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Healthy As A Mother

Healthy As A Mother

Written by: Dr. Morgan MacDermott & Dr. Leah Gordon
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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.© 2026 Healthy As A Mother Alternative & Complementary Medicine Hygiene & Healthy Living
Episodes
  • Hyperemesis Gravidarum 101: Why Severe Pregnancy Sickness Can Become Life-Threatening | #175
    Jul 29 2026

    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/
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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • Mini IVF vs Traditional IVF: A Personalized Fertility Approach with Dr. Lyndon Chang | #174
    Jul 22 2026

    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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    38 mins
  • Baby Registry Supplies: What's in My Postpartum Cart | #173
    Jul 15 2026

    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/


    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


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    1 hr and 27 mins
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