Free Daily Podcast Summary
Healthy As A Mother: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Dr. Morgan MacDermott & Dr. Leah Gordon
Healthy As A Mother is a podcast for becoming and being a mother, hosted by Dr. Leah Gordon and Dr. Morgan MacDermott, two naturopathic doctors passionate about helping women navigate fertility, pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and motherhood through a natural health lens. Each week, we share conversations and education designed to help you become the healthiest mother possible through evidence-based and holistic approaches to wellness. From preconception and pregnancy preparation to postpartum recovery and motherhood, we cover the topics many women are not hearing elsewhere. Real conversations. Honest education. Support for every stage of motherhood.
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- 1 weeks ago53 min
Gut Health Is Hormone Health: Peptides, Bloating & Painful Periods with Dr. Paria | #188
Bloating after every meal, painful periods, PMS, acne, eczema: what if your gut is the common thread? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Paria, a naturopathic doctor in San Diego who specializes in women’s health, hormones, digestive health, and autoimmune conditions. We break down how the gut microbiome drives inflammation, why so many women struggle with gut issues, and what’s really happening when your list of “safe” foods keeps getting shorter.Dr. Paria explains how she uses stool testing to build a targeted plan, and why she sees more patients with too little good bacteria than with overgrowth. She also covers how herbal antimicrobials differ from antibiotics, and how she uses the peptides BPC-157 and KPV to calm gut inflammation and repair the gut lining. We discuss how these peptides differ from GLP-1s, whether they’re safe long-term, and why sourcing them through a doctor matters right now.We also dig into the gut’s connection to painful cramps, PMS, estrogen dominance, skin conditions, fertility, Hashimoto’s, histamine, “period flu,” and even morning sickness. Dr. Paria shares the beneficial species she most often sees depleted (Akkermansia, Faecalibacterium, Bifidobacterium, and Lactobacillus) and the polyphenol-rich foods that feed them. She also covers which probiotics actually colonize, digestive bitters vs. enzymes, and simple daily habits to start supporting your gut today.0:00 Trailer & Intro3:39 Meet Dr. Paria5:35 The Gut & Women's Health Connection7:00 Why So Many of Us Have Gut Problems8:30 Bloating & Food Sensitivities10:49 Good vs. Bad Bacteria12:25 Stool Testing & Gut Healing Approach14:37 Antimicrobials vs. Antibiotics16:00 Peptides for Gut Inflammation: KPV & BPC-15717:19 Peptides vs. GLP-1s18:53 Getting Peptides Safely20:34 Are Peptides Safe Long-Term?21:57 Peptide Results & Back Injuries24:19 Best Diet for Gut Healing26:17 How Fast Can Your Microbiome Change?27:39 Do You Need a Parasite Cleanse?28:51 What a Healed Gut Looks Like32:22 Painful Periods, PMS & the Gut34:37 Acne, Eczema & Skin Health35:22 Gut Health & Fertility36:47 Autoimmunity & Hashimoto's38:56 Histamine, Estrogen & Period Flu40:37 Histamine & Morning Sickness41:39 Simple Daily Gut Health Habits43:42 The Power of Mindful Eating46:21 Akkermansia & Missing Good Bacteria48:42 Probiotics That Actually Work50:20 Digestive Bitters vs. Enzymes51:40 Where to Find Dr. PariaResources From This Episode:Follow Dr. Paria on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/doctor.paria/Check out Dr. Paria's website - https://www.doctorparia.com/Order your own gut test: Tiny Health Stool Test (Use code DRLEAH) - https://tinyhealth.myshopify.com/?rfsn=8737966.461e18&utm_source=refersion&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=8737966.461e18 Healthy As A Mother Podcast | YouTubeHealthy As A Mother Podcast | InstagramHealthy As A Mother Podcast | TikTokHealthy As A Mother Podcast | Merch StoreFind more from Dr. Leah:Dr. Leah Gordon | InstagramDr. Leah Gordon | WebsiteWomanhood Wellness | WebsiteFind more from Dr. Morgan:Dr. Morgan MacDermott | InstagramDr. Morgan MacDermott | WebsiteUse code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 10% at EarthleyUse code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 15% at RedmondFor 20% off your first order at <a href="https://www.thisisneeded.com/discount/HEALTHYMOTHER?rfsn=7639741.9dd231
