Episode 107: Raising a Big Family — Logistics, Judgment & Joy with Arianna Alloway

What does it really look like to raise a big family—and thrive while doing it?

In this episode of Healthy As A Mother, we dive into the beautiful chaos, challenges, and deep joys of life with many children. Dr. Morgan sits down with Arianna Alloway—known on Instagram as @ohthathippiemomwithlotsofkids—to talk about what it's like to be a mom of nine kids. Yes, nine!

Arianna offers grounded, heartfelt, and often humorous wisdom from her own experience: from navigating judgment to managing logistics, and honoring the spiritual depth of motherhood along the way. Whether you’re a mama of one or dreaming of a bigger crew, this episode is full of encouragement, perspective shifts, and practical takeaways.

What We Talk About in This Episode:

• What it’s like being a mom of nine—and how Arianna’s journey unfolded

• The concept of spirit babies and intuitively “feeling” your child before conception

• Their vasectomy reversal story and how their family continued to grow

• Navigating postpartum mental health while mothering many

• Handling outside judgment from family, friends, and strangers

• Practical logistics: bedrooms, vehicles, chores, sibling dynamics & more

• Why slowing down and doing less can actually create more connection in your home

Key Takeaways from This Episode:

• There is no one-size-fits-all way to parent or to structure your family life. It’s about finding what works for YOUR family.
• Feeling called to have more children isn’t always logical—it’s deeply intuitive. Trusting that inner knowing is powerful.
• Judgment often comes from misunderstanding. When you own your choices with confidence, it disarms criticism.
• Logistics matter—but it’s not about perfection. It’s about rhythm, grace, and teamwork.
• Postpartum mental health deserves care and space no matter how many children you have.

Final Thoughts:

Raising a big family is far from easy, but it’s also not something that needs to be feared, judged, or misunderstood. Arianna reminds us that with intention, intuition, and a little creative problem-solving, it’s possible to create a home entirely of love, rhythm, and meaning—no matter the size.

Resources From This Episode:

• Follow Arianna on Instagram: @oh_thathippiemomwlotsofkids 
• Spirit Babies by Walter Mackichen Book
• Arianna's Podcast The Hum of Home: Spirit Baby Connection and Communication Episode
• Hannah's Children: The Women Quietly Defying the Birth Dearth Book
• Hannah’s Children: The Women Quietly Defying the Birth Dearth with Catherine Pakaluk Podcast Episode

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.

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