raw MOMversations

C-section recovery specialist and founder of The Scar Connection, Sarah Stead, joins us for a raw, validating, and truth-filled conversation that every mother deserves to hear whether your birth was surgical or not.
With over a decade of experience supporting women after cesarean birth, Sarah is on a mission to rewrite the narrative around healing, recovery, and VBAC choices. From scar tissue and stored trauma to postpartum grief, physical pain, and the myth of the 6-week “all-clear” this episode is full of truths that rarely get shared.
We talk about what’s really missing from postpartum care, how the medical system downplays a major abdominal surgery, and why support after birth is non-negotiable. Sarah also breaks down the difference between common and normal, and what your body—and heart—might still be holding onto years later.
This episode is a warm hug, a wake-up call, and a reclamation all in one. Whether you’re a C-section mama, planning a VBAC, or simply looking for more truth and support—this one’s for you.
 
Key Highlights:
• Why the “6-week checkup” is not the finish line—it’s just the beginning• The difference between physical healing and true recovery• How scar tissue can impact digestion, posture, emotions, and more• Why breastfeeding after a surgical birth can be harder• How trauma can be physically stored in the scar• What a VBAC really is—and why most women are never told the truth• Why some OBs still push “once a C-section, always a C-section”• What true VBAC support should actually look like• Why your pelvis probably isn’t “too small”• The hidden risks of elective C-sections that aren’t often disclosed• Why it’s never too late to heal—yes, even 25 years later
 
About the Reclaiming Birth Conference
This powerful in-person gathering brings together voices from around the world who are reclaiming birth, autonomy, and truth. Designed for parents, birth workers, and changemakers, the conference is about honoring physiology, challenging the status quo, and reclaiming your birthright.
📍 Ontario – September 19 & 20, 2025🌐 reclaimingbirthconference.com📸 @reclaimbirthconference
📍 Montreal – Spring, 2026🌐 reclaimingbirthmontreal.ca📸 @reclaiming.birth.montreal
 
Connect with Sarah Stead:
 Instagram: @scar.connection Website: thescarconnection.com 
VBAC Info:https://www.ontariomidwives.ca/sites/default/files/2022-01/CPG-Vaginal-birth-after-caesaean-section-2021-PUB-.pdf 
https://www.thevbaclink.com/vbac-provider/ 
Reclaiming Birth Conference 15% off use SARAH15
Connect with Melania & Ally:
 Instagram: @rawmomversations Website: rawmomversations.com
 
Podcast Disclaimer:
The Raw MOMversations podcast is for entertainment purposes only and not a substitute for professional or medical advice. The views expressed by hosts and guests are their own. Consult professionals for individual needs. We strive for accuracy but make no warranties. Any views or opinions expressed by the hosts, guests, or contributors are solely their own and do not represent the views of Raw MOMversations, its sponsors, or affiliated organizations. Raw MOMversations is not liable for any losses. By listening, you agree to these terms. Thank you for tuning in!

Can birth actually heal your childhood wounds?
Holistic birth guide, doula, and podcast host Eyla Cuenca joins us for one of the most soul-shifting conversations we've ever had. Known for her trauma-informed, spiritually grounded approach to birth, Eyla dives deep into how our earliest experiences shape our nervous system—and how the birth portal can actually help us reclaim, rewire, and heal.
With over a decade of experience and more than 200 births attended, Eyla brings wisdom, depth, and compassion to this powerful dialogue. From inner child healing to conscious conception to the vibrations of our words in labor—this episode is a wake-up call to slow down, reconnect, and birth from a place of wholeness.
Whether you’re a birth worker, a mama-to-be, or someone on their own healing journey—this episode will stir something in you.
If you've ever felt birth was more than just a physical event… you’re right. And this conversation might just unlock what’s been waiting for you all along.
 