- 2 weeks ago1h 17m
Vasectomy & Vasectomy Reversal: Risks, Pain, Testosterone & Success Rates with Dr. Philip Werthman | #187
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 & Intro02:27 Why We’re Talking Vasectomy04:22 Meet Dr. Philip Werthman06:00 What Is a Vasectomy?08:29 How the Vas Is Cut & Sealed10:07 No-Scalpel Vasectomy Explained12:40 Does Ejaculation Change?13:27 Risks & Failure Rates14:46 Why Men Skip the Follow-Up Sperm Check16:28 Post-Vasectomy Pain Syndrome20:59 Treating Chronic Pain After Vasectomy25:29 Autoimmune Concerns28:59 Prostate & Testicular Cancer Risk30:01 Is There an Alzheimer’s Link?30:53 Vasectomy & Testosterone33:15 Libido & Erectile Function39:28 Regret & Being Sure You’re Done42:15 When a Doctor Says No44:27 Common Misconceptions45:48 How Vasectomy Reversal Works50:08 Reversal Recovery51:16 Timeline for Sperm Return & Pregnancy55:32 Reversal Success Rates58:16 Reversal Risks58:24 Sperm Agglutination & Thick Semen61:36 Choosing a Surgeon & Cost63:09 Supplements for Sperm Quality65:52 Qi, Meridians & Spiritual Views67:30 Making the Decision as a Family69:46 Older Dads & Having Kids LaterResources 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 | YouTubeHealthy As A Mother Podcast | InstagramHealthy As A Mother Podcast | TikTokHealthy As A Mother Podcast | Merch StoreFind more from Dr. Leah:Dr. Leah Gordon | InstagramDr. Leah Gordon | WebsiteWomanhood Wellness | WebsiteFind more from Dr. Morgan:Dr. Morgan MacDermott | InstagramDr. Morgan MacDermott | WebsiteUse code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 10% at EarthleyUse code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 15% at RedmondFor 20% off your first order at Needed, use code HEALTHYMOTHERSave $260 at Lumebox, use code HEALTHYASAMOTHERUse code H
- 3 weeks ago1h 18m
Miscarriage: What No One Tells You About Loss, Recovery & Trying Again | #186
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 & Intro3:34 Miscarriage Explained6:10 Why Community Matters After Loss8:04 It's Not Your Fault8:36 The Three Miscarriage Options10:55 The Hard Language of Miscarriage13:24 Grieving a Failed IVF Transfer14:49 Option 1: Expectant Management18:42 What Is a Missed Miscarriage?22:36 You Don't Have to Decide Right Away26:06 Feeling Empowered in Your Choice28:02 Ectopic Pregnancy & Methotrexate32:50 Option 2: Miscarriage Medication36:39 Heavy Bleeding & When to Go to the ER39:28 Medication Success Rates40:51 Option 3: D&C41:54 Testing Tissue for Answers44:55 D&C Pros & Cons46:31 Antibiotics & Anesthesia51:27 D&C Risks by the Numbers53:26 D&C and Future Fertility57:01 Recovering After Anesthesia59:12 The Mini Postpartum After Loss60:37 HCG & False Positive Tests63:54 When to Try Again67:09 Nourishing Your Body After Loss68:08 Your Feelings Are Valid71:19 Asking for What You Need72:14 Ways to Honor Your Baby73:13 Hope After Pregnancy Loss75:46 Natural Support for Grief77:25 ClosingResources 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 | YouTubeHealthy As A Mother Podcast | InstagramHealthy As A Mother Podcast | TikTokHealthy As A Mother Podcast | Merch StoreFind more from Dr. Leah:Dr. Leah Gordon | InstagramDr. Leah Gordon | WebsiteWomanhood Wellness | WebsiteFind more from Dr. Morgan:Dr. Morgan MacDermott | InstagramDr. Morgan MacDermott | WebsiteUse code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 10% at EarthleyUse code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 15% at RedmondFor 20% off your first order at <a href="https://www.thisisneeded.com/discount/HEALTHYMOTHER?rfsn=7639741.9dd2315&utm_source=refersion&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=7639741.
