#69

On Training for Birth with doula Krisha Crosley

Carrying and birthing your baby is an inherently physical, and dang-near athletic event - and there are ways we can prepare our bodies to have the best chance at a smooth, simple, uncomplicated birth experience. This is the work of highly experienced doula, Krisha Crosley of Train for Birth. Today on the show, Krisha and I talk about the idea of training for birth, and how the parents she's coached over the years have an average first-time birth length of only 8 hours. That's - FAST. She discusses how modern human movement is a disservice when it comes to birth, and how we can counteract this truth with intentional daily movement. She offers several resources to parents - and some are even free. Have a listen and get inspired to work with your baby and your body to bring them across that birthing finish line - here we go! 

# 68

Real Food for Fertility with Lily Nichols

What should we be eating to boost our fertility? Today we unpack all things food and fertility with Registered Dietitian, Nutritionist, and popular author of the book: Real Food for Pregnancy, Lily Nichols. Lily and Lisa Hendrickson-Jack, the author of the Fifth Vital Sign, teamed up to write the brand new book, Real Food for Fertility and we talk about what to eat for female and male fertility, what's wrong with the Mediterranean diet diet, some of the things that surprised her during her research, and so much more! Let's dive right in! 

#67

All About VBAC pt. 2: Three VBAC Birth Stories

This is the second part of a two-part series about VBAC, or, vaginal birth after cesarean. This episode highlights three very different VBAC birth stories so you can find inspiration in a variety of stories. With each birth, we discuss the progression and process between each woman's first birth, their prep for a VBAC, the things they did or resources they found helpful, and the VBAC birth story itself. We believe that hearing as many positive birth stories as possible is a beneficial part of preparing for our births, especially when preparing to do something different than we did the last time, no matter how it all happened. Packing our subconscious with the stories of women who have walked the path we want is powerful. In this episode, we have a planned hospital VBAC, a planned VBAC at home - called an HBAC, and a planned hospital VBAC that happened a little too quickly to get there.

#66

How Feminism Has Influenced Our Modern Culture & Hormones

Today we have a thought-provoking and potentially controversial topic all about the feminism movements, our hormones, families, and our culture at large. We discuss the pros and cons of feminism from the gifts it has brought to anti-masculine culture, potential burnout in women, how it may have influenced the rates of fertility, and the differences in the masculine and feminine, both in biology and energetically. This is a spicy episode so without further ado, let's get started! 

# 65

All About VBAC pt. 1: Perspectives from an OB, Midwife, and Doula

This is the first part of a two-part series all about VBAC, or vaginal birth after cesarean. In this episode, Dr Morgan interviews three different birth professionals about their experience and opinions about VBAC, as well as their top tips for any woman preparing for a VBAC in the future. We wanted to gather a variety of types of birth providers and supports for this episode, and it applies and is helpful to more than just the people who are preparing for a VBAC - anyone preparing for birth - this is for you! We talk with an OBGYN, a homebirth midwife, and then a doula. We hope this episode leaves you feeling inspired about your future births and equipped with many practical tools and tips for processing past experiences, finding proper support, and paving a new path for your future.

#64

Thyroid Health and Fertility with Dr. Hanisha Patel

Did you know that your thyroid plays a massive role in fertility? Today we unpack the thyroid with Dr. Hanisha Patel and dive into low thyroid function and how that impacts fertility, how to test your thyroid and see if you have an issue, including ruling out autoimmune causes. We discuss how stress impacts the thyroid and how to support that, the impact that thyroid has on men as well as women, the interconnectedness of thyroid and other conditions like PCOS and endometriosis, and so much more. Without further ado, let's get started. 

#63

Role Changes and Expectations within Fatherhood with Wes MacDermott

Our special guest today is Morgan's husband, Wes, on to talk all about his perspective on fatherhood as a dad of four young children and who, honestly, has one of the most unique ways of thinking about this season of life. Wes lays it out for the partners in this episode - sharing his stance on character roles during the intense season of caring for your wife and family during postpartum and stepping up as a man in general once children are a part of the picture. We dive into traditional gender roles from past and present, how things are more different now than ever before, and how he best advises couples to communicate about these things before and during the transition into parenthood.

# 62

Gut Health, the Microbiome, and Fertility with Dr. Kelsey Stang

Our gut health impacts everything from our immune system, our mood, our hormones, and our ability to become pregnant, stay pregnant, and have a healthy baby. It is at the root of so many issues which is why we need to talk about it. In this episode, Dr Leah interviews naturopathic physician Dr. Kelsey Stang all about gut health and the microbiome in fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum. Our gut health is so important for all of the stages of baby-making, and the microbiome plays a major role in its health. Dr. Kelsey shares what aspects of gut health are important to optimize before becoming pregnant, the role the microbiome plays, and how to support your gut before, during, and after pregnancy. 

