. If you’re trying to conceive, navigating recurrent loss, or simply want to better understand your hormones, this episode is packed with practical education and empowering insight. 00:00 Intro + Sophia Returns To The Podcast 01:24 Why Low Progesterone Matters for Fertility 02:34 Why So Many Women Struggle with Progesterone Today 13:17 How PCOS, Endometriosis & Hypothalamic Amenorrhea Affect Progesterone 15:49 How Progesterone Is Actually Made in the Body 19:59 Estrogen vs Progesterone: What Balance Really Means 25:49 Can You Have a Weak Ovulation? 33:40 Egg Quality vs Progesterone: Which Comes First? 35:24 Why Doctors Often Hesitate to Prescribe Progesterone 41:59 When Progesterone Supplementation May Help 46:16 Signs Your Luteal Phase Needs Support 47:56 How to Support Progesterone Naturally 50:42 Where to Find Sophia + Final Encouragement Resources From This Episode: Sophia's Website - https://www.ttcnutritionist.com/Follow Sophia on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ttc.nutritionist Other Related Episodes: Episode #31: The Power of Progesterone - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/healthy-as-a-mother/id1663942916?i=1000625679300Episode #108: Surviving a Ruptured Ectopic Pregnancy with Sophia Pavia - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/healthy-as-a-mother/id1663942916?i=1000703730128 Healthy As A Mother Podcast | YouTube Healthy As A Mother Podcast | Instagram Healthy As A Mother Podcast | TikTok Healthy As A Mother Podcast | Merch Store Find more from Dr. Leah: Dr. Leah Gordon | Instagram Dr. Leah Gordon | Website Womanhood Wellness | Website Find more from Dr. Morgan: Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Instagram Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Website Use code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 10% at Earthley Use code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 15% at Redmond For 20% off your first order at Needed, use code HEALTHYMOTHER Save $260 at Lumebox, use code HEALTHYASAMOTHER Use code HAAM and save 10% at Fond

    59 min

  2. Jun 17

    Home Birth 101, Part 2: Midwives, Transfers, Cost, Prep + What Actually Happens During a Home Birth | #169

    What actually happens during a home birth? In part two of this Home Birth 101 conversation, Dr. Morgan walks through what makes home birth safe, the role of midwives, what labor looks like at home, when transfers happen, newborn care, cost considerations, and how to prepare physically and mentally. If you’ve ever wondered what home birth looks like behind the scenes, or what happens if things don’t go according to plan, this episode gives you the practical breakdown. 00:00 Trailer + Introduction 01:26 What Makes Home Birth Safe? 06:36 Different Types of Midwives Explained 11:56 Why Candidate Selection Matters 15:11 What Actually Happens During a Home Birth 20:56 Common Reasons for Hospital Transfer 26:11 Emergency vs Non-Emergency Transfers 29:06 Newborn Care After Home Birth 33:46 Finding the Right Midwife 39:36 Home Birth Cost & Insurance 45:41 Birth Prep & Classes 51:56 Managing Labor Pain at Home 57:46 Common Home Birth Fears 1:01:36 Final Thoughts: Is Home Birth Right for You? Resources From This Episode: Birthing from Within bookBradley MethodHypnobirthing40 Blinks EyemaskNew Earth Mama Spotify Playlist Other Related Episodes: Birth Plan EpisodeBirth Episode Playlist Healthy As A Mother Podcast | YouTube Healthy As A Mother Podcast | Instagram Healthy As A Mother Podcast | TikTok Healthy As A Mother Podcast | Merch Store Find more from Dr. Leah: Dr. Leah Gordon | Instagram Dr. Leah Gordon | Website Womanhood Wellness | Website Find more from Dr. Morgan: Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Instagram Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Website Use code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 10% at Earthley Use code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 15% at Redmond For 20% off your first order at Needed, use code HEALTHYMOTHER Save $260 at Lumebox, use code HEALTHYASAMOTHER Use code HAAM and save 10% at Fond

    1h 2m

  3. Jun 10

    Home Birth 101, Part 1: Is Home Birth Safe? Research, Risks, Myths + Who It’s For | #168

