Episode #122: Is Your Prenatal Enough? The Truth About Women's Nutrient Needs

In this powerful episode of the Doctor Mom Podcast, Dr. Leah Gordon sits down with Ryan Woodbury and Julie Sawaya, the co-founders of Needed—a practitioner-designed supplement company redefining what women truly need throughout the motherhood journey.

The conversation centers on a common, yet often overlooked issue: nutrient depletion in women. Many are entering pregnancy already undernourished, which has far-reaching impacts not just on fertility, but also on pregnancy outcomes, postpartum recovery, and long-term health.

Ryan and Julie share how their work was born from a deep need they saw in the wellness and supplement industries. Instead of simply creating another pretty label or trendy vitamin, they collaborated with an expert community of health practitioners—Dr. Leah included—to develop evidence-based products that prioritize optimal nourishment over the status quo.

The episode explores:

• Why conventional prenatal supplements often fall short

• The real reasons behind widespread nutrient depletion in modern women

• The importance of collaborative, practitioner-informed formulation

• What the latest research says about micronutrient needs in the perinatal period

• How Ryan and Julie built a company while raising families themselves

• How Needed is changing the conversation around prenatal and postpartum support
  
  

Whether you're preparing for pregnancy, currently expecting, or deep in postpartum, this conversation is a must-listen. It sheds light on why so many women feel dismissed by one-size-fits-all advice—and what can be done differently to truly support their health.

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:

Redmond Salt >> Click here and use code HEALTHYMOTHER to save 15% on your order.

Needed >> Click here and use code HEALTHYMOTHER to save 20% off your first order.