#61

Baby-Led Weaning with Thriving Foundations with Dr. Alyssa

It's time to introduce your baby to solids, and you haven't the foggiest idea where to start. Or maybe you're researching for the future and want to learn more about baby-led weaning. On today's show, Dr. Morgan interviews Dr. Alyssa, founder of Thriving Foundations, an educational platform for parents to learn about this exact thing and more - a holistic approach to food introduction to your baby via the method of baby-led weaning. They discuss when to start solids, how to prepare foods with this method, what some ideal first foods might be, and then the hot topic item of introducing food allergens and how to tell the difference between an allergen and intolerance. We hope this episode leaves you feeling inspired and confident in feeding your baby with intention and as an important part of their overall health.

#60

When Things Get Hard

Are you thinking about adding more children to your family? Maybe you're planning for a certain age gap or trying to figure out if you're "done," or not. Maybe you're already pregnant and need advice on how to prepare your other children for a new baby. In this episode, we break down the myriad of factors to consider when deciding to add more children or not, what a subsequent pregnancy is like when you're taking care of other older children, how to prepare them for birth if they'll be present, and pro tips to aid in the integration of a new member of the family. This one is filled with practical advice - let's go!

# 59

Adding More Children to Your Family: Considerations + Tips

Are you thinking about adding more children to your family? Maybe you're planning for a certain age gap or trying to figure out if you're "done," or not. Maybe you're already pregnant and need advice on how to prepare your other children for a new baby. In this episode, we break down the myriad of factors to consider when deciding to add more children or not, what a subsequent pregnancy is like when you're taking care of other older children, how to prepare them for birth if they'll be present, and pro tips to aid in the integration of a new member of the family. This one is filled with practical advice - let's go!

#58

Endometriosis 101 with Dr. Kelsey Duncan

Do you experience painful periods? Are you struggling to conceive? Today Dr Leah interviews Dr. Kelsey Duncan all about endometriosis. We discuss what symptoms may make you suspect this condition that causes pain and can affect fertility. We talk about the complex world of endo from diagnosis difficulty to management, and which paths may be required for conception. She shares her favorite go-to tips for endo, and so much more! Without further ado, let's get started!

#57

Pregnancy Nausea + Postpartum Fog: An Update From The Doctors

We love deep-diving into various topics surrounding the journey into and throughout motherhood, not only because we have chosen women's reproductive and perinatal health as our medical specialties, but because we are mothers ourselves - going through this all right alongside you. This week we chat about Dr. Leah's early pregnancy symptoms and discuss the difficulties of pregnancy nausea, or "morning sickness," while also outlining several helpful strategies to try. She discusses how she's feeling overall, as well as her plans for this birth. Then Dr. Morgan details what it has been like coming out of the intensity of the early postpartum months, and how life is flowing with her fourth baby. Thank you for being with us on these journeys!

# 56

Genetic Testing and Your Fertility Journey with Natalie Samson

In today’s episode, Dr Leah interviews Natalie Samson, a Board-Certified Genetic Counselor who approaches genetic testing a little differently than your average genetic counselor. We talk about preconception testing, carrier testing, and how impactful that may be along your fertility journey. Dr Leah shares the pivotal moment in her fertility journey when she finally did carrier testing and it explained so much. We discuss the benefit of genetic testing to reduce the risk of developing conditions or diseases, if miscarriage is genetic, and the role our diet and lifestyle play in our genes. We talk about why getting your genes tested with big companies like Ancestry or 23 and Me may not be the wisest option, and so much more. Let's dive right in! 

#55

Vagina Bugs and The Essential Role They Play

Today we are talking all about the vagina and the bugs that live there. Did you know that the type of bacteria that inhabit your vagina can impact whether you get pregnant, have a miscarriage, or deliver a baby early? Those bugs are collectively known as the microbiome, and the vaginal and female reproductive tract microbiome is what we are discussing. We chat about what it is, how it impacts our fertility, pregnancy, birth, and babies, what are signs that it may be imbalanced, and how to shift it back into balance. Let's dive right in.

#54

Potty Training 101: What You Need To Know

Potty training can feel so overwhelming, especially for first-time moms like Dr. Leah. She knew she needed to cross that bridge eventually, and she is so grateful that Dr. Morgan and her are best friends and she knows so much about it. Dr Morgan wanted to share everything Dr Leah needed to know about this process so they decided that instead of having a private conversation about it, they should record it and share it with you too! Whether you are a first-time mom navigating this season, already have kids but want to see what approach she recommends for your next child, or don't even have kids yet, this is an incredibly valuable episode where we talk all about the potty. Let's get started! 

# 53

Miscarriage Mystery Decoded with Dr. Aumatma Simmons

Today we are talking all about miscarriages with Dr. Aumatma Simmons, naturopathic doctor and endocrinologist. We discuss what the root causes of pregnancy loss are, some of which may surprise you! We also touch on what the timing of the loss may indicate, the role hormones play, what to do after a loss, and how to support someone going through one. This is a much-anticipated episode on a topic that is under-talked about, especially in the way Dr. Aumatma shares. Let's dive in! 