 
Key Highlights:
• What it really means to reclaim your birth experience• Why the nervous system matters more than we realize—especially in birth & breastfeeding• Why birth isn’t a medical event—it’s a biological, emotional, and spiritual initiation• How childhood wounds show up in pregnancy and labor• Why “just feeding the baby” isn’t always as simple as it seems• The connection between colic, maternal anxiety, and nervous system mirroring• How we’re conditioned to override our inner “no” from childhood• Why postpartum support should matter more than your baby registry• What doulas and birth workers can do to avoid burnout—and why personal healing is part of the job• Why this isn’t just for moms: how everyone can benefit from exploring their own birth story
 
About the Reclaiming Birth ConferenceThis powerful in-person gathering brings together voices from around the world who are reclaiming birth, autonomy, and truth. Designed for parents, birth workers, and changemakers, the conference is about honouring physiology, challenging the status quo, and reclaiming your birthright.
📍 Ontario – September 19 & 20, 2025📍 Montreal – April 25th, 2025
Follow @reclaimingbirthconference and @reclaiming.birth.montreal
 
Connect with Eyla Cuenca: Instagram: @eyla_cuenca_birth Podcast: Born to Know Website: www.eylacuenca.com
Courses:
Uncovering Birth Foundations Course
Uncovering Birth Doula Training 2026
 
Connect with Melania & Ally: Instagram: @rawmomversations Website: www.rawmomversations.com
 
Podcast Disclaimer:The Raw MOMversations podcast is for entertainment purposes only and not a substitute for professional or medical advice. The views expressed by hosts and guests are their own. Consult professionals for individual needs. We strive for accuracy but make no warranties. Any views or opinions expressed by the hosts, guests, or contributors are solely their own and do not represent the views of Raw MOMversations, its sponsors, or affiliated organizations. Raw MOMversations is not liable for any losses. By listening, you agree to these terms. Thank you for tuning in!

Is hospital birth really the safest—or just the most profitable? Dr. Stuart Fishbein, OB-GYN turned homebirth advocate and co-host of the Birthing Instincts Podcast, joins us for one of the most important conversations we’ve ever had. With over four decades of experience—from high-intervention hospital wards to peaceful homebirth rooms—Dr. Stu brings truth, history, and a whole lot of passion to this explosive and eye-opening episode.
We talk about the medicalization of birth, the overuse of interventions like ultrasounds and inductions, and why the system isn’t broken—it’s working exactly as designed. Dr. Stu explains the cascade of interventions, how VBAC risks are distorted, why informed consent is often missing, and why so many mothers feel disempowered. He also shares how the birth world is changing—and what gives him hope.
If you've ever felt something was “off” about the way birth is handled today, this episode will validate that instinct. And if you're navigating your own birth choices, it may just change everything.
 
 
Key Highlights:
 What really made Dr. Stu leave the hospital system after 24 years • Why most doctors have NEVER seen a normal labor • The truth behind the cascade of interventions • How fear and language shape a mother’s entire experience • Why the system isn’t broken—it’s just working for someone else • The risks of VBAC, explained clearly and honestly • The overuse (and hidden dangers) of routine ultrasounds • Why denying women food in labor is outdated and harmful • How the system rewards C-sections—and punishes physiological birth • What OBs are really taught in training (spoiler: it’s not about trust) • Why informed consent in pregnancy is often an illusion • How doctors who speak out are silenced or punished • What gives Dr. Stu hope for the future of birth
 
About the Reclaiming Birth Conference
This powerful in-person gathering brings together voices from around the world who are reclaiming birth, autonomy, and truth. Designed for parents, birth workers, and changemakers, the conference is about honoring physiology, challenging the status quo, and reclaiming your birthright.
📍 Ontario – September 19 & 20, 2025 🌐 reclaimingbirthconference.com 📸 @reclaimbirthconference
📍 Montreal – October 25, 2025 🌐 reclaimingbirthmontreal.ca 📸 @reclaiming.birth.montreal
 
Connect with Dr. Stu Fishbein:
 Instagram:@birthinginstincts
 Podcast: Birthing Instincts 
 Website: birthinginstincts.com
 
Connect with Melania & Ally:
 Instagram: @rawmomversations • Website: rawmomversations.com
 
Podcast Disclaimer:
The Raw MOMversations podcast is for entertainment purposes only and not a substitute for professional or medical advice. The views expressed by hosts and guests are their own. Consult professionals for individual needs. We strive for accuracy but make no warranties. Any views or opinions expressed by the hosts, guests, or contributors are solely their own and do not represent the views of Raw MOMversations, its sponsors, or affiliated organizations. Raw MOMversations is not liable for any losses. By listening, you agree to these terms. Thank you for tuning in!

