Healthy As A Mother

Dr. Morgan MacDermott & Dr. Leah Gordon
  • 4.9 (274)
  • 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. 5d ago

    ADHD in Motherhood: How Hormones, Pregnancy & Postpartum Affect Your Brain with Dr. Carrie McMillin | #181

    ADHD can look very different in women and motherhood: hormonal shifts, pregnancy, and postpartum can dramatically change how those symptoms show up. In this episode, we’re joined by integrative ADHD specialist Dr. Carrie McMillin to unpack the ADHD brain, including executive function, task initiation, working memory, hyperfocus, dopamine, and emotional regulation. We dive into how estrogen and progesterone interact with dopamine throughout the menstrual cycle, why some women notice more ADHD symptoms during the luteal phase, and what can happen during pregnancy and postpartum. Dr. McMillin explains why the postpartum period can be especially challenging, including the effects of the dramatic estrogen drop, prolactin, breastfeeding, sleep deprivation, and the increased demands of caring for a baby. We also discuss how to distinguish ADHD from normal motherhood overwhelm, anxiety, and sleep deprivation; how ADHD is diagnosed in adults; medications and supplements; iron, B vitamins, L-tyrosine, and other potential supports; the importance of building systems around your individual executive-function struggles; and why small sources of genuine joy can be an important part of supporting your brain. Finally, we talk about perimenopause, irritability and PMDD, caffeine, screen time, and practical ways women with ADHD can work with their brains instead of constantly fighting against them. The biggest takeaway? Understanding what's happening in your brain can replace shame with self-compassion and help you build systems that actually work for you. 00:00 —Trailer & Introduction 03:06 —The ADHD Brain Isn't Broken 06:15 —The 3 Types of ADHD 11:02 —Task Initiation, Motivation & Executive Function 12:06 —Hyperfocus & Dopamine 14:57 —Why ADHD Affects Working Memory 19:29 —Why Motherhood Can Amplify ADHD Symptoms 21:00 —How ADHD Is Diagnosed in Adults 24:20 —ADHD & the Menstrual Cycle 27:26 —Estrogen, Progesterone & Dopamine 34:17 —ADHD During Pregnancy 35:35 —Why Sleep Deprivation Can Mimic ADHD 40:36 —How Pregnancy Changes the Brain 42:01 —The Postpartum ADHD Crash 44:36 —ADHD, Breastfeeding & Prolactin 45:45 —Supporting ADHD Postpartum 50:19 —ADHD-Friendly Systems That Actually Help 52:21 —Finding Joy When You're Overwhelmed 55:43 —Is It ADHD or Just Motherhood Overload? 58:25 —ADHD Medication: When Is It Worth Considering? 60:40 —Supplements & Natural ADHD Support 65:24 —ADHD, Irritability & PMDD 66:36 —ADHD & Perimenopause 67:17 —Building Systems Around Your Brain 70:08 —Caffeine & ADHD 71:47 —Screens, Dopamine & ADHD 75:17 —The Biggest Takeaway for Moms With ADHD Resources From This Episode: Dr. Carrie's Website- adhdetails.com Dr. Carrie's Instagram- www.instagram.com/adhdetailsSmart but Scattered book- https://amzn.to/3RtakE8 The Radical Guide for Women with ADHD book- https://amzn.to/3PUJdS0 Your Brain Is Not Broken book- https://amzn.to/4dYcYdI Do Less book- https://amzn.to/49YznFl Finch app- https://finchcare.com/mobileTrello app- https://trello.com/ClickUp app- https://try.web.clickup.com/qcca0vh17mp2Skylight calendar- https://tidd.ly/4s8VJe9 Get some of the supplements(creatine, L-tyrosine, pharmaGABA, L-theanine, lion's mane)recommended for 15% off on Fullscript- https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/mmacdermott/store-startUse code HEALTHYMOTHER to get a discount on Needed Stress Support- https://www.thisisneeded.com/discount/HEALTHYMOTHER 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 Dr. Leah Gordon | Instagram Dr. Leah Gordon | Website Womanhood Wellness | Website 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

