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Vasectomy is one of the most requested topics we've ever had, and in this episode we finally get answers from someone who has done thousands of them. Dr. Philip Werthman is a Los Angeles microsurgeon whose practice focuses exclusively on vasectomy reversal and male infertility. He explains how the male reproductive tract works, what actually happens during a no-scalpel vasectomy, and why ejaculation looks and feels the same afterward. We go through the concerns you sent in on Instagram: failure rates, post-vasectomy pain syndrome, autoimmune reactions to sperm, prostate and testicular cancer, Alzheimer's, testosterone, libido, and erectile function. Dr. Werthman gives his honest clinical perspective on how often these issues really show up in practice. He also covers the treatment options when chronic pain does happen. In the second half, we dive into vasectomy reversal. We cover how surgeons reconnect a tube about the size of spaghetti under a microscope, realistic timelines for sperm returning and conception, and why success rates range from about 60% to 98%. He also explains why some reversals "fail" because the right operation wasn't done. We finish with sperm agglutination, cost, choosing a surgeon, his favorite sperm-supporting supplements, and a thoughtful conversation about qi, regret, older fathers, and making this deeply personal decision as a family. 00:00 Trailer & Intro 02:27 Why We’re Talking Vasectomy 04:22 Meet Dr. Philip Werthman 06:00 What Is a Vasectomy? 08:29 How the Vas Is Cut & Sealed 10:07 No-Scalpel Vasectomy Explained 12:40 Does Ejaculation Change? 13:27 Risks & Failure Rates 14:46 Why Men Skip the Follow-Up Sperm Check 16:28 Post-Vasectomy Pain Syndrome 20:59 Treating Chronic Pain After Vasectomy 25:29 Autoimmune Concerns 28:59 Prostate & Testicular Cancer Risk 30:01 Is There an Alzheimer’s Link? 30:53 Vasectomy & Testosterone 33:15 Libido & Erectile Function 39:28 Regret & Being Sure You’re Done 42:15 When a Doctor Says No 44:27 Common Misconceptions 45:48 How Vasectomy Reversal Works 50:08 Reversal Recovery 51:16 Timeline for Sperm Return & Pregnancy 55:32 Reversal Success Rates 58:16 Reversal Risks 58:24 Sperm Agglutination & Thick Semen 61:36 Choosing a Surgeon & Cost 63:09 Supplements for Sperm Quality 65:52 Qi, Meridians & Spiritual Views 67:30 Making the Decision as a Family 69:46 Older Dads & Having Kids Later Resources From This Episode: About Dr. Philip Wetherman - https://www.malereproduction.com/about-cmrm/dr-philip-werthman/Vasectomy Reversal Expert - https://www.vasectomyreversalexpert.com/the-cmrm-advantage/MegasperminProxseedProfertile 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