#52

Vaccines from a Neurodevelopmental Perspective with Dr. Ari Calhoun

You asked, and we answered. Today on the podcast we have Dr. Ari Calhoun, a Naturopathic Doctor, and pediatric neurodevelopmental specialist, on to talk about vaccines from a brain development point of view. Our goal was to tease apart the tough decision-making parents either want or have to make for various reasons, and Dr. Ari shares an individualized approach that we wish all families received. 
Assessing risk factors for illness, as well as using other methods of risk mitigation, are important parts of this conversation. We discuss vaccination during pregnancy, the immune system's role in normal neurodevelopment, how the brain gets primed for inflammation, the problems with the current schedule and ways to optimize a delayed schedule, detox, autism, testing, measles, and more. Here we go!

#51

Trimester Breakdown: Focus Points + Tips

This week I take you on a little adventure through the trimesters of pregnancy. I break down common symptoms you might feel and offer ideas on how to manage those from a natural, integrative medicine perspective, as well as highlight various focus points for each 3-month period - whether that be the types of labs you might want to ask your provider for, or the types on information that would be smart to begin researching. I help answer some of the common questions I get all the time: What can be done about morning sickness? When do I start supplementing, and with what? Can you manage a UTI naturally during pregnancy? When do I need to change my exercise routine? And so much more!

# 50

Making Babies with an Embryologist with Shaun Reed

Have you ever wondered who is behind egg freezing? How accurate are at-home sperm tests? How are embryos made during IVF? Who chooses the sperm used in embryo creation in severe male-factor infertility? Well if you have been dying to know, you are in for a treat because today Dr. Leah interviews Shaun Reed. He is an embryologist at the Utah Fertility Center and he spends his days making babies. Dr. Leah's daughter was created with the help of embryologists and even to me, this part of our fertility journey has been sort of a mystery. Dr. Leah was thrilled to interview Shaun and we can't wait for you to hear what he had to say!

#49

Toxins and Fertility: Living Low-Tox Without the Overwhelm with Aida Garcia-Toledo

We are so excited for today's episode where Dr. Leah interviews Aida Garcia-Toledo of 3 Little Plums. She is an expert in low-tox living and as a consultant and educator in this space, she has a wealth of knowledge to share. Toxins majorly impact us, our fertility, and our babies, yet switching to a low-tox lifestyle can be overwhelming. That is where Aida comes in. Whether you are just thinking about kids, along the fertility or infertility journey, pregnant, or have little ones at home, this episode is a must-listen!

#48

Our Life Updates: Infertility & Postpartum

The last few months have been wild for Dr. Morgan and myself and as we kick off season 4 of the Healthy As A Mother podcast, we wanted to share our updates, the struggles we have both been going through, and share what prompted our extended break of this podcast. Although we know a lot about fertility, pregnancy, birth, and postpartum between the two of us, it doesn't mean we are immune from the struggle within those seasons. In fact, it's because of our struggles that we are often able to help and bring support to women just like you because we get it. 

# 47

Top Holiday Tips: How We Navigate Tricky Times

In this episode, we take you through each of our top three tips for navigating the holidays. Dr. Morgan discusses immune support for her children, navigating newborn health around groups of people, and providing a framework for managing gift-giving with a larger family. Dr. Leah then discusses her favorite substitutes if you have common food intolerances but still want to enjoy delicious holiday food, a mindset shift for those who are trying to conceive and disappointed to not be pregnant during this time, and balancing the enjoyment of food with feeling good so you can find more joy in your eating.

#46

Dr. Morgan's Postpartum: On Breastfeeding and Nutrition

Dr. Morgan's Postpartum Part 2 is here! In episode #43 we discussed sleeping and resting during the postpartum season, so in today's episode we are talking all about breastfeeding and postpartum nutrition. On breastfeeding, we break down the theories on the causes of oral ties, pacifiers for breastfed babies, pumping schedules, and reflux. We then discuss the importance of postpartum nutrition, what types of food to prioritize, how to set up a meal train, and more! This is a real and raw look inside of the beautiful, yet challenging postpartum phase of a mother! Listen in!

#45

TTC During the Holidays: Navigating Emotions

The holidays are upon us and if you are trying to conceive, this episode is for you! I interviewed Sadie Ackerman, an integrative mental health consultant all about navigating the complex emotions that can come up during the holidays. If you are feeling grief and anger seeing other pregnancy announcements, feeling devastated at the thought that you don't have a baby for the holidays, or you are navigating the various emotions that can arise during social and family gatherings, you do not want to miss this. Even if you aren't trying to conceive, the framework that Sadie shares with us is invaluable to all of us because we are all navigating relationships and feelings around the holidays. So without further ado, let's get started.