Can birth really be sacred in today’s world?Rivka Cymbalist, longtime birth attendant, teacher, and founder of The Mysteries Birth School, says absolutely—and reminds us that physiological birth is not only possible, but powerful. With over two decades of experience and a heart rooted in storytelling and herbal wisdom, Rivka brings reverence, gentleness, and grounded truth to the conversation.
In this soulful and inspiring episode, Rivka unpacks what it means to truly reclaim birth. We talk about navigating birthing choices, the emotional terrain of becoming a mother, and how to trust our instincts in a world that often tells us not to. She shares insight into “the mysteries” of birth, why not all OBs are created equal, and how sacredness can still exist—no matter where or how you birth.
If you’ve ever felt pulled toward a deeper, more intuitive path to birth, this episode will affirm what your body already knows: You were made for this.
Key Highlights:
• What physiological birth really means (and how to access it)• Why understanding your OB or midwife’s philosophy matters• How Rivka’s five births shaped her work as a mentor and guide• The role of intuition in decision-making around birth• The deeper meaning behind “the mysteries” of birth• How to reclaim agency, even in hospital settings• Why birth is a spiritual rite—not just a medical event• The surprising ways fear can shape birth outcomes• How to stay soft and strong when navigating your birth plan• The beauty of holding space without judgment
About the Reclaiming Birth Conference
This powerful in-person gathering brings together voices from around the world who are reclaiming birth, sovereignty, and truth. A space for parents, birth workers, and changemakers, this conference is about unlearning, remembering, and rising.
 
Catch Rivka Cymbalist and other featured speakers at:
📍 Montreal – Oct 25, 2025attune.studio/reclaimingbirth-montreal📸 @reclaiming.birth.montreal
 
Connect with Rivka Cymbalist:
• Podcast: Baby Magic Podcast• Website: rivkacymbalist.com• The Mysteries Birth School: rivkacymbalist.com/the-mysteries-birth-school
 
Connect with Melania & Ally:
• Instagram: @rawmomversations• Website: rawmomversations.com
 
For partnership and collaboration inquiries:
Email: rawmomversations@gmail.com
 
Podcast Disclaimer:
The Raw MOMversations podcast is for entertainment purposes only and not a substitute for professional or medical advice. The views expressed by hosts and guests are their own. Consult professionals for individual needs. We strive for accuracy but make no warranties. Any views or opinions expressed by the hosts, guests, or contributors are solely their own and do not represent the views of Raw MOMversations, its sponsors, or affiliated organizations. Raw MOMversations is not liable for any losses. By listening, you agree to these terms. Thank you for tuning in!

Can you really heal from birth trauma? Billie Harrigan, traditional birth companion, educator, and founder of Birth Trauma Ontario, says yes—when we name what really happened and reclaim our stories. With over 40 years of experience, Billie has supported countless women through birth, postpartum, and the long road of healing after difficult or traumatic experiences.
In this raw and deeply validating episode, we dive into the nuances of birth trauma, the subtle (and not-so-subtle) ways obstetric violence shows up, and why so many mothers are left feeling silenced or dismissed after birth. Billie brings clarity, compassion, and fierce truth-telling to a topic that desperately needs to be spoken about.
If you’ve ever walked away from your birth feeling confused, hurt, or like something just wasn’t right—this conversation is for you. You are not broken. Your feelings are valid. And healing is possible.
Key Highlights:
 What counts as birth trauma—and why it’s more common than we think • How narcissistic abuse patterns show up in obstetric care • The physiological impact of trauma on the nervous system • Why validation and storytelling are essential to healing • How the current system erodes maternal instincts • The power of traditional birth work in reclaiming autonomy • Why women need community, not correction • How to gently reprocess a birth experience that didn’t feel right • Billie’s tips for choosing support that centers you • What recovery can look like—even years later
About the Reclaiming Birth Conference
This powerful in-person gathering brings together voices from around the world who are reclaiming birth, sovereignty, and truth. A space for parents, birth workers, and changemakers, this conference is about unlearning, remembering, and rising. Catch Billie Harrigan and other featured speakers at:
Ontario – Sept 19 & 20, 2025 reclaimingbirthconference.com@reclaimbirthconference
Montreal – Oct 25, 2025 attune.studio/reclaimingbirth-montreal @reclaiming.birth.montreal
 