Going through a miscarriage is heartbreaking, and then you're asked to make a big medical decision while you're still processing the news. In this episode, Dr. Leah Gordon and Dr. Morgan MacDermott walk through the three options for managing a miscarriage: expectant management (letting your body pass the pregnancy on its own), medication (mifepristone and misoprostol), and a D&C (dilation and curettage). They cover the pros, cons, success rates, and risks of each, so you can make an informed choice that feels right for you. They also talk about the things most women aren't told ahead of time. That includes how intense passing a pregnancy at home can be, when bleeding is too much and you need the ER, and why HCG can stay in your system and cause a positive pregnancy test weeks later. They explain retained tissue, how ectopic pregnancy is treated differently, and how testing the pregnancy tissue can give you answers after a loss. Finally, they cover the "mini postpartum" that follows a pregnancy loss. Topics include hormone shifts, when your cycle returns, when it's safe to try again, how to replenish your body, and ways to honor your baby. Whatever you're feeling after a loss is valid. You don't have to go through it alone. 0:00 Trailer & Intro 3:34 Miscarriage Explained 6:10 Why Community Matters After Loss 8:04 It's Not Your Fault 8:36 The Three Miscarriage Options 10:55 The Hard Language of Miscarriage 13:24 Grieving a Failed IVF Transfer 14:49 Option 1: Expectant Management 18:42 What Is a Missed Miscarriage? 22:36 You Don't Have to Decide Right Away 26:06 Feeling Empowered in Your Choice 28:02 Ectopic Pregnancy & Methotrexate 32:50 Option 2: Miscarriage Medication 36:39 Heavy Bleeding & When to Go to the ER 39:28 Medication Success Rates 40:51 Option 3: D&C 41:54 Testing Tissue for Answers 44:55 D&C Pros & Cons 46:31 Antibiotics & Anesthesia 51:27 D&C Risks by the Numbers 53:26 D&C and Future Fertility 57:01 Recovering After Anesthesia 59:12 The Mini Postpartum After Loss 60:37 HCG & False Positive Tests 63:54 When to Try Again 67:09 Nourishing Your Body After Loss 68:08 Your Feelings Are Valid 71:19 Asking for What You Need 72:14 Ways to Honor Your Baby 73:13 Hope After Pregnancy Loss 75:46 Natural Support for Grief 77:25 Closing Resources From This Episode: Join Dr. Leah's Womanhood Wellness membership - https://drleahgordon.com/join@ihadamiscarriage on Instagram - www.instagram.com/ihadamiscarriage Miscarriage manual - http://www.inciid.org/miscarriage-manualGrief Watch website - http://www.griefwatch.com/symptoms-of-griefAnecdotal natural miscarriage blog - http://www.thehealthyhomeeconomist.com/how-to-have-a-natural-miscarriage-no-dc/ 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