- 4 weeks ago1h 24m
How to Protect Your Kids From Predators & Grooming: A Survivor's Guide for Parents with Mandi Pagliarini | #185
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 & Intro02:00 Welcome Mandi Pagliarini04:29 Why Body Safety Matters Today06:30 Why Boys May Be More at Risk09:17 Who Abusers Really Are10:00 Small Talks, Not "The Big Talk"11:30 Playdate Reminders12:14 Risk Mitigation for Playdates15:55 Say "Share," Not "Tell"17:48 Don't Talk About Consequences20:42 Using "Even If" Statements23:25 Drop the Words "Hurt" and "Abuse"25:44 How Grooming Escalates27:45 How Predators Groom Parents and Kids29:50 Red Flag: Seeking Alone Time31:47 Signs Your Child Is Being Groomed33:14 My Track Coach Story37:00 Body Positivity With Little Kids40:38 Keeping Sex Private Without Shame43:44 What Age to Start the Conversation48:30 How Much Information Is Enough51:04 Sleepovers, Babysitters and Supervision54:43 Mandi's Story57:52 Why "Say No" Doesn't Work61:12 Teach Kids to Fake an Excuse61:50 The Freeze Response and Shame64:44 The Gift of Fear and Intuition67:26 Why Grooming Is So Confusing71:07 "I Didn't Know There Was Anything to Tell"72:40 Books and Resources75:29 Key Takeaways Recap78:37 Why Parents' Emotional Regulation Matters80:26 Wrap UpResources 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-rUtyYHealthy As A Mother Podcast | YouTubeHealthy As A Mother Podcast | InstagramHealthy As A Mother Podcast | TikTokHealthy As A Mother Podcast | <a href="https://healthyasamother.myshopify.com/" target="_
- Sep 30, 20261h 6m
Women’s Health Labs Your Doctor Isn’t Running but Should Be | #184
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 + Introduction03:26 Understanding Women’s Health Labs04:58 Why Testing Matters for Women’s Health09:29 Blood Sugar, Insulin & Metabolic Health16:34 Thyroid Labs: TSH, T3, T4 & Antibodies23:18 Iron & Ferritin: What Women Should Know29:10 Inflammation & hs-CRP33:59 Why Preconception Lab Testing Matters38:57 Reproductive Hormones & Cycle Timing40:52 Estradiol: When to Test Estrogen42:17 Progesterone: When to Test It45:37 Cycle Tracking & Knowing When You Ovulate49:46 FSH & LH: What They Tell You54:42 AMH & Ovarian Reserve57:54 Testosterone, SHBG & DHEA61:14 Cortisol, Vitamin D & Stress62:38 ANA, Fertility & Partner Testing63:56 Understanding Your Labs & Advocating for Your HealthResources 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
- Sep 23, 20261h 27m
Eczema in Babies & Kids: Gut, Food, Mold & More with Abbie Bradford | #183
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 + Introduction02:47 Why Eczema Is More Than a Skin Problem06:00 How Common Is Childhood Eczema?09:40 Eczema Is a Symptom, Not the Root Cause11:00 Can Food-Based Lotions Make Eczema Worse?13:28 Vaccines, Immune Reactivity & the “Bucket” Analogy19:42 Are Food Allergies Causing Eczema?21:44 When Baby Rashes Are Normal vs. Concerning23:09 The Gut-Eczema Connection25:47 Mold & Environmental Triggers32:04 How to Test Your Home for Mold38:00 Why Indoor Mold Can Become a Problem40:32 Can Eczema Happen Even Without Antibiotics or Medical Interventions?42:54 Probiotics & Gut Testing for Eczema44:16 Tiny Health vs. GI Map: What Parents Should Know47:55 When Probiotics Can Make Eczema Worse49:57 Gut Healing, Herbs & Why “Killing” Too Soon Can Backfire54:44 The First Things Parents Can Do at Home61:01 Breastfeeding, Elimination Diets & Cow’s Milk Protein Allergy67:57 Will My Child Grow Out of Eczema?72:17 Are Allergy Tests Helpful?74:36 Topicals, Red Light & Caring for Eczema-Prone Skin77:21 Bathing, Moisturizing & Why It Depends79:23 Final Thoughts for ParentsResources 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 Sk
- Sep 16, 20261h 15m
Birth Control & the War on Female Biology: How We Learned to Suppress the Menstrual Cycle | #182