# 44

TTC During the Holidays: Health Tips

Today's episode is packed full of health tips for navigating the holidays when you are trying to conceive! The holidays often bring many events and circumstances that aren't always in alignment with optimal health and fertility, such as drinking alcohol, over-indulging on desserts and treats, traveling, being stressed, and navigating toxin exposures while traveling or staying at other people's homes, just to name a few. Today I interviewed Sadie Ackerman, an integrative mental health consultant, and we discussed how to make better choices while still enjoying yourself, how to navigate choosing different behaviors than you have in the past, and how to have difficult conversations if they are necessary. This episode really applies to all of us as we move into the holiday season, however, if you dream of having a baby soon or someday, this is especially important. Let's dive right in!

#43

Dr Morgan's Postpartum On Sleeping and Resting

We shared Dr. Morgan's fourth home birth story in episode #42, and now here we are going over questions you all had about her postpartum in regards to newborn sleep as well as managing an extended postpartum lie-in period. We talk about how and why Sunny sleeps on her stomach, how she handles the rough nights, and how her husband and her split nighttime baby care...or not. Then we dive into what a postpartum lie in rest period looks like - how many days, how to plan expectations with family and friends, if she has mom guilt about her lack of involvement with her other kids - and spoiler alert, she does. A lot. Hear all about it here in this part 1 of 2 series - let's go!

#42

Dr. Morgan's 4th Home Birth Story

It's birth story time! I'm about 11 days postpartum and feeling strong and good and I want to tell you this story before I forget it. So Dr. Leah and I are going to go through the entire birth process, which is a long one, of my 4th baby and 4th home birth. We also took some questions from Instagram. I'm so excited to share this with you and photos coming soon! Stay tuned!

# 41

Mitochondrial Health for Fertility with Dr. Kalea Wattles

Did you know that there is a key part of egg cells and sperm that can greatly impact egg quality, sperm quality, conception potential, miscarriage risk, and outcomes for mom and baby? They are called the mitochondria and to say it simply...they are really important. The coolest thing is there is so much that we can do to optimize and improve our mitochondria. On the podcast episode today, I interview Dr. Kalea Wattles, a naturopathic doctor and certified functional medicine practitioner who specializes in fertility and the mitochondria. She walks us through what they are, how they impact fertility and our overall health, and gives us actionable steps we can start doing today to optimize them!

#40

The Wisdom of Waiting: When TTC or Past Your Due Date

Waiting is a major part of the experience of becoming a mother, yet we rarely talk about it or give it the attention it deserves. From the two-week wait while trying to conceive, to the waiting for your chance of becoming pregnant after months and months of trying, to the waiting for a new treatment or change to impact your fertility, to the waiting for your baby to grow in the 9-10 months of pregnancy, to the challenging wait for baby to arrive as you pass your due date...becoming a mother can involve a lot of....waiting. Dr. Morgan and I break this down and share our own experiences of being in the current throws of waiting...her, waiting for her baby to come as she is now past her due date, and me, waiting to conceive via IVF, a process that has been pushed back almost 8 months due to various factors. I share the wisdom I have learned from years and years of waiting along our fertility journey, and we share some golden nuggets you don't want to miss. Let's dive right in!

#39

Supporting the Emotional Aspect of the Fertility Journey

Navigating fertility and infertility can be incredibly emotional and challenging. This is where fertility coaching comes in. Today's episode is full of practical steps, wisdom, hope, and a key aspect of fertility that I wish every woman and couple was aware of along their fertility journey. Whether you are just starting your conception journey, have experienced losses, or have been trying to conceive for months or years, my interview with Elizabeth King is for you. We dive into the subconscious mind and how to truly heal and support yourself as you journey toward motherhood.

# 38

Homeopathy During Birth and Postpartum: Top 8 Remedies with Jill Giesinger from HerHomeopathy

This week we reap the expert advice of guest Jill Geesinger, certified professional homeopath specializing in the world of pregnancy, postpartum, and motherhood. She teaches us the top 5 remedies she recommends to have on hand during birth to ensure things progress smoothly and appropriately, and her top 3 remedies for a solid postpartum recovery. We discuss how homeopathics work, who can take them and when and how, proper storage, and ways to know they're working well. Homeopathy is a gentle, supportive, effective, and safe way to support your entire motherhood experience, so let's go ahead and start learning!

#37

First 6 Steps To Take Along Your Fertility Journey

If you were to say, "Dr. Leah, I want to have a baby. What are the first 6 things I should do?" I would respond exactly as I do in today's podcast episode. I highlight the first 6 things I would tell a woman to do as soon as the idea of a baby has entered her mind, but even if you have been trying to conceive for a while, these still apply. There are so many important things to do along the preconception and fertility journey, however, I shared some big-hitting ones and I think you will really enjoy how practical they are. I also share the exciting news that my Fertility Formula course is finally open for enrollment, so you can finally get the in-depth support so many of you have been asking me for on your journey toward motherhood! Without further ado, let's get started!