How do you talk to your kids about body safety without scaring them? And how do you actually keep them safe? In this episode, we're joined by Mandi Pagliarini (@MandiTalksPredators), a writer, speaker, educator, and mother of two. Mandi is a survivor of sexual assault and child trafficking, and her advocacy focuses on prevention and harm reduction. She gives parents survivor-informed education about grooming and how predators operate. Mandi explains why body safety should be an ongoing series of small conversations, like the way you teach manners, instead of one big talk. She also covers why the words you choose matter: say "share" instead of "tell," and leave out "hurt" and "abuse." She shares her "even if" statements, which let kids know they can come to you no matter who is involved or how the experience felt. We also talk about why boys may be more at risk than we realize, why teaching kids to "say no and fight back" often fails because of the freeze response, and what to teach them instead. We also get into how grooming really works. Predators often groom the parents as well as the child, and they play a long game. Mandi walks through red flags to watch for, like an adult seeking time alone with your child or your child suddenly talking about one adult all the time. She shares practical steps for reducing risk, including open-door playdates, never leaving a child alone with an adult, and avoiding sleepovers. She also talks about how to stay body-positive with little ones without creating shame. Mandi also shares parts of her own story, and why emotional regulation is the foundation that makes kids feel safe enough to come to you. 00:00 Trailer & Intro 02:00 Welcome Mandi Pagliarini 04:29 Why Body Safety Matters Today 06:30 Why Boys May Be More at Risk 09:17 Who Abusers Really Are 10:00 Small Talks, Not "The Big Talk" 11:30 Playdate Reminders 12:14 Risk Mitigation for Playdates 15:55 Say "Share," Not "Tell" 17:48 Don't Talk About Consequences 20:42 Using "Even If" Statements 23:25 Drop the Words "Hurt" and "Abuse" 25:44 How Grooming Escalates 27:45 How Predators Groom Parents and Kids 29:50 Red Flag: Seeking Alone Time 31:47 Signs Your Child Is Being Groomed 33:14 My Track Coach Story 37:00 Body Positivity With Little Kids 40:38 Keeping Sex Private Without Shame 43:44 What Age to Start the Conversation 48:30 How Much Information Is Enough 51:04 Sleepovers, Babysitters and Supervision 54:43 Mandi's Story 57:52 Why "Say No" Doesn't Work 61:12 Teach Kids to Fake an Excuse 61:50 The Freeze Response and Shame 64:44 The Gift of Fear and Intuition 67:26 Why Grooming Is So Confusing 71:07 "I Didn't Know There Was Anything to Tell" 72:40 Books and Resources 75:29 Key Takeaways Recap 78:37 Why Parents' Emotional Regulation Matters 80:26 Wrap Up Resources From This Episode: Mandi's Free Body Safety Guides for young kids - https://still-river-23314.myflodesk.com/freeguidetoprotectyourchildrenMandi's Free Body Safety Guides for Teens - https://still-river-23314.myflodesk.com/freeguideforparents?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAabT2PVIe_Nq31TE1eMdOVtJ44GKI-COxfMMPIowXJp6-ewevDMmcCNrYLE_aem_LOcKJP_DXi-IkYka2FHLMACheck out Mandi's website - https://www.mandiptalkspredators.com/Follow Mandi on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mandiptalkspredators/The Gift of Fear by Gavin de Becker - https://a.co/d/0bM0XMT0Good Pictures Bad Pictures by Kristen A. Jenson - https://a.co/d/05MOHhMJThe Place We Find Ourselves podcast -https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eaSvh-rUtyY 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. 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 labs should women actually be asking for, and what do those numbers really tell you about your health? In this episode of Healthy As A Mother, Dr. Leah Gordon breaks down the key labs she believes women should understand, from blood sugar and fasting insulin to thyroid, iron, inflammation, reproductive hormones, vitamin D and more. She explains what these markers can reveal about metabolic health, fertility, energy, hormones, symptoms and overall health, and why looking at a single lab without the right context can sometimes miss the bigger picture. The conversation also dives into reproductive hormone testing, including estradiol, progesterone, FSH, LH, AMH, testosterone, SHBG and DHEA, with a major emphasis on understanding where you are in your menstrual cycle when certain labs are drawn. Leah and Morgan discuss why cycle tracking and understanding ovulation can give women important context about their own health, whether they are trying to conceive, trying to avoid pregnancy, navigating postpartum or breastfeeding, or approaching perimenopause. They also cover thyroid markers, ferritin and iron studies, hs-CRP and inflammation, cortisol, vitamin D, ANA, and the importance of considering a partner’s semen analysis when trying to conceive. The episode ultimately comes back to one central idea: learning the basics of your own health can help you ask better questions, recognize when something deserves further investigation, and become more informed about what is happening in your body. 00:00 Trailer + Introduction 03:26 Understanding Women’s Health Labs 04:58 Why Testing Matters for Women’s Health 09:29 Blood Sugar, Insulin & Metabolic Health 16:34 Thyroid Labs: TSH, T3, T4 & Antibodies 23:18 Iron & Ferritin: What Women Should Know 29:10 Inflammation & hs-CRP 33:59 Why Preconception Lab Testing Matters 38:57 Reproductive Hormones & Cycle Timing 40:52 Estradiol: When to Test Estrogen 42:17 Progesterone: When to Test It 45:37 Cycle Tracking & Knowing When You Ovulate 49:46 FSH & LH: What They Tell You 54:42 AMH & Ovarian Reserve 57:54 Testosterone, SHBG & DHEA 61:14 Cortisol, Vitamin D & Stress 62:38 ANA, Fertility & Partner Testing 63:56 Understanding Your Labs & Advocating for Your Health Resources From This Episode: Dr. Leah's Free Fertility Lab Guide - https://drleahgordon.com/fertility-lab-guide-freebieDr. Leah's Free Fertility Masterclass - https://fertilitymasterclass.drleahgordon.com/Dr. Leah's Taking Back Fertility Program - https://takebackfertility.drleahgordon.com/Dr. Leah's 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