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 & Introduction03:38 — The War on Female Biology07:05 — The History of Birth Control11:08 — Is Birth Control Fixing the Problem?13:58 — The Fire Alarm Analogy16:40 — Informed Consent & Birth Control19:21 — When Birth Control Has a Place24:22 — A Personal Experience With Birth Control30:21 — What Is “Woman Essence”?34:54 — Fertility Awareness vs. Birth Control40:10 — The Truth About the Rhythm Method41:58 — Public Health vs. Individualized Care44:42 — Can Birth Control Mask Fertility Problems?45:32 — The Potential Risks of Hormonal Birth Control47:46 — Depo-Provera & Emerging Safety Concerns49:09 — How Much Do We Really Know About Long-Term Risks?51:37 — Birth Control & Fertility: What We Know53:03 — Why Did Male Birth Control Studies Stop?53:59 — Birth Control, Responsibility & Choice56:09 — Feminism, Motherhood & the Modern Woman60:39 — Is Our Culture Designed for Mothers?63:15 — Know Your Why Before Taking Birth Control63:44 — Your Cycle Is a Vital Sign64:57 — What Real Reproductive Freedom Looks Like65:50 — Learning to Value the Female Cycle67:47 — Finding Joy in Your Womanhood71:09 — ClosingResources 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-E06M4L5AqHealthy As A Mother Podcast | YouTubeHealthy As A Mother Podcast | InstagramHealthy As A Mother Podcast | TikTokHealthy As A Mother Podcast | Merch StoreFind more from Dr. Leah:Dr. Leah Gordon | InstagramDr. Leah Gordon | WebsiteWomanhood Wellness | WebsiteFind more from Dr. Morgan:Dr. Morgan MacDermott | InstagramDr. Morgan MacDermott | WebsiteUse code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 10% at EarthleyUse code HEALTHYMOTHER and save 15% at RedmondFor 20% off your first order at Needed, use code HEALTHYMOTHERSave $260 at Lumebox, use code HEALTHYASAMOTHERUse code HAAM and save 10% at <a href="https://fondrege
- Sep 9, 20261h 21m
ADHD in Motherhood: How Hormones, Pregnancy & Postpartum Affect Your Brain with Dr. Carrie McMillin | #181
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 & Introduction03:06 —The ADHD Brain Isn't Broken06:15 —The 3 Types of ADHD11:02 —Task Initiation, Motivation & Executive Function12:06 —Hyperfocus & Dopamine14:57 —Why ADHD Affects Working Memory19:29 —Why Motherhood Can Amplify ADHD Symptoms21:00 —How ADHD Is Diagnosed in Adults24:20 —ADHD & the Menstrual Cycle27:26 —Estrogen, Progesterone & Dopamine34:17 —ADHD During Pregnancy35:35 —Why Sleep Deprivation Can Mimic ADHD40:36 —How Pregnancy Changes the Brain42:01 —The Postpartum ADHD Crash44:36 —ADHD, Breastfeeding & Prolactin45:45 —Supporting ADHD Postpartum50:19 —ADHD-Friendly Systems That Actually Help52:21 —Finding Joy When You're Overwhelmed55:43 —Is It ADHD or Just Motherhood Overload?58:25 —ADHD Medication: When Is It Worth Considering?60:40 —Supplements & Natural ADHD Support65:24 —ADHD, Irritability & PMDD66:36 —ADHD & Perimenopause67:17 —Building Systems Around Your Brain70:08 —Caffeine & ADHD71:47 —Screens, Dopamine & ADHD75:17 —The Biggest Takeaway for Moms With ADHDResources 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/HEALTHYMOTHERHealthy As A Mother Podcast | YouTubeHealthy As A Mother Podcast | <a href="https://www.instagram.com/healthyasamoth
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About Healthy As A Mother
Healthy As A Mother is a podcast for becoming and being a mother, hosted by Dr. Leah Gordon and Dr. Morgan MacDermott, two naturopathic doctors passionate about helping women navigate fertility, pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and motherhood through a natural health lens. Each week, we share conversations and education designed to help you become the healthiest mother possible through evidence-based and holistic approaches to wellness. From preconception and pregnancy preparation to postpartum recovery and motherhood, we cover the topics many women are not hearing elsewhere. Real conversations. Honest education. Support for every stage of motherhood.
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How often does Healthy As A Mother release new episodes?
Healthy As A Mother publishes weekly. Our AI generates a summary within hours of each new episode.
What topics does Healthy As A Mother cover?
Healthy As A Mother covers topics including Nutrition, Fitness, Health & Fitness, Alternative. Our AI identifies the specific themes in each episode and highlights what matters most to you.
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