    Thinking about a home birth but unsure whether it’s actually safe? In part one of this Home Birth 101 series, Dr. Morgan breaks down the biggest myths around home birth, who is actually a good candidate, why some women choose home birth over hospital birth, and what the research says about safety outcomes for low-risk pregnancies. We also unpack intervention rates, C-sections, epidurals, transfers, and why birth environment matters more than most people realize. If you’ve been curious about home birth but overwhelmed by fear-based messaging, this episode is a must-listen. 00:00 Introduction + Trailer 02:39 Why We Needed a Home Birth Episode 09:05 What We’re Covering in This Series 09:54 Home Birth vs Birth Center vs Hospital Birth 13:19 Why Women Choose Home Birth 20:09 Who Is a Good Candidate for Home Birth? 23:05 The Mindset Required for Home Birth 26:32 COVID & The Shift Toward Home Birth 28:09 Is Home Birth Actually Safe? 36:47 What Research Says About Home Birth Outcomes 44:37 Part 1 Wrap-Up Resources From This Episode: Maternal Outcomes Study Other Related Episodes: Dr. Morgan's First Three Home Birth StoriesDr. Morgan's 4th Birth StoryDr. Leah's 1st Birth StoryDr. Leah's 2nd Birth StoryEverything You Need to Know About Hospital Birth with Care MesserHow Breech Birth Exposes Hospital Dysfunction with Dr. Stuart Fischbein Healthy As A Mother Podcast | YouTube Healthy As A Mother Podcast | Instagram Healthy As A Mother Podcast | TikTok Healthy As A Mother Podcast | Merch Store Find more from Dr. Leah: Dr. Leah Gordon | Instagram Dr. Leah Gordon | Website Womanhood Wellness | Website Find more from Dr. Morgan: Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Instagram Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Website Use code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 10% at Earthley Use code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 15% at Redmond For 20% off your first order at Needed, use code HEALTHYMOTHER Save $260 at Lumebox, use code HEALTHYASAMOTHER Use code HAAM and save 10% at Fond

    52 min

  4. Jun 3

    Pregnancy, Purpose & Unexpected Challenges | #167

    In this candid life update, Leah and Morgan share the highs, lows, and unexpected twists they've been navigating behind the scenes. Leah opens up about the emotional weight of supporting fertility patients through both pregnancies and losses, her husband's exciting startup milestone, and how the "Chinese bamboo tree" analogy is reshaping her perspective on purpose, patience, and growth. Morgan shares a challenging pregnancy season filled with health scares, a surprising viral infection, a powerful experience supporting a home birth, and a frightening family medical emergency involving her father. Together, they explore motherhood, identity, business, resilience, and what it means to keep moving forward when life feels overwhelming. 00:00 Trailer: High Highs, Low Lows & Life Updates 00:43 Why We Love Life Update Episodes 05:28 The Emotional Weight of Fertility Care 09:58 Looking Beyond Root Causes: The Bigger Infertility Crisis 12:13 Startup Wins & A New Season of Life 14:13 The Chinese Bamboo Tree Lesson on Patience 18:43 Growing a Podcast Without Clickbait 20:43 Work, Motherhood & Identity Shifts 24:43 Toddler Sleep, Nursing & Parenting Updates 26:58 The Dream Life Formula & Becoming Your Future Self 30:43 Morgan's Pregnancy Challenges Begin 31:43 Bee Stings, Swelling & Pregnancy Surprises 36:43 A Painful HSV Infection & Health Scare 41:13 The Doctor Who Showed Up When It Mattered Most 44:28 Missing the Dance Recital for a Birth 47:28 Supporting a Long Labor & Hospital Transfer 53:13 Baby Archer Arrives 54:33 A Family Emergency: Dad's ICU Stay 01:01:13 Navigating Stress, Caregiving & Pregnancy 01:05:43 Preparing for Baby #3 & Summer Plans 01:09:28 Therapy, Support Systems & Looking Ahead 01:10:43 Final Thoughts & Outro Healthy As A Mother Podcast | YouTube Healthy As A Mother Podcast | Instagram Healthy As A Mother Podcast | TikTok Healthy As A Mother Podcast | Merch Store Find more from Dr. Leah: Dr. Leah Gordon | Instagram Dr. Leah Gordon | Website Womanhood Wellness | Website Find more from Dr. Morgan: Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Instagram Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Website Use code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 10% at Earthley Use code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 15% at Redmond For 20% off your first order at Needed, use code HEALTHYMOTHER Save $260 at Lumebox, use code HEALTHYASAMOTHER Use code HAAM and save 10% at Fond

    1h 16m

  5. May 27

    Trying to Conceive After a C-Section: Scar Tissue, VBACs, Fertility & Healing | #166

    Getting pregnant again after a C-section comes with unique physical, emotional, and hormonal considerations that many women are never told about. In this episode, we break down what to know about fertility after cesarean birth, scar tissue healing, adhesions, secondary infertility, VBAC considerations, pelvic floor recovery, and the emotional impact a C-section can leave on the body. We discuss how scar tissue and C-section healing may affect implantation, why some women experience difficulty conceiving after a cesarean, and the importance of supporting your core, pelvic floor, nervous system, and microbiome before trying for another baby. We also dive into placenta previa and accreta risks, uterine rupture statistics, spacing pregnancies after C-section, and how trauma can remain stored in the body long after birth. Whether you’re preparing to conceive after a cesarean, considering a VBAC, healing from birth trauma, or simply wanting to better understand your body after a C-section, this episode offers both practical guidance and compassionate support. 00:00 Trailer & Intro 01:43 How C-Sections Can Affect Future Fertility 03:52 Scar Tissue & Adhesions Explained 05:25 Placenta Previa & Accreta Risks After Cesarean 10:25 Antibiotics, Microbiome & Secondary Infertility 11:41 Birth Trauma & Nervous System Healing 15:25 Body Image, Desire & Emotional Recovery 18:54 How Long Should You Wait Before Another Pregnancy? 22:46 Pregnancy Spacing, Core Strength & Recovery 24:29 Signs Your Scar May Need More Support 26:15 Pelvic Floor Therapy & Core Healing 29:19 Scar Massage, Gua Sha & Red Light Therapy 32:18 Supplements & Nutrients for Scar Healing 36:35 Preparing for a VBAC After C-Section 38:38 Multiple C-Sections & Birth Decisions 43:05 VBAC Statistics & Uterine Rupture Risks 49:15 Why Birth Decisions Aren’t One-Size-Fits-All 50:25 Preconception Support After a C-Section 51:30 Encouragement for Your Next Pregnancy Journey Resources From This Episode: Get $10 off Evvy Vaginal Test here!Bloom MethodThrive Physical Therapy (Dr. Lauren Mallari Snyder in San Diego)Restore PT - Sarah Grahm (local in Boise)Treasure Valley Pelvic Health Other Related Episodes: All About VBAC Part 1 EpisodeAll About VBAC Part 2 EpisodeVaginal Bugs and the Essential Role They Play Episode The Secret Fertility Factor No One Talks About EpisodeHome Birth Turned C-Section: Dr. Leah's Birth Story EpisodeDr Leah's Second Birth Story EpisodeDetoxing Before Pregnancy: What Actually Matters (And What Doesn't) EpisodeWhen Sex Hurts: The Root Cause No One Talks About EpisodePreconception: What It Is and Why It Matters EpisodeComing Off Birth Control: What Your Body Needs Before Pregnancy EpisodeBreastfeeding While Trying To Conceive Episode Healthy As A Mother Podcast | YouTube Healthy As A Mother Podcast | Instagram Healthy As A Mother Podcast | TikTok Healthy As A Mother Podcast | Merch Store Find more from Dr. Leah: Dr. Leah Gordon | Instagram Dr. Leah Gordon | Website Womanhood Wellness | Website Find more from Dr. Morgan: Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Instagram Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Website Use code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 10% at Earthley Use code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 15% at Redmond For 20% off your first order at Needed, use code HEALTHYMOTHER Save $260 at Lumebox, use code HEALTHYASAMOTHER Use code HAAM and save 10% at Fond

    56 min

  6. May 20

    Tongue Ties in Babies: Is Your Baby Just Tight or Truly Tied? with Lynnelle King | #165