Connect with Billie Harrigan:
• Instagram: @billieharrigan• Website: billieharrigan.com• birthtraumaontario.ca
 
Connect with Melania & Ally:
• Instagram: @rawmomversations• Website: rawmomversations.com
 
For partnership and collaboration inquiries:
• Email: rawmomversations@gmail.com
 
Podcast Disclaimer:
The Raw MOMversations podcast is for entertainment purposes only and not a substitute for professional or medical advice. The views expressed by hosts and guests are their own. Consult professionals for individual needs. We strive for accuracy but make no warranties. Any views or opinions expressed by the hosts, guests, or contributors are solely their own and do not represent the views of Raw MOMversations, its sponsors, or affiliated organizations. Raw MOMversations is not liable for any losses. By listening, you agree to these terms. Thank you for tuning in!

Melania is just weeks away from welcoming her second baby—and in this intimate, emotional, and often hilarious episode, we sit down for a real, raw conversation about everything she’s doing differently this time around. From preparing Markus for big brotherhood to confronting her fears from her first birth, Melania opens up about how choosing a holistic path has transformed her mindset and confidence.
Together, we unpack what it really means to prepare for a physiological birth, why education is power (especially for second-time moms!), and how postpartum healing begins with honoring your instincts. Whether you’re pregnant with your first or your fourth, this episode will remind you of the strength you already carry—and why your birth experience matters just as much as your baby’s arrival.
 
Key Highlights:• How Melania is preparing emotionally and physically for her second birth• The differences between her first hospital birth and her upcoming midwife-assisted birth• Tips for easing your older child into becoming a sibling• The value of childbirth education—especially with a good doula• Letting go of perfection (and Pinterest nurseries) to focus on what really matters• How fear impacts instinct—and how to rebuild trust in your body• Navigating decisions like GBS testing and glucose screenings without judgment• Creating a strong postpartum support system before baby arrives• Funny, heartfelt moments like best friend birth bag must-haves, code words, and more• Why this birth will be different—and how Melania plans to say, “I did it!”
 
Connect with Melania & Ally:• Instagram: @rawmomversations• Website: www.rawmomversations.com
 
Podcast Disclaimer:The Raw MOMversations podcast is for entertainment purposes only and not a substitute for professional or medical advice. The views expressed by hosts and guests are their own. Consult professionals for individual needs. We strive for accuracy but make no warranties. Any views or opinions expressed by the hosts, guests, or contributors are solely their own and do not represent the views of Raw MOMversations, its sponsors, or affiliated organizations. Raw MOMversations is not liable for any losses. By listening, you agree to these terms. Thank you for tuning in!

Are all inductions necessary—or even helpful? HeHe Stewart, doula, childbirth educator, and the powerhouse behind The Birth Lounge. Known for her unapologetic advocacy and evidence-based insights, HeHe unpacks the truth about medical inductions and empowers moms to make informed, confident choices about their births.
Together, we explore the myths and realities around due dates, elective vs. medical induction, and why many women feel pressured or coerced into choices they later regret. From understanding the flawed ARRIVE trial to navigating Pitocin protocols, this episode is a deep dive into what every mom should know before walking into a hospital birth.
If you’ve ever been told “a healthy baby is all that matters,” this conversation will open your eyes to why you matter just as much—and how advocating for yourself starts with being informed!
 
Key Highlights:• Understanding medical vs. elective induction• The ARRIVE trial and why it’s problematic• Why hospital policy often puts ROI over maternal wellness• Bishop scores: what they are and what they don’t guarantee• The emotional toll of long, unplanned inductions• How Pitocin really works—and why “how” it’s used matters more than the drug itself• Recognizing coercive medical language and asserting your autonomy• Counting kicks: the free app that could save your baby’s life• What to do if you regret your induction experience• Why your next birth can be radically different
 
Connect with HeHe Stewart:• Instagram: @tranquilitybyhehe• Website: www.thebirthlounge.com• Podcast: The Birth Lounge• App: The Birth Lounge (Available on major app stores)
 