#36

All About Cesareans: Prevention, Preparation, and Healing

In this episode, we tease out the many reasons for cesarean birth versus vaginal birth - some warranted and some the cause of an impatient modern medical system. We walk you through how to prepare for a cesarean if you know you are having one, and some tips for the quick moments before a potentially unplanned cesarean as well. Dr. Leah shares her unique perspective on her homebirth turned cesarean, and how a frameshift helped her find moments of peace in the OR. We discuss our top tips for thorough healing and recovery, with many practical tips and resources sprinkled throughout. We hope you find value in this episode, whether it's for your preparation or your emotional and physical healing afterwards. Let's dive in.

# 35

Male-Factor Infertility: From a Man's Perspective

Today on the podcast, Dr. Leah interviewed her husband, Mike, about his experience as a man navigating male factor infertility. This is a rare peek into the mind of a man going through this vulnerable time and up-front insight on an often avoided topic. Although this journey was lonely for him, with 1 in 10 men struggling to conceive today, he realized after his experience that it's important to share if he can help even just one other couple have the family they dream of. We discuss what it was like for him to find out about his sperm, what the 6-year journey to conception was like, what support he received and wished he had had, and what he would recommend other men navigating this major obstacle do. He has such wisdom to share and practical tips for men and their partners as they navigate male-factor infertility. Let's dive in!

#34

The First 10 Days Postpartum: Top 5 Tips to Thrive

The first 10 days with your baby is a beautiful, dynamic, constantly changing season of life with many steep learning curves to tackle. I, Dr. Morgan, am incredibly passionate about this time period because I see so many families completely overwhelmed and underprepared for the day-to-day changed that occur in these early days. I want all new families to feel confident and able to enjoy their new babies during this immediate postpartum time, so in this episode I give my top 5 tips to thrive, and talk about my 11-video course that details all of these changes so that you and your partner know what to expect and can feel ready and confident in what is normal and what is not. From post-birth interventions through the first latch, milk coming in, meconium and normal stool changes, weight gain, birth recovery, true postpartum healing, placenta options and more - we've got you covered.

#33

Top 5 Considerations for Optimizing IVF Naturally

Get ready for this long-awaited IVF episode. In this solo episode, I break down my top 5 considerations for optimizing IVF naturally for anyone going through the IVF process or considering it in the future! We discuss the four unique phases where support is needed that I identified along my journey through IVF for our primarily male-factor infertility struggles. I discuss how IVF differs from an unassisted conception, what the industry is missing, and how we can fill in the gaps with natural medicine. If you are struggling to conceive, or you have a friend or family member thinking about doing IVF, you do NOT want to miss this one!

#32

The Vital Importance of Baby's Position During Birth with Ann Gilligan, RN, LNC, RYPT

Calling all preggos! You are not going to want to miss this. In this week's episode, I talk with the incredible Ann Gilligan, Labor and Delivery Nurse and creator of Gilligan's Guide, which teaches pregnant women and providers specific maternal positioning in order to optimize the baby's position for a smooth vaginal birth. There was so much in this episode that I was absolute lit up by and I am SO excited about this information. I highly recommend looking into working with Ann and looking into taking her course if you're wanting to learn more - because I TRULY feel that this is the type of revolutionary information that we will see widely spread amongst ALL birth professionals in due time. Sit back and have a listen, you are going to learn a LOT.

# 31

The Power of Progesterone: An Essential Fertility Hormone

What do PMS, anxiety, sleep issues, and miscarriages all have in common? Low progesterone may be playing a role in any of these. In today's episode we unpack everything you need to know about progesterone. We talk about the important role it plays in hormone balance, fertility and conception, and maintaining a pregnancy. We discuss why it may be low, how to tell if you are, how to test for it, and what to do to increase it naturally . We dive into supplementing with progesterone and we answer all of the questions our listeners asked about this incredible hormone. I think you are going to love this one!

#30

Beyond Egg Count: Discussing Ovarian Reserve with Dr. Marc Sklar

You are not just your egg count. When it comes to fertility there is so much more going on, even if you have low ovarian reserve. Today we interview Dr. Marc Sklar, a natural fertility specialist and we talk about eggs, what is at the root of low ovarian reserve, and what to do about it. Dr. Marc shares what he wishes for the world of fertility, and he shares his incredible wisdom. You do not want to miss this one.

#29

Top 3 Things Each Doctor is Doing to Prep: Dr. Leah's Conception & Dr. Morgan's Birth 

We are right there with you in the process of growing our families, and in this episode, we take you through the top 3 areas of focus each of us are prioritizing as we prep for the big transitions we both have coming up in the next few months. For Dr. Leah, it’s optimizing her health to conceive her second child, and for me Dr. Morgan, it’s preparing for the birth and postpartum of my fourth child. Dr. Leah leads you through her personal preconception journey, including what supplements she is taking and dietary or lifestyle steps to optimize the transfer, and for me Dr. Morgan, I outline my main focus points for the rest of my pregnancy, and then how I am making different planning decisions for my home birth as well as preparing those around me for a supported postpartum. Let’s dive in!