    Tongue ties are one of the most misunderstood topics in infant feeding and airway health and many parents are left confused, dismissed, or unsure what to do next. In this episode, Dr. Morgan sits down with IBCLC and craniosacral therapist Lynnelle King to break down the difference between babies who are simply “tight” versus babies who are truly tongue tied, why oral function matters far beyond breastfeeding, and how ties can impact everything from milk transfer and nipple pain to palate development, breathing, sleep, and long-term airway health. They discuss common signs of oral ties, including clicking while nursing, blistered lips, white-coated tongues, poor milk transfer, gas, tension patterns, and recurring breastfeeding struggles. The conversation also dives into craniosacral therapy, fascial tension, healing after tie releases, timing of releases, and why individualized care matters so much for both mom and baby. This episode is packed with nuanced discussion for parents trying to decide whether bodywork alone is enough, when a release may actually be necessary, and how to better advocate for yourself if you feel something isn’t right with your baby’s feeding experience. 00:00 Trailer + Intro 00:42 Why Tongue Ties Matter 02:55 Meet IBCLC Lynnelle King 05:40 Finding Lactation Support Before Birth 07:48 What Craniosacral Therapy Is 11:04 Tight vs Tied Explained 12:37 Are Tongue Ties More Common Today? 14:00 Airway Health & Modern Facial Development 15:38 Early Tongue Tie Releases 17:03 Why Tie Releases Aren’t a Quick Fix 18:44 Long-Term Effects of Tongue Ties 21:06 Common Signs of Oral Ties 22:24 High Palates & Airway Development 25:10 Understanding Fascial Tension 32:32 Can Bodywork Alone Fix Tongue Ties? 35:22 Why Lynnelle Only Did Bodywork for 4 Years 36:36 Are Tongue Tie Releases Harmful? 37:50 Why Some Tie Releases “Don’t Work” 41:35 How Tongue Tie Healing Actually Works 44:47 How Providers Assess Tight vs Tied 46:32 Best Timing for a Tongue Tie Release 53:37 The Ideal Window for Treatment 56:32 What Happens If You Wait Too Long 58:29 Why Early Lactation Support Matters 63:00 The Mental Health Impact of Feeding Struggles 64:47 Trusting Your Mother’s Intuition 65:28 Final Thoughts & Resources Resources From This Episode: Breath by James NestorIntake Magnetic Airway StripsStrolling Under The Skin YouTube VideoLynnelle's team at Family SeasonsFollow Lynnelle on Instagram Other Related Episodes: Episode #12: A Deep Dive into Tongue and Lip TiesEpisode #133: Low Milk Supply Healthy As A Mother Podcast | YouTube Healthy As A Mother Podcast | Instagram Healthy As A Mother Podcast | TikTok Healthy As A Mother Podcast | Merch Store Find more from Dr. Leah: Dr. Leah Gordon | Instagram Dr. Leah Gordon | Website Womanhood Wellness | Website Find more from Dr. Morgan: Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Instagram Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Website Use code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 10% at Earthley Use code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 15% at Redmond For 20% off your first order at Needed, use code HEALTHYMOTHER Save $260 at Lumebox, use code HEALTHYASAMOTHER Use code HAAM and save 10% at Fond

    1h 16m

  7. May 13

    Women’s Hormones, Feminine Power & Nervous System Healing with Samantha Hadadi | #164

    What if hormone imbalances aren’t just physical? In this episode, we sit down with women’s health and hormone coach Sam “The Hormone Goddess” to explore the deeper emotional, nervous system, and societal roots behind so many women’s health struggles. We dive into the connection between trauma, stress, suppressed anger, feminine energy, and hormone health, and why so many women feel disconnected from their bodies in modern culture. From painful periods and burnout to nervous system dysregulation and people-pleasing, this conversation unpacks the hidden layers influencing women’s health and healing. We also discuss female rage, womb work, joy, pleasure, circadian rhythm, somatic healing, and what it actually means to reconnect with yourself as a woman. If you’ve ever struggled with PMS, anxiety, exhaustion, hormone imbalances, fertility challenges, or feeling disconnected from your body, this episode is for you. 00:00 Intro + Trailer 01:36 Meet Samantha Hadadi 01:56 Sam’s Hormone Healing Journey 04:46 Trauma, Stress & Hormone Imbalances 05:51 Why Women Aren’t Taught About Their Bodies 07:36 Shame Around Periods & Womanhood 08:46 Why Society Fears Women’s Power 13:41 Female Anger & Hormonal Health 17:36 Suppressed Anger, Liver Health & Hormones 20:56 Somatic Practices for Releasing Anger 23:56 Trauma Release & Emotional Processing 25:51 The Healing Power of Movement & Community 26:46 Nervous System & Hormone Connection 29:56 Trauma, Stress & Women’s Health 32:16 Root Causes of Hormonal Imbalances 36:06 What Is Womb Work? 40:16 The Missing Piece in Hormone Healing 40:46 Joy, Pleasure & Feminine Energy 42:36 Productivity Culture & Women’s Health 47:36 Healing Through Dance & Movement 50:06 Hormones as Messengers 51:36 Reconnecting to Your Authentic Self 52:41 Final Message for Women 54:26 Supporting the Next Generation of Girls 57:36 Where to Find Sam Resources From This Episode: Dr. Leah's Womanhood Wellness MembershipFollow Samantha on Instagram Healthy As A Mother Podcast | YouTube Healthy As A Mother Podcast | Instagram Healthy As A Mother Podcast | TikTok Healthy As A Mother Podcast | Merch Store Find more from Dr. Leah: Dr. Leah Gordon | Instagram Dr. Leah Gordon | Website Womanhood Wellness | Website Find more from Dr. Morgan: Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Instagram Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Website Use code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 10% at Earthley Use code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 15% at Redmond For 20% off your first order at Needed, use code HEALTHYMOTHER Save $260 at Lumebox, use code HEALTHYASAMOTHER Use code HAAM and save 10% at Fond