Connect with Melania & Ally:• Instagram: @rawmomversations• Website: www.rawmomversations.com
 
For partnership and collaboration inquiries:• Email: rawmomversations@gmail.com
 
Podcast Disclaimer:The Raw MOMversations podcast is for entertainment purposes only and not a substitute for professional or medical advice. The views expressed by hosts and guests are their own. Consult professionals for individual needs. We strive for accuracy but make no warranties. Any views or opinions expressed by the hosts, guests, or contributors are solely their own and do not represent the views of Raw MOMversations, its sponsors, or affiliated organizations. Raw MOMversations is not liable for any losses. By listening, you agree to these terms. Thank you for tuning in!

Can Spinning Babies truly transform your birth experience? Join us in this eye-opening episode featuring Cris, The Passionate Doula and the only certified Spinning Babies parent educator in Canada. Cris shares her journey and expert insights into how simple movements, mindful positioning, and the revolutionary Spinning Babies techniques can prepare your body for a shorter, less painful labor. Discover the power of techniques like the "flashlight game," forward leaning inversion, and the three balances that work together to optimize your baby’s positioning in the uterus.
In this candid conversation, hosts Ally and Melania explore how understanding fetal positioning can empower you and your birth partner to take control of the birthing process. Cris explains why having your baby in the right position of your uterus isn’t just a lucky coincidence but a crucial factor for smoother labor, and how these techniques can change the entire course of your birth—from preventing prolonged labor to ensuring a more comfortable postpartum recovery.
 
Key Highlights:• Understanding the Spinning Babies Method• The importance of fetal positioning for labor success• Practical techniques like the “flashlight game” and forward leaning inversion• The three balances and how they create optimal space in your pelvis• Real-life stories of dramatically shortened labor experiences• Empowering birth partners through education and teamwork• Challenging the conventional, medicalized view of childbirth
 
Connect with Cris The Passionate Doula:• Instagram: @thepassionatedoula Website: The Passionate Doula
Connect with Melania & Ally:• Instagram: @rawmomversations• Website: www.rawmomversations.com
 
Resources:
www.spinningbabies.com
Home Birth VS Hospital Birth Episode
Watch This Episode on YouTube
 
For partnership and collaboration inquiries:• Email: rawmomversations@gmail.com
 
Podcast Disclaimer:The Raw MOMversation podcast is for entertainment purposes only and not a substitute for professional or medical advice. The views expressed by hosts and guests are their own. Consult professionals for individual needs. We strive for accuracy but make no warranties. Any views or opinions expressed by the hosts, guests, or contributors are solely their own and do not represent the views of Raw MOMversations, its sponsors, or affiliated organizations. Raw MOMversations is not liable for any losses. By listening, you agree to these terms. Thank you for tuning in!

Baby on Board! But… Who’s Expecting?! 
RawMOMversations is BACK, and we’re kicking off 2025 with a BIG surprise! 🎉 One of us has a baby on board… but who?! In this episode, we’re catching up after the holiday season and sharing some major life updates.
 
Key Highlights:
A special pregnancy announcement—but we’re keeping you guessing! 
Choosing a midwife & holistic birth—why this time is different
Preparing mentally & emotionally for an empowered, natural birth
The shift in public conversations around birth, parenting & holistic health
What’s next for the podcast & how we’re bringing YOU along for the journey
Connect with Us:Instagram: @rawmomversationsWebsite: www.rawmomversations.com
 
For partnership and collaboration inquiries:Email: rawmomversations@gmail.com
 
 
Podcast Disclaimer:The Raw MOMversations podcast is for entertainment purposes only and is not a substitute for professional or medical advice. The views expressed by hosts and guests are their own. Always consult professionals for individual needs. We strive for accuracy but make no warranties. The hosts, guests, and contributors share their own opinions, which do not necessarily reflect those of Raw MOMversations, its sponsors, or affiliates. By listening, you agree to these terms. Thank you for tuning in!

Parenting can sometimes feel like Politics- On this episode, we introduce you to our four unique and imaginary parenting parties: the Attachment Party, Free Range Alliance, Structured Society, and Evidence-Based Parenting Coalition. Which one are you?!
We reveal how our parenting styles often blend elements from these parties and discuss how differing parenