Episode 118: A Midwife’s Approach to Preventing Preeclampsia with Tiffany Alblinger

Preeclampsia is one of the most talked-about complications in pregnancy, and for good reason. It can develop quickly, carry serious risks, and often leave mothers feeling unsure about what they could have done to prevent it. In this week’s episode of Healthy As A Mother, Dr. Morgan MacDermott sits down with certified professional midwife Tiffany Alblinger of Beautiful One Midwifery in San Diego to unpack this condition from a midwifery and functional medicine perspective.

This episode is for any woman who is currently pregnant, planning for a future pregnancy, or has experienced preeclampsia in the past and is looking for proactive, holistic support.

What We Covered:

• What is preeclampsia, really?
  Tiffany breaks down the signs and symptoms—such as high blood pressure, protein in the urine, and swelling—and discusses how it’s typically diagnosed within the conventional system versus how midwives monitor for it with more nuance.

• How midwives approach prevention
  Rather than waiting until symptoms show up, Tiffany shares how she begins working with women even before conception to support their foundational health. She discusses how simple nutrition and lifestyle practices can shift the trajectory of a pregnancy.

• The role of protein
  One of the most important nutritional priorities? Protein. Tiffany explains why adequate protein intake is critical for healthy blood volume expansion, hormone production, and preventing the kind of imbalances that can contribute to preeclampsia.

• Tracking early signs and supporting the body
  Functional testing, ongoing nutritional assessments, and blood pressure monitoring are just some of the tools Tiffany uses throughout prenatal care. She describes how she collaborates with her clients to co-create a pregnancy plan that supports long-term wellness for mom and baby.

• Hope after preeclampsia
  If you've experienced preeclampsia in a past pregnancy, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk in future pregnancies. Tiffany provides empowering advice for women who want to prepare their bodies and their care team differently next time around.

Key Takeaway:

Pregnancy complications aren’t always random, and many of them, including preeclampsia, can be influenced by nutrition, stress, and overall maternal health. With the right support and knowledge, women can feel more informed, proactive, and confident throughout their pregnancy journey.

Final Thoughts:
This episode reminds us that pregnancy care doesn't need to be reactive—it can be preventative, supportive, and deeply rooted in listening to the body. Whether you're working with a midwife, OB, or another provider, tuning into the foundational pillars of health can make a profound difference.

Stay Connected With Us:
Healthy As A Mother: www.healthyasamother.com
Instagram: @healthyasamotherpodcast
Dr. Leah: www.womanhoodwellness.com
Instagram: @drleahgordon
Dr. Morgan: www.milkmedicine.com
Instagram: @morganmacdermott

This episode is sponsored by:

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