# 28

Relationships While TTC Part 2:  Sex & Intimacy

We are back for part 2 of navigating relationships while trying to conceive. In this episode we dive deeper into sex and intimacy. We discuss libido and sex while trying to conceive, during infertility, after pregnancy loss, connection with your partner, and relationship dynamics and advice. This episode is packed full of practical tips on how to navigate the complexity of this, what struggles with intimacy or sex in women and men may mean about your fertility, and we share our own personal experiences in this department. This is one of my favorite episodes so far!

#27

The Complexity of Relationships Around Trying to Conceive: Part 1

What is it like to be someone going through infertility while others around you conceive easily - or vice versa? And how can you best support someone who is going through infertility? Relationship dynamics while trying to conceive, or while supporting someone who is trying to conceive, can be tricky to manage - and we are no strangers to how this can play out in a close friendship. Join us in this two-part series where we share our personal relationship story of how easy conceiving versus infertility affected our friendship, and follow along as we unpack several complex concepts like understanding your triggers, using non-violent communication and strong boundary setting, neurolinguistic programming, as well as many practical tips on how to move through the difficult emotions that come up throughout this process.

#26

All Things Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy with Dr. Lauren Mallari-Snyder, DPT

Is it normal to pee when you sneeze? Can you lift weights while pregnant? What’s the best way to start working out again after having a baby? Join us this week as we talk with pelvic floor physical therapist, Dr. Lauren mallari-Snyder, to dispel common myths, discuss dysfunction versus health, vaginal versus cesarean birth recovery, prolapse, urinary AND fecal incontinence and so, so much more.

#25
Ask Us Anything: Part 2

You all had so many questions from the first round that we had to make a part two so that we could answer all of your questions! In this Q&A episode, we get into topics like how we personally handle conflict with our partners, lanolin use for nipple healing, how much we both weigh, how to handle people around you wearing perfume, melatonin and caffeine in pregnancy and what if you and your partner disagree on the number of children to have, and more! We get into some nitty gritty around general conflict resolution in this episode, which is something not enough people talk about so we are happy to break open that conversation as it pertains to the world of fertility toxins on coworkers or handling disagreements with your spouse- let's go!

# 24

Ask Us Anything: Part 1

We said, "Ask us anything" and now we are responding. In this Q&A episode, we answer a few of the top questions we received from our listeners. We dive into what implantation bleeding looks like, the pros and cons of IUDs AND vasectomies, Phexxi birth control and its impact on the vagina, anxiety in the first trimester, chronic constipation in kids, and how to raise progesterone and testosterone. We share our real-life vulnerable answers to some of these questions and as always aim to help teach and empower you along your journey on becoming or being a mother, wherever you land on that spectrum.

# 23

All About Weaning: Philosophy, How To, and Factors to Consider

How in the world do you begin weaning your child, and when can you safely start? In this episode we talk in detail about factors to consider for night weaning and day weaning (because they are different), as well as my personal, yet also tried and true method of how to organize and approach the topic with your child in a way that respects their emotions AND respects the milk in your boobs so you're at less risk for clogged ducts or mastitis. We discuss weaning babies versus toddlers, whether or not you need to give them replacement milk, and explain the signs and symptoms of post weaning depression, which unfortunately is rarely talked about. We ALSO talk about trying to conceive while breastfeeding or throughout weaning, and share our maybe unpopular opinions about optimal age gaps between children. Here we go!

# 22

Detoxing Before Pregnancy: Why and How to Do It  

What are toxins and what is a detox? Why is detoxing important to do before you become pregnant? In this episode we unpack the buzz word "detox" and discuss what detoxing actually is, why it's important to do before becoming pregnant, and how to do it. We share some of our favorite tips and how to find the balance between awareness and overwhelm. This is an important topic, so let's dive in!

# 21

Postpartum Depression & Anxiety: Five Root Causes

Dr. Morgan here, and this episode is near and dear to my heart - as I am no stranger to the experience of postpartum depression and anxiety. I feel for myself looking back on those experiences, and have immense compassion for those going through these dark times. PPD and PPA unfortunately affect as many as 1 in 7 or 8 women, and we are here today to tease out five possible root causes so that in case these are a component in your story, you have a path to walk towards finding yourself again. Some of these are easily missed on improper lab orders, or are commonly mistaken as normal symptoms of life with a new baby - but we know there is a different way - a way where you can enjoy motherhood feeling like yourself, even through the tough times. We are here for you, and hope this episode helps.

# 20

Home Birth Turned C-Section: Dr. Leah's Birth Story

If there is one thing I have learned along my journey toward motherhood it is surrender. Circumstances and events don't always go as planned. The fact that I, a naturopathic doctor who aims to do as little intervention as possible, ended up needing medical assistance to not only conceive but also birth my baby is beyond ironic. Dr. Morgan and I relive the crazy story of my daughter's birth and I share not only the journey but also the insights that brought me peace through a process that ended up drastically different than I imagined.

