
Free Daily Podcast Summary
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, 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.
The most recent episodes — sign up to get AI-powered summaries of each one.
What happens when we stop viewing the menstrual cycle as an essential part of female biology and start treating it as something to suppress? In this episode, Dr. Leah Gordon and Dr. Morgan MacDermott take a deeper look at the history and culture surrounding hormonal birth control, how women came to view their cycles as inconvenient or problematic, and what can happen when symptoms like painful periods, PMS, acne, irregular cycles, or heavy bleeding are suppressed instead of investigated. They discuss the difference between contraception and treating the root cause of hormonal symptoms, fertility awareness and modern cycle tracking, potential side effects and risks of hormonal birth control, informed consent, fertility, and why individualized care matters. Most importantly, this isn't an argument that every woman should avoid birth control, it's a conversation about understanding your body, knowing your options, and making intentional decisions about your reproductive health.00:00 — Trailer & Introduction03:38 — The War on Female Biology07:05 — The History of Birth Control11:08 — Is Birth Control Fixing the Problem?13:58 — The Fire Alarm Analogy16:40 — Informed Consent & Birth Control19:21 — When Birth Control Has a Place24:22 — A Personal Experience With Birth Control30:21 — What Is “Woman Essence”?34:54 — Fertility Awareness vs. Birth Control40:10 — The Truth About the Rhythm Method41:58 — Public Health vs. Individualized Care44:42 — Can Birth Control Mask Fertility Problems?45:32 — The Potential Risks of Hormonal Birth Control47:46 — Depo-Provera & Emerging Safety Concerns49:09 — How Much Do We Really Know About Long-Term Risks?51:37 — Birth Control & Fertility: What We Know53:03 — Why Did Male Birth Control Studies Stop?53:59 — Birth Control, Responsibility & Choice56:09 — Feminism, Motherhood & the Modern Woman60:39 — Is Our Culture Designed for Mothers?63:15 — Know Your Why Before Taking Birth Control63:44 — Your Cycle Is a Vital Sign64:57 — What Real Reproductive Freedom Looks Like65:50 — Learning to Value the Female Cycle67:47 — Finding Joy in Your Womanhood71:09 — ClosingResources From This Episode:Download Dr. Leah's Free Fertility Lab Guide - https://drleahgordon.com/fertility-lab-guide-freebieJoin Womanhood Wellness membership - https://drleahgordon.com/joinPeriod as 5th Vital Sign - https://youtu.be/HIKr1R3iYKo?si=mLjYzAPYON15ArM0Preparing Body for Pregnancy After Birth Control - https://youtu.be/THaoCkFAxWk?si=787HpG-E06M4L5AqHealthy As A Mother Podcast | YouTubeHealthy As A Mother Podcast | InstagramHealthy As A Mother Podcast | TikTokHealthy As A Mother Podcast | Merch StoreFind more from Dr. Leah:Dr. Leah Gordon | InstagramDr. Leah Gordon | WebsiteWomanhood Wellness | WebsiteFind more from Dr. Morgan:Dr. Morgan MacDermott | InstagramDr. Morgan MacDermott | WebsiteUse code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 10% at EarthleyUse code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 15% at RedmondFor 20% off your first order at Needed, use code HEALTHYMOTHERSave $260 at Lumebox, use code HEALTHYASAMOTHERUse code HAAM and save 10% at <a href="https://fondrege
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 & Introduction03:06 —The ADHD Brain Isn't Broken06:15 —The 3 Types of ADHD11:02 —Task Initiation, Motivation & Executive Function12:06 —Hyperfocus & Dopamine14:57 —Why ADHD Affects Working Memory19:29 —Why Motherhood Can Amplify ADHD Symptoms21:00 —How ADHD Is Diagnosed in Adults24:20 —ADHD & the Menstrual Cycle27:26 —Estrogen, Progesterone & Dopamine34:17 —ADHD During Pregnancy35:35 —Why Sleep Deprivation Can Mimic ADHD40:36 —How Pregnancy Changes the Brain42:01 —The Postpartum ADHD Crash44:36 —ADHD, Breastfeeding & Prolactin45:45 —Supporting ADHD Postpartum50:19 —ADHD-Friendly Systems That Actually Help52:21 —Finding Joy When You're Overwhelmed55:43 —Is It ADHD or Just Motherhood Overload?58:25 —ADHD Medication: When Is It Worth Considering?60:40 —Supplements & Natural ADHD Support65:24 —ADHD, Irritability & PMDD66:36 —ADHD & Perimenopause67:17 —Building Systems Around Your Brain70:08 —Caffeine & ADHD71:47 —Screens, Dopamine & ADHD75:17 —The Biggest Takeaway for Moms With ADHDResources 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/HEALTHYMOTHERHealthy As A Mother Podcast | YouTubeHealthy As A Mother Podcast | <a href="https://www.instagram.com/healthyasamoth
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 & Introduction03:45 – Are IVF Babies Less Healthy?05:34 – The Fear of IVF and Baby Health07:05 – What the Research Actually Shows09:26 – Relative Risk vs. Absolute Risk10:33 – Is IVF Really the Cause?10:59 – The Underlying Causes of Infertility14:32 – Sperm Health, Egg Selection & Epigenetics17:47 – Could IVF Itself Affect Health?20:09 – Does IVF Bypass Natural Selection?22:29 – How Parental Health Can Affect the Baby25:27 – Are We Too Far Outside of Nature?27:21 – IVF, Autism & What the Research Can't Tease Apart31:17 – The Problem With How We Study IVF35:09 – Could AI Change Medical Research?37:14 – Why Patterns and Clinical Experience Matter40:00 – The Absence of Evidence Is Not Evidence of Absence41:55 – How to Think Critically About Research42:53 – IVF and Congenital Heart Defects43:45 – IVF, Allergies, Eczema & the Microbiome46:04 – Pregnancy Monitoring After IVF47:19 – Do IVF Patients Need Baby Aspirin?48:46 – The Problem With Too Much Intervention51:28 – IVF, Induction & C-Sections54:27 – Could Birth Interventions Affect Baby Health?56:10 – Are IVF Babies Actually Different?57:19 – IVF as a Tool, Not a Failure58:46 – How to Optimize Health Before IVF59:59 – Using IVF Intentionally62:00 – Finding Your Own “Edge” Around IVF64:03 – Your IVF Decisions Are Yours65:11 – A Message of HopeResources 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-freebieHealthy As A Mother Podcast | YouTubeHealthy As A Mother Podcast | InstagramHealthy As A Mother Podcast | TikTokHealthy As A Mother Podcast | Merch StoreFind more from Dr. Leah:Dr. Leah Gordon | InstagramDr. Leah Gordon | WebsiteWomanhood Wellness | WebsiteFind more from Dr. Morgan:Dr. Morgan MacDermott | InstagramDr. Morgan MacDermott | WebsiteUse code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 10% at EarthleyUse code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 15% at RedmondFor 20% off your first order at <a href="https://www.thisisneeded.com/discount/HEALTHYMOTHER?rfsn=76397
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 & Introduction01:43 — Going Past Her Due Date06:34 — The Hardest Part of Pregnancy11:15 — Early Labor Begins15:29 — Walking Through Early Labor21:37 — Labor Starts Intensifying24:54 — The Cervical Check26:46 — Getting Baby Into Position32:24 — What a Contraction Really Feels Like37:37 — The Transition Into Active Labor39:49 — Breath, Movement & Visualization43:48 — Back Labor Begins45:30 — Getting Into the Birth Tub50:19 — The Hardest Transition of Labor58:16 — Her Water Breaks & Baby Descends62:18 — Baby’s Head Is Born65:40 — Baby McLean Is Here71:56 — Delivering the Placenta74:22 — Her First 10 Days Postpartum77:10 — Morgan’s Postpartum Routine82:44 — Nutrition, Supplements & Movement88:25 — Prioritizing Sleep With Five Kids90:50 — The Pelvic Floor PT Realization92:20 — A Conversation for Another EpisodeResources 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-sQDG3OaKeRlXD6AHealthy As A Mother Podcast | YouTubeHealthy As A Mother Podcast | InstagramHealthy As A Mother Podcast | TikTokHealthy As A Mother Podcast | Merch StoreFind more from Dr. Leah:Dr. Leah Gordon | InstagramDr. Leah Gordon | WebsiteWomanhood Wellness | WebsiteFind more from Dr. Morgan:Dr. Morgan MacDermott | InstagramDr. Morgan MacDermott | WebsiteUse code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 10% at EarthleyUse code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 15% at RedmondFor 20% off your first order at Needed, use code HEALTHYMOTHERSave $260 at Lumebox, use code HEALTHYASAMOTHERUse code HAAM and save 10% at Fond
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 + Intro01:43 How Trying to Conceive Can Affect Your Relationship02:47 When TTC Starts Changing Your Relationship05:07 When Sex Becomes a Chore06:43 The Vicious Cycle of Libido and Disconnection10:06 How Hard Times Bring Old Wounds to the Surface11:43 When Fertility Changes the Relationship Dynamic16:04 The Project Manager and the Avoider18:39 Give Your Partner the Map20:06 The Silent Grievers21:13 Sex on Schedule and Unequal Burden25:35 The Hidden Grief of Trying to Conceive27:30 The Micro-Griefs Women Carry30:32 When Your Partner Doesn't Know How to Show Up33:05 Creating the Support You Actually Need35:30 Reconnecting With Joy and Your Identity37:46 Giving Your Partner a Clear Role41:37 Letting Go of Control43:48 Protecting Polarity and Connection49:28 What Your Partner Can Actually Do51:50 Protecting Your Relationship During TTC55:07 Breaking the Resentment and Disconnection Cycle57:27 Getting Support and Processing the Hard Stuff60:44 Building a Stronger Foundation for Parenthood63:03 You Are Not AloneResources 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 Healthy As A Mother Podcast | YouTubeHealthy As A Mother Podcast | InstagramHealthy As A Mother Podcast | TikTokHealthy As A Mother Podcast | Merch StoreFind more from Dr. Leah:Dr. Leah Gordon | InstagramDr. Leah Gordon | WebsiteWomanhood Wellness | WebsiteFind more from Dr. Morgan:Dr. Morgan MacDermott | InstagramDr. Morgan MacDermott | WebsiteUse code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 10% at EarthleyUse code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 15% at <a href="https://glnk.
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 & Introduction03:46 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 | YouTubeHealthy As A Mother Podcast | InstagramHealthy As A Mother Podcast | TikTokHealthy As A Mother Podcast | Merch StoreFind more from Dr. Leah:Dr. Leah Gordon | InstagramDr. Leah Gordon | WebsiteWomanhood Wellness | WebsiteFind more from Dr. Morgan:Dr. Morgan MacDermott | InstagramDr. Morgan MacDermott | WebsiteUse code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 10% at EarthleyUse code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 15% at RedmondFor 20% off your first order at Needed, use code HEALTHYMOTHERSave $260 at Lumebox, use code HEALTHYASAMOTHERUse code HAAM and save 10% at Fond
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 31:31 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 WomenResources 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/Dr. Leah's 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 Introduction02:17 What Is Hyperemesis Gravidarum?03:26 Signs & Diagnostic Criteria05:50 HG vs Severe Morning Sickness07:41 Risk Factors & Who Is Most Likely to Develop HG11:55 Health Risks for Mom18:00 Mental Health & The Emotional Toll23:16 Effects on Baby25:33 What Causes Hyperemesis Gravidarum?27:50 The GDF-15 Gene Explained30:29 Histamine, Mast Cells & Other Possible Causes33:31 Recurrence & Future Pregnancies36:20 Medical Treatment Options42:04 Natural & Integrative Therapies46:21 Chinese Medicine vs Acupuncture50:38 Additional Support Strategies52:58 Recovery After Hyperemesis54:53 Final Takeaways & EncouragementResources 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/
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.
AI-powered recaps with compact key takeaways, quotes, and insights.
Get key takeaways from Healthy As A Mother in a 5-minute read.
Stay current on your favorite podcasts without falling behind.
It's a free AI-powered email that summarizes new episodes of Healthy As A Mother as soon as they're published. You get the key takeaways, notable quotes, and links & mentions — all in a quick read.
When a new episode drops, our AI transcribes and analyzes it, then generates a personalized summary tailored to your interests and profession. It's delivered to your inbox every morning.
No. Podzilla is an independent service that summarizes publicly available podcast content. We're not affiliated with or endorsed by Dr. Morgan MacDermott & Dr. Leah Gordon.
Absolutely! The free plan covers up to 3 podcasts. Upgrade to Pro for 15, or Premium for 50. Browse our full catalog at /podcasts.
Healthy As A Mother publishes weekly. Our AI generates a summary within hours of each new episode.
Healthy As A Mother covers topics including Nutrition, Fitness, Health & Fitness, Alternative. Our AI identifies the specific themes in each episode and highlights what matters most to you.
Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.
Free forever for up to 3 podcasts. No credit card required.