    1h 6m

  8. May 6

    Birth Mindset for Unmedicated Birth: Practical Tips & What Actually Matters | #163

    Birth preparation is often focused on the physical side of labor, including breathing techniques, birth positions, and what to expect during delivery. But for many women planning an unmedicated birth, the biggest factor influencing their experience is not physical at all. In this episode, we explore birth mindset and how your mental and emotional state can impact labor, pain perception, and your overall birth experience. If you are preparing for an unmedicated birth, learning how to shift from control into surrender may be one of the most important skills you develop. We discuss how modern culture conditions women to fear birth and how those beliefs can show up during labor. We also explore why high-achieving and type-A women often struggle more during birth, not because they are unprepared, but because they are wired to rely on control in situations that require trust and surrender. You will learn how mindset influences the body’s natural ability to give birth, including the role of stress, fear, and the nervous system. We also introduce the concept of the "birth goddess" and explain how understanding the intuitive process of labor can completely change the birth experience. This episode also unpacks the balance between preparation and surrender, and how your environment, support system, and energy in the room can either support or disrupt labor. 0:00 - Trailer and Introduction 1:55 - Why Birth Mindset Is Overlooked 3:00 - How Culture Creates Fear Around Birth 5:00 - Birth Is Mental and Physical 7:00 - Why We Fear Pain 9:00 - The Missing Rite of Passage in Modern Birth 11:00 - Birth as Transformation 13:00 - Why Control Makes Birth Harder 15:00 - The Birth Goddess Concept 18:00 - Surrender vs Control 21:00 - Preparation vs Surrender 24:00 - Why Knowledge Still Matters 27:00 - The Role of Your Support Team 30:00 - What a Spiritual Epidural Means 34:00 - How Environment Affects Labor 38:00 - Why High Achievers Struggle More 42:00 - Masculine and Feminine Energy in Labor 46:00 - Trust and Letting Go 50:00 - Rewiring Beliefs About Birth 55:00 - Preparing for the Unexpected 58:00 - Staying Grounded When Plans Change Resources From This Episode: Dr. Morgan's Pregnancy Call LessonsHealthy As A Mother Epidurals EpisodeLabor Like A Goddess bookRent Tent book Healthy As A Mother Podcast | YouTube Healthy As A Mother Podcast | Instagram Healthy As A Mother Podcast | TikTok Healthy As A Mother Podcast | Merch Store Find more from Dr. Leah: Dr. Leah Gordon | Instagram Dr. Leah Gordon | Website Womanhood Wellness | Website Find more from Dr. Morgan: Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Instagram Dr. Morgan MacDermott | Website Use code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 15% at Redmond For 20% off your first order at Needed, use code HEALTHYMOTHER Save $260 at Lumebox, use code HEALTHYASAMOTHER Use code HAAM and save 10% at Fond

    1h 15m
See All (170)

4.5
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

Healthy As A Mother is a podcast for becoming and being a mother, hosted by Dr. Leah Gordon and Dr. Morgan MacDermott, two naturopathic doctors passionate about helping women navigate fertility, pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and motherhood through a natural health lens. Each week, we share conversations and education designed to help you become the healthiest mother possible through evidence-based and holistic approaches to wellness. From preconception and pregnancy preparation to postpartum recovery and motherhood, we cover the topics many women are not hearing elsewhere. Real conversations. Honest education. Support for every stage of motherhood.

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Morgan MacDermott & Dr. Leah Gordon
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    170
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Healthy As A Mother
  • Show Website
    Healthy As A Mother

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