# 19

Dr. Morgan's Three Home Birth Stories

Story time! Come along with me as I walk you through my first three home birth stories, and how I plan to prep for my FOURTH birth set for late October. I've had a variety of experiences, and learned new lessons each time. From a long arduous back labor to a very quick and shocking fetal ejection reflex birth, to then the middle-ground goldilocks 12 hour labor and my first water birth - you'll be sure to laugh alongside Dr. Leah and I through this one! Let's go!

# 18

"Just Relax" and the Wisdom Behind Fertility Energy

Are you trying to conceive? Have you been told to "Just Relax." It's such a common statement to hear along the fertility journey and to some of us it can be incredibly invalidating and frustrating because it isn't always that easy. However, is there something to this statement and concept? Does relaxing actually play a factor in trying to conceive? We talk about this as well as the concept of the fertility battery and the wisdom behind fertility energy. This is a game changing episode, so let's dive in.

# 17

Don't let anyone make fun of you for making a birth plan. In this episode, we talk about the idea and energetics of writing a birth plan, all of the various components to consider adding, as well as some philosophy on flexibility during birth. We dive into various newborn and mother-based interventions to be aware so that you, your partner, and any labor support people can be on the same page in advocating for the choices you want for you and your baby. We cover a LOT, so you may want to relisten, or take notes. Let's dive in!

# 16

This important part of fertility can determine whether you conceive, whether you maintain the pregnancy and don't miscarry, and it can impact the health of your future baby from childhood through their adult life! It's the quality of your eggs! Eggs are the female equivalent of sperm in a man. Together egg and sperm are what meet to create your baby, so they are pretty important. Today we talk about them and how to improve your egg quality to improve fertility outcomes as well as how to live in a healthy balance of optimal health and sustainability and joy along the fertility journey.

# 15

Wanting To Want It: The Low-Down on Low Libido

Today we are discussing one of the hottest topics we talk about low libido, aka low sex drive. What is low libido? How much sex is normal? What factors affect it? What to do if you "Want to Want It, But Don't?" What can you do to boost your sex drive? We answer all of this and more in this episode. You do NOT want to miss this one, so grab a nice cup of tea and curl up to listen as we share the low-down on low libido.

# 14

Mastitis care guidelines have changed for the better, and this episode teaches you more than just the basic methods of how to manage it. We also discuss how to prevent it, how to tell which type you have, what to do if it becomes recurrent, and then most importantly - what TO do and what NOT to do - and it might surprise you. This episode hits home for me due to my own long unfortunate history with recurrent mastitis, and I am over the moon to share what I’ve learned over the last several years so that no one has to feel as lost as I did. Let's go!

# 13

You may have heard of autism before, but I bet you have never heard what our special guest doctor has to say about it. Today we interview Dr. Ari Calhoun, one of the top experts on Autism and other childhood brain development conditions. She helps us unpack this increasingly common diagnosis, and she shares some practical tips on how to support your child's brain development before pregnancy, in utero, and during early childhood in order to reduce the risks for Autism and other neurodevelopment disorders. You do not want to miss this one! 

# 12

A Deep Dive into Lip & Tongue Ties

What in the world is a tongue lie, and how does it affect baby’s ability to breastfeed, eat solids, speak, keep their teeth clean, breathe well, and develop the structure of their face? This is a large topic, and a little touchy. The tongue tie world has exploded in the last several years - and for good reason. Families need resources to help figure out what is happening with their babies - but there’s a darker side of the industry that takes advantage of a growing problem, for profit. No one is surprised, but we are calling it out. Oral ties ARE a real issue, and in this episode we discuss the symptoms and solutions, as well as how the function of the tongue affects MANY other areas of health later on into adulthood. Whether you’re new to the idea of tongue and lip ties, or a seasoned vet, we’re sure you’ll learn a lot in this fiery episode.

# 11

Postpartum Sex: What to Expect & How to Improve It

This is a juicy episode, so get ready. We are talking all about postpartum sex, how things can change after baby, what to expect, what to share with your partner about those changes, and what to do to support yourself in this season. On this podcast we like to talk about the real, the raw, and the un-talked about, and this is no exception. So here we go!

# 10

Breastfeeding: What to Know BEFORE Your Baby Is Born

Breastfeeding is the next natural step after birthing a baby - but guess what, you AND your baby still have to learn how to do it. In this episode, we discuss several principles to successful breastfeeding, and how to prepare for the process during your pregnancy. Having a newborn comes with many steep learning curves, and this is certainly one of them - but having education and resources to back your inherent instincts and motivation to breastfeed your baby can make or break the experience. We have to remember that we used to get this info as little girls surrounded by community - but today, most new mothers have never even seen a baby latch. From tongue ties to letdowns, building your supply, positioning, and mastitis - let us help guide and pump you up for this special relationship, so there’s no surprises - let’s go!