  2. Sep 2

    Are IVF Babies Less Healthy? What the Research Really Shows | #180

    In this episode of Healthy As A Mother, Leah and Morgan unpack one of the biggest fears many women have when considering IVF: Are IVF babies less healthy? They explore what the research actually shows around premature birth, low birth weight, NICU admissions, congenital heart defects, allergies, eczema, asthma, and autism. More importantly, they ask whether those outcomes can truly be attributed to IVF itself. They discuss the many variables that can complicate the research, including the underlying causes of infertility, parental age, sperm and egg health, metabolic and autoimmune conditions, pregnancy complications, and the amount of medical intervention surrounding IVF. They also cover epigenetics, microbiome health, induction and C-sections, baby aspirin, pregnancy monitoring, and why optimizing both parents' health before IVF may matter. Ultimately, this is a conversation about moving beyond fear and black-and-white thinking to look at IVF with more nuance, critical thinking, and hope. The hosts also share their personal experiences with IVF and why they believe it can be an important tool when it is truly needed, while still questioning how intentionally it is used. 00:00 – Trailer & Introduction 03:45 – Are IVF Babies Less Healthy? 05:34 – The Fear of IVF and Baby Health 07:05 – What the Research Actually Shows 09:26 – Relative Risk vs. Absolute Risk 10:33 – Is IVF Really the Cause? 10:59 – The Underlying Causes of Infertility 14:32 – Sperm Health, Egg Selection & Epigenetics 17:47 – Could IVF Itself Affect Health? 20:09 – Does IVF Bypass Natural Selection? 22:29 – How Parental Health Can Affect the Baby 25:27 – Are We Too Far Outside of Nature? 27:21 – IVF, Autism & What the Research Can't Tease Apart 31:17 – The Problem With How We Study IVF 35:09 – Could AI Change Medical Research? 37:14 – Why Patterns and Clinical Experience Matter 40:00 – The Absence of Evidence Is Not Evidence of Absence 41:55 – How to Think Critically About Research 42:53 – IVF and Congenital Heart Defects 43:45 – IVF, Allergies, Eczema & the Microbiome 46:04 – Pregnancy Monitoring After IVF 47:19 – Do IVF Patients Need Baby Aspirin? 48:46 – The Problem With Too Much Intervention 51:28 – IVF, Induction & C-Sections 54:27 – Could Birth Interventions Affect Baby Health? 56:10 – Are IVF Babies Actually Different? 57:19 – IVF as a Tool, Not a Failure 58:46 – How to Optimize Health Before IVF 59:59 – Using IVF Intentionally 62:00 – Finding Your Own “Edge” Around IVF 64:03 – Your IVF Decisions Are Yours 65:11 – A Message of Hope Resources From This Episode: Dirty Genes by Ben Lynch - https://www.drbenlynch.com/Join Dr. Leah's Womanhood Wellness membership! - www.womanhoodwellness.comDownload Dr. Leah's FREE Optimizing IVF Guide! - https://drleahgordon.com/ivf-freebieDownload Dr. Leah's FREE Investigating Infertility Guide! - https://drleahgordon.com/infertility-freebie 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

  3. Aug 26

    Dr. Morgan's Fifth Home Birth Story | #179

    Dr. Morgan is back with her fifth baby, and this time, she's sharing the full, unfiltered story of her fifth home birth. From going past her due date and days of early contractions to the moment labor suddenly intensified, she walks Leah through what labor actually felt like, how she used breath, movement, and visualization to cope with contractions, and the transition that she says is one of the hardest and least talked-about parts of birth. She also shares the moment baby McLean was born, what it was like having her older children present, and the emotional experience of catching her own baby. But the conversation doesn't end with birth. Morgan also opens up about her first 10 days postpartum, including the routines, nutrition, movement, sleep strategy, and support system that have made this her best postpartum recovery yet. She also shares an unexpected realization about her baby's positioning and why pelvic floor physical therapy may have been the missing piece during pregnancy. 00:00 — Trailer & Introduction 01:43 — Going Past Her Due Date 06:34 — The Hardest Part of Pregnancy 11:15 — Early Labor Begins 15:29 — Walking Through Early Labor 21:37 — Labor Starts Intensifying 24:54 — The Cervical Check 26:46 — Getting Baby Into Position 32:24 — What a Contraction Really Feels Like 37:37 — The Transition Into Active Labor 39:49 — Breath, Movement & Visualization 43:48 — Back Labor Begins 45:30 — Getting Into the Birth Tub 50:19 — The Hardest Transition of Labor 58:16 — Her Water Breaks & Baby Descends 62:18 — Baby’s Head Is Born 65:40 — Baby McLean Is Here 71:56 — Delivering the Placenta 74:22 — Her First 10 Days Postpartum 77:10 — Morgan’s Postpartum Routine 82:44 — Nutrition, Supplements & Movement 88:25 — Prioritizing Sleep With Five Kids 90:50 — The Pelvic Floor PT Realization 92:20 — A Conversation for Another Episode Resources From This Episode: Check out all of our birth story episodes here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGU59IXH2I4Q&si=EG-pWz6bWb18P3gmEpisode #32 - The Vital Importance of Baby's Position During Birth with Ann Gilligan, RN, LNC, RYPT - https://open.spotify.com/episode/2IMXN6PmYDZBUcm78G3QeX?si=yNNZH5-sQDG3OaKeRlXD6AYoga Playlist for birth - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/36Y59fsmMxscde4nmZCGmz?si=HLzvwBW2SDa2j8iH8jhHrA&utm_source=copy-link&pi=zGnsr2CdRha4h 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

  4. Aug 19

    Trying to Conceive Is Affecting Your Relationship? How to Stay Connected Through Fertility Struggles | #178

    Trying to conceive can affect so much more than your fertility. It can change your sex life, create resentment, bring old trauma and insecurities to the surface, and leave couples feeling more like roommates than partners. In this episode, Dr. Leah breaks down some of the most common relationship dynamics she sees during a difficult TTC or infertility journey, including the project manager and avoider, silent grievers, sex on schedule, and the unequal burden dynamic. She also shares practical ways to communicate your needs, involve your partner, protect intimacy, shift unhealthy patterns, and create a stronger foundation for the parenthood you're working toward. Most importantly, if trying to conceive has changed your relationship, you're not alone, and it doesn't mean your relationship is doomed. 00:00 Trailer + Intro 01:43 How Trying to Conceive Can Affect Your Relationship 02:47 When TTC Starts Changing Your Relationship 05:07 When Sex Becomes a Chore 06:43 The Vicious Cycle of Libido and Disconnection 10:06 How Hard Times Bring Old Wounds to the Surface 11:43 When Fertility Changes the Relationship Dynamic 16:04 The Project Manager and the Avoider 18:39 Give Your Partner the Map 20:06 The Silent Grievers 21:13 Sex on Schedule and Unequal Burden 25:35 The Hidden Grief of Trying to Conceive 27:30 The Micro-Griefs Women Carry 30:32 When Your Partner Doesn't Know How to Show Up 33:05 Creating the Support You Actually Need 35:30 Reconnecting With Joy and Your Identity 37:46 Giving Your Partner a Clear Role 41:37 Letting Go of Control 43:48 Protecting Polarity and Connection 49:28 What Your Partner Can Actually Do 51:50 Protecting Your Relationship During TTC 55:07 Breaking the Resentment and Disconnection Cycle 57:27 Getting Support and Processing the Hard Stuff 60:44 Building a Stronger Foundation for Parenthood 63:03 You Are Not Alone Resources From This Chapter: The Queen's Code book by Alison Armstrong - https://www.amazon.com/Queens-Code-Alison-Armstrong/dp/B01DAYC348/The Queen's Code Podcast Episode: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0Kx1WKOBj6ByS9BWrMm3fH?si=afc6a448f29a40a1 Download Dr. Leah's FREE Fertility Lab Guide For Him & Her - https://drleahgordon.com/fertility-lab-guide-freebie Join Womanhood Wellness Membership - https://drleahgordon.com/join 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

  5. Aug 12

    Raising 6 Kids, Running a Business & Staying Nourished | Alysa Seeland of FOND Regenerative | #177

    When Alysa Seeland's health began falling apart after the birth of her first baby, she was told she would likely need surgery and was left searching for answers. Instead, that journey led her to discover the power of nutrient-dense foods, healing through nourishment, and eventually building Fond Regenerative: a company dedicated to truly traditional bone broth and regenerative foods. In this conversation, Alysa shares her incredible postpartum healing story, why quality bone broth matters, the role of healthy fats during pregnancy and breastfeeding, recovering from Lyme disease, home birth experiences, homeschooling six boys, running a thriving business with her husband, and the practical systems that make large family life possible. If you've ever wondered how to nourish yourself while raising children, or how to let go of perfectionism in motherhood, this episode is packed with encouragement and practical wisdom. 00:00 Trailer & Introduction 03:46 Why Real Bone Broth Matters 05:24 Alysa's Postpartum Health Crisis 09:20 Healing Through Nourishment 12:20 Why Moms Need More Nutrients 19:06 Healthy Fats During Pregnancy & Postpartum 20:46 Childhood Health & Choosing Birth Centers 23:31 Fast Birth Stories & Home Births 26:18 Letting Go of Perfectionism 30:14 Babies Close Together & Pregnancy Nutrition 34:14 Lyme Disease & Pregnancy After Healing 37:27 Managing Expectations With a Large Family 43:06 Homeschooling Six Kids 49:46 Running a Business Together as Parents 52:25 The Problem With Perfectionism 56:40 Family Systems That Actually Work 60:10 Why the Company is Named FOND 61:51 Daily Routine & Work Schedule 65:05 Traveling & Building a Business With Kids 68:36 Healthy Sports Snacks for Kids 72:35 Favorite Ways to Use Bone Broth & Tallow 75:20 Are They Done Having Kids? Resources From This Episode: Use code HAAM and save 10% at Fond - https://fondregenerative.com/HAAMCheck out Fond on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/fondregenerativeFollow Alysa on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/alysaseeland/Dr. Morgan's Pregnancy Call Course - https://milkmedicine.com/lessonsonly/ 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

  6. Aug 5

    What Every Female Founder Needs to Know Before Getting Pregnant with Natalie Samson | #176

    Whether you're actively trying to conceive, already pregnant, or simply dreaming about becoming a mother one day, this episode explores a topic that rarely gets discussed: what happens when an ambitious woman becomes a mom. Integrative genetic counselor Natalie Samson joins Dr. Leah Gordon for an honest conversation about preparing your business for pregnancy, navigating the identity shift into motherhood, and why success doesn't have to come at the expense of your family. They dive into practical strategies for delegation, building systems before pregnancy, planning for postpartum, and embracing the inevitable changes that come with this new season of life. Whether you're a founder, entrepreneur, healthcare provider, or working professional, this episode offers both mindset shifts and actionable advice for building a business that supports the life you truly want. 00:00 Trailer + Episode Introduction 03:00 Meet Natalie Samson 05:28 What Is Preconception? 06:48 Why Genetic Testing Matters 08:57 Why This Conversation Is Needed 11:05 Will Pregnancy Change Your Ambition? 17:53 Does Your Drive Come Back After Baby? 20:09 The Biggest Lesson Motherhood Teaches Founders 23:20 How to Prepare Your Business Before Pregnancy 28:29 Building Systems That Can Run Without You 3 1:31 Leading Your Team Through Pregnancy 39:10 Does Motherhood Change Your Business Identity? 46:20 The Delegation Exercise Every Founder Needs 48:18 Designing Your Ideal Work Week 57:29 Does Motherhood Make You a Better Founder? 62:49 Final Advice for Ambitious Women Resources From This Episode: Natalie's Genetic Counseling Services - https://www.goldengeneticshealth.com/Follow Natalie's practice on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/goldengeneticshealth/Follow Natalie on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/geneticswithnatalie/Download Dr. Leah's FREE Fertility Lab Guide For Him & Her - https://drleahgordon.com/fertility-lab-guide-freebie Join Womanhood Wellness Membership - https://drleahgordon.com/join

  7. Jul 29

    Hyperemesis Gravidarum 101: Why Severe Pregnancy Sickness Can Become Life-Threatening | #175

    Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) is far more than morning sickness. In this episode, we break down the science behind severe pregnancy nausea and vomiting, including how it's diagnosed, why it happens, potential genetic causes, treatment options, and what current research says. Dr. Morgan explains the latest evidence surrounding GDF-15, risk factors, medications, IV therapy, nutritional deficiencies, and recovery, while Leah shares her own experience with debilitating pregnancy sickness. Whether you've experienced HG yourself, love someone who has, or simply want to better understand this often misunderstood condition, this episode offers education, compassion, and practical resources. 00:00 Introduction 02:17 What Is Hyperemesis Gravidarum? 03:26 Signs & Diagnostic Criteria 05:50 HG vs Severe Morning Sickness 07:41 Risk Factors & Who Is Most Likely to Develop HG 11:55 Health Risks for Mom 18:00 Mental Health & The Emotional Toll 23:16 Effects on Baby 25:33 What Causes Hyperemesis Gravidarum? 27:50 The GDF-15 Gene Explained 30:29 Histamine, Mast Cells & Other Possible Causes 33:31 Recurrence & Future Pregnancies 36:20 Medical Treatment Options 42:04 Natural & Integrative Therapies 46:21 Chinese Medicine vs Acupuncture 50:38 Additional Support Strategies 52:58 Recovery After Hyperemesis 54:53 Final Takeaways & Encouragement Resources From This Episode: Sick - The Battle Against HG - https://www.primevideo.com/detail/0PUSG6EOZI4HTVVAWY18JE66WCHER Foundation https://www.hyperemesis.org/https://herhomeopathy.ca/homeopathy-for-morning-sickness/Gill homeopath - https://consultanthomeopath.com/homeopathySean Chinese Medicine Herbs https://www.folkwiseherbalmedicine.com/

  8. Jul 22

    Mini IVF vs Traditional IVF: A Personalized Fertility Approach with Dr. Lyndon Chang | #174

    If you've been told IVF is your only option, or you've already gone through failed IVF cycles, this episode may completely change the way you think about fertility treatment. Dr. Leah sits down with her personal reproductive endocrinologist Dr. Lyndon Chang, founder of Hanabusa IVF and a pioneer in minimal stimulation IVF, to discuss why fertility treatment shouldn't be one-size-fits-all. Together, they break down the differences between traditional IVF and Mini IVF, why more medications don't always mean better outcomes, how individualized protocols can improve care, and why understanding the root cause of infertility matters just as much as creating embryos. Whether you're just beginning your fertility journey or searching for answers after unsuccessful IVF cycles, this conversation offers a refreshing perspective on personalized fertility care. 00:00 Trailer & Introduction 00:53 How Dr. Chang Became an IVF Specialist 04:52 Mini IVF vs. Traditional IVF 08:52 Understanding Your IVF Options 13:27 Why Personalized IVF Matters 18:20 Why IVF Can Fail: Looking Beyond the Embryo 23:20 Natural vs. Medicated Embryo Transfers 27:42 When It's Time to Change IVF Clinics 29:20 Who Can Benefit Most from Mini IVF 30:52 Final Thoughts & Fertility Advice Resources From This Episode: Dr. Chang's Clinic: https://www.hanabusaivf.com/Dr. Leah's Womanhood Wellness Membership: www.womanhoodwellness.com

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4.9
out of 5
274 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
    181
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Healthy As A Mother
  • Show Website
    Healthy As A Mother

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