Healthy As A Mother

By Dr. Morgan MacDermott & Dr. Leah Gordon

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, pregn... more

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The podcast currently has 184 episodes available.

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Number 1: 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
September 02, 20261h 8min
Number 2: 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
August 26, 20261h 39min
Number 3: 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/
July 29, 20261h 3min
Number 4: The Hidden Signs of Endometriosis: Infertility, Painful Periods & What Actually Helps with Cindy Dabrowska | #172
Endometriosis affects an estimated 1 in 10 women, yet many spend years searching for answers before receiving a diagnosis. In this episode, Leah sits down with endometriosis and fertility dietitian Cindy Dabrowska to unpack the often-overlooked signs of endometriosis, its connection to infertility, painful periods, digestive issues, hormone imbalances, and chronic inflammation. Together, they discuss why endometriosis is frequently missed, emerging diagnostic tools, the role of surgery, how pregnancy impacts symptoms, and the nutrition and lifestyle strategies that can help improve quality of life. Whether you've been diagnosed with endometriosis, suspect you may have it, or are navigating unexplained infertility, this conversation offers practical insights and hope. 00:00 Trailer & Introduction 01:52 Cindy's Endometriosis Journey 04:32 How Long Does It Take to Get Diagnosed? 05:32 Common & Unexpected Endometriosis Symptoms 07:39 Silent Endometriosis & Infertility 09:22 Subtle Signs Women Often Miss 11:45 Estrogen, Hormones & Endometriosis 16:42 How Endometriosis Is Diagnosed Today 20:35 Should You Start Treatment Before Diagnosis? 23:52 Birth Control, Surgery & Individualized Care 27:18 Can Diet & Lifestyle Reverse Endometriosis? 31:42 Pregnancy, Breastfeeding & Endometriosis Symptoms 38:23 Is Endometriosis Similar to Cancer? 41:39 Cindy's 4-Part Endometriosis Healing Framework 44:06 Why Progesterone Matters 47:06 The Nervous System's Role in Endometriosis 49:26 Trauma, Stress & Chronic Pain 50:43 How to Work with Cindy 52:34 Final Thoughts Resources From This Episode:The Endo Thrive Masterclass - https://supportiveendord.ewebinar.com/webinar/the-endo-thrive-masterclass-23717Cindy's website: https://www.endometriosisdietitian.ca/Follow Cindy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/endo.fertility.dietitian/Subscribe to Cindy's Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@theendofertilityspaceDownload 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
July 08, 202659min
Number 5: Hospital Transfer During Birth: Why It Happens, What to Expect & How to Stay Empowered | #171
Planning a home birth or birth center birth? While most out-of-hospital births go as planned, hospital transfers are more common than many families realize. In this episode, we break down the most common reasons a transfer may happen before or during labor, including prolonged labor, maternal exhaustion, fetal positioning concerns, post-dates pregnancy, ruptured membranes, and more. We also discuss the emotional side of transfer, why it is not a failure, how to prepare mentally and practically for the possibility of a hospital birth, and ways to stay empowered if your birth plan changes. Whether you're planning an out-of-hospital birth or supporting someone who is, this conversation offers valuable education, reassurance, and practical tools for navigating unexpected changes during birth. 00:00 Trailer & Introduction 02:21 Why Hospital Transfer Isn't Failure 05:46 Letting Go of Guilt & Self-Blame 11:49 Home Birth Transfer Statistics 15:11 Most Common Reasons for Transfer 16:54 Reasons You May Transfer Before Labor 19:36 Going Past Your Due Date 21:41 Fear of Hospital Births & COVID Experiences 24:20 Why You Should Prepare for Transfer 26:31 Low Fluid, Blood Pressure & Other Risks 28:23 Breech Babies & Other Pregnancy Complications 33:16 Reasons for Transfer During Labor 33:45 Water Breaking Without Labor 35:40 Stalled Labor & Baby Positioning 37:35 Maternal Exhaustion & Pain Relief Requests 41:56 Medical Complications During Labor 43:20 Fetal Concerns & Meconium 44:44 How to Mentally Handle a Transfer 46:46 What Happens When You Arrive at the Hospital 53:56 Practical Tips & Your Hospital Backup Plan 55:59 Processing Your Birth Experience Afterwards 58:13 Homeopathic Support for Fear & Shock 58:46 Healing, Perspective & Birth Trauma 59:39 Final Thoughts Other Related Episodes:#32: The Vital Importance of Baby's Position During Birth with Ann Gilligan - https://open.spotify.com/episode/2IMXN6PmYDZBUcm78G3QeX?si=yNNZH5-sQDG3OaKeRlXD6A#40: The Wisdom in Waiting - https://open.spotify.com/episode/19MTWQjyEHl804m4UEcvT8?si=KuMgrblvSmy3HzQHKO9pGw#136: How The Hospital System Manipulates Moms with Dr. Stuart Fischbein MD - https://youtu.be/iKj69MpgmD0?si=ADEsze8RNtRCKkqO#168: Hospital Birth 101 Part 1 - https://youtu.be/8AohlC6Rc_E#169: Hospital Birth 101 Part 2 - https://youtu.be/Zracs5-cytE 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 HEALTHMOTHER and save 10% at Ninni Co. 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
July 01, 20261h 6min