# 09

Body Image: From Womanhood to Motherhood with Dr. Cerra Kelly

We’re talking all things body image in pregnancy and postpartum this week, with special guest, Dr. Cerra Kelly naturopathic doctor and women’s reproductive health expert.  The body changes that come with building and raising children are largely un talked about and almost considered taboo. There’s immense pressure to “snap back” to your old body, one without any marks or signs of life. We’re here to destroy that notion, and deeply discuss the work that many women must go through to find body neutrality and self love after making babies. For those with history of disordered eating, these changes can be incredibly overwhelming, and Dr. Cerra guides us through how she talks with patients to emphasize the importance of eating more to become fertile, how the weight gain is protective of breastmilk supplies, and how she leads women through re-parenting exercises to heal the hurt inner child aspect of themselves where body awareness and image issues began to take hold in their lives.  The goal is to find radical self love for the amazing work our bodies are doing to build a family and bring forth life.

# 08

The IVF Fix: When IVF is Needed and When It Isn't

I wouldn’t be a mom without IVF and I am so grateful for it. But is IVF always the right choice, or are so many women and couples being shuttled into this path unnecessarily? In this episode we talk about it all, from the broken fertility system, to the miraculous, and sometimes unnecessary act that is IVF. We discuss what you can do NOW to prevent needing IVF or what steps to take to assess your fertility whether you are just starting your fertility journey or are a seasoned infertility warrior.

# 07

Postpartum Healing: No More Mothers Left in the Dust

This episode is all about how to properly take care of YOU during your postpartum period, commonly called the fourth trimester. Our culture places a lot of emphasis on the new baby, and rightly so, but we’re sadly missing a huge piece of this puzzle - the health, recovery, and well-being of the new mother. We discuss what practices cultures throughout history and around the world have done to care for their new mothers, and how to plan and prepare for your own well supported, well nourished, and restful postpartum. We get down to the nitty gritty details of how warmth, nature, and community help build you up so you enter motherhood feeling resilient and replenished, rather than burnt out and overwhelmed. Get ready to take some notes, let’s get going!

#06

Sperm Matter: Why We Should Care About Male Fertility

In this episode we unpack why sperm matter, the important role of male fertility, and how it’s drastically declining. We break down how sperm are made, what can impact them, and what practical steps you, or your partner can do to optimize sperm, improve fertility outcomes, and change the trajectory of your future children's health. This topic is very near and dear to my heart as you will soon find out. Grab a pen and paper or get ready to add some notes to your phone, and let’s get started!

#05

Biohacking Birth: What You Need To Know Before You Do It

Get ready because this is one of my favorite topics of all time. Consider this episode a mini crash course in birth, discussing things like what triggers labor to begin, and how it all starts, What exactly is happening inside your body and with your important labor hormones, and how we can use this understanding to “bio hack” your birth experience to support positive outcomes? We discuss the types of things that can cause birth to stall out, why contractions hurt and how to reduce that pain, and the INCREDIBLE things that happen inside your baby’s body when they take their first breath. Thank you for being here, now let’s dive in! 

# 04

Preconception: What It Is and Why it Matters

This episode is packed full of everything you need for the preconception or prior to pregnancy season. We talk about it all from the moment you decide to get off birth control all the way to the time you were actually trying to conceive. We share practical tips on setting your body up for success, using nutrition and sleep, removing toxins, practicing stress management, the healing power of nature. And we even talk about your partner's role.

You may want to grab a pen and paper for this one.

# 03

The Birth Control "Cure": Why Birth Control is NOT the Answer

In this juicy episode, we go over the origin of birth control and its history so you can understand this fully. Then we dive into what exactly birth control is doing to your body and why birth control periods are not REAL periods. We discuss why birth control is often prescribed and why it shouldn't be used as a catch-all for women’s hormonal imbalances. Learn what you can do to support your body on and off birth control to protect your hormones and preserve your fertility.

# 02

The Birth System Trap: Pitfalls of Modern Birth

In this episode, we discuss the unfortunate realities of the modern industrialized birth system, how it is not conducive to supporting the physiology of labor, and how this means real, tangible, poor outcomes for mothers and babies. We break down due dates, unnecessary interventions, inductions, cesareans, and the tenants of physiological labor that are generally unsupported in the most hospital systems today.

This is what happens when individualized care isn't the standard, and we break down several trap points for women to become aware of, and. We hope you learn a lot and come out feeling more empowered than ever.

# 01

Start Here, Meet the Docs

This episode is an introduction to Season 1 of the Healthy As A Mother Podcast. We tell the story of how we met and became college roommates, medical school study buddies, and now mom friend besties and co-hosts. We share our passions for women’s health, motherhood, and our own struggles behind why we do what we do.