Healthy As A Mother

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

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/0PUSG6EOZI4HTVVAWY18JE66WC
• HER Foundation https://www.hyperemesis.org/
• https://herhomeopathy.ca/homeopathy-for-morning-sickness/
• Gill homeopath - https://consultanthomeopath.com/homeopathy
• Sean Chinese Medicine Herbs https://www.folkwiseherbalmedicine.com/

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

Preparing for postpartum doesn't have to be overwhelming. In this episode, Dr. Morgan shares everything she's putting in her postpartum cart as she prepares for baby number five, including the products she swears by, the items she skips, and why less is often more.

From breastfeeding essentials, perineal healing, baby gear, and postpartum supplements to nutrition, mental health, and recovery, this episode is a practical guide for building a postpartum setup that truly supports both mom and baby.

Whether you're expecting your first baby or your fifth, you'll walk away knowing what actually deserves a spot on your registry, and what doesn't.

00:00 Trailer + Intro

02:15 Why You Don't Need Everything

07:46 Breastfeeding Essentials

09:41 Best Products for Nipple Healing

13:44 When to Use a Nipple Shield

21:07 Milk Collection & Breast Pads

27:24 Active Skin Repair

29:47 Electrolytes for Recovery

32:23 Milk Supply Support

34:29 Nursing Bras

35:09 Perineal Healing Essentials

39:48 Baby Essentials You Actually Need

41:15 Favorite Diapers & Wipes

44:35 Baby Clothes & Sleep Setup

48:29 Pacifiers & Baby Carriers

54:09 Postpartum Comfort & Recovery

56:44 Best Postpartum Supplements

58:37 Nourishing Herbs & Tonics

60:59 Stress & Mental Health Support

68:56 Nutrition & Meal Planning

74:16 What I Don't Buy

Resources From This Episode:

• Get all of the supplies mentioned in this episode here: https://milkmedicine.com/postpartum-cart-links/

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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

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-23717
• Cindy'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/@theendofertilityspace
• 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

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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

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

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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

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=1000625679300
• Episode #108: Surviving a Ruptured Ectopic Pregnancy with Sophia Pavia - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/healthy-as-a-mother/id1663942916?i=1000703730128
• 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

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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

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 book
• Bradley Method
• Hypnobirthing
• 40 Blinks Eyemask
• New Earth Mama Spotify Playlist

Other Related Episodes:

• Birth Plan Episode
• Birth Episode Playlist

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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

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 Stories
• Dr. Morgan's 4th Birth Story
• Dr. Leah's 1st Birth Story
• Dr. Leah's 2nd Birth Story
• Everything You Need to Know About Hospital Birth with Care Messer
• How Breech Birth Exposes Hospital Dysfunction with Dr. Stuart Fischbein

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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

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

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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