Eczema is incredibly common in babies and children, but what if the skin is only showing us part of the story? In this episode, Dr. Morgan MacDermott sits down with holistic nurse, clinical herbalist, and pediatric eczema practitioner Abbie Bradford to unpack the many factors that can contribute to eczema and why there isn't one universal cause or solution. They discuss the connection between eczema, gut health, food allergies and sensitivities, the microbiome, antibiotics, C-sections, breastfeeding, environmental exposures, and mold. Abbie also explains why the last thing that happened before a flare isn't necessarily the root cause, when food-based topicals may be problematic for babies, how to think about probiotics and stool testing, and which practical changes parents can start with at home. They also cover mold testing, breastfeeding and elimination diets, allergy testing, topical care, red light, bathing, and why some children may eventually "grow out" of eczema without actually addressing what was happening underneath. Most importantly, this conversation gives parents a framework for thinking about eczema without getting overwhelmed by the endless list of possible triggers. Rather than chasing one cause, Abbie explains how to look at the whole picture and identify the factors that may be contributing to a child's individual presentation. 00:00 Trailer + Introduction 02:47 Why Eczema Is More Than a Skin Problem 06:00 How Common Is Childhood Eczema? 09:40 Eczema Is a Symptom, Not the Root Cause 11:00 Can Food-Based Lotions Make Eczema Worse? 13:28 Vaccines, Immune Reactivity & the “Bucket” Analogy 19:42 Are Food Allergies Causing Eczema? 21:44 When Baby Rashes Are Normal vs. Concerning 23:09 The Gut-Eczema Connection 25:47 Mold & Environmental Triggers 32:04 How to Test Your Home for Mold 38:00 Why Indoor Mold Can Become a Problem 40:32 Can Eczema Happen Even Without Antibiotics or Medical Interventions? 42:54 Probiotics & Gut Testing for Eczema 44:16 Tiny Health vs. GI Map: What Parents Should Know 47:55 When Probiotics Can Make Eczema Worse 49:57 Gut Healing, Herbs & Why “Killing” Too Soon Can Backfire 54:44 The First Things Parents Can Do at Home 61:01 Breastfeeding, Elimination Diets & Cow’s Milk Protein Allergy 67:57 Will My Child Grow Out of Eczema? 72:17 Are Allergy Tests Helpful? 74:36 Topicals, Red Light & Caring for Eczema-Prone Skin 77:21 Bathing, Moisturizing & Why It Depends 79:23 Final Thoughts for Parents Resources From This Episode: Check out Abby's Website - https://www.myvibranthealth.net/Follow Abby on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/_abbiebradford/ERMI Mold Dust Test - https://moldtesting.com/IEP (Indoor Environmental Professional) List - https://iseai.org/iep-list/Tiny Health Stool Test - https://tinyhealth.myshopify.com/?rfsn=8737966.461e18&utm_source=refersion&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=8737966.461e18Evivo Probiotic - https://www.evivo.com/ION Biome Gut Support - https://intelligenceofnature.com/products/gut-health-supplementCheck out Free to Feed on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/free.to.feed/Dairy Free Breastfeeding Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/dairyfreediet.breastfeeding/ Lumebox Red Light Therapy Device, use code HEALTHYASAMOTHER - https://thelumebox.com/pages/lb68/?_ef_transaction_id=&oid=3&affid=4336&discount=healthyasamotherpodcastActive Skin Repair - https://shop.bldgactive.com/discount/HEALTHYMOTHERAlba Un-Petroleum JellyDr. Morgan's Pediatric Sickness Course 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. 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 Use code HAAM and save 10% at Fond

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 & Introduction 03:38 — The War on Female Biology 07:05 — The History of Birth Control 11:08 — Is Birth Control Fixing the Problem? 13:58 — The Fire Alarm Analogy 16:40 — Informed Consent & Birth Control 19:21 — When Birth Control Has a Place 24:22 — A Personal Experience With Birth Control 30:21 — What Is “Woman Essence”? 34:54 — Fertility Awareness vs. Birth Control 40:10 — The Truth About the Rhythm Method 41:58 — Public Health vs. Individualized Care 44:42 — Can Birth Control Mask Fertility Problems? 45:32 — The Potential Risks of Hormonal Birth Control 47:46 — Depo-Provera & Emerging Safety Concerns 49:09 — How Much Do We Really Know About Long-Term Risks? 51:37 — Birth Control & Fertility: What We Know 53:03 — Why Did Male Birth Control Studies Stop? 53:59 — Birth Control, Responsibility & Choice 56:09 — Feminism, Motherhood & the Modern Woman 60:39 — Is Our Culture Designed for Mothers? 63:15 — Know Your Why Before Taking Birth Control 63:44 — Your Cycle Is a Vital Sign 64:57 — What Real Reproductive Freedom Looks Like 65:50 — Learning to Value the Female Cycle 67:47 — Finding Joy in Your Womanhood 71:09 — Closing Resources 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-E06M4L5Aq 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

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

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

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

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

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

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/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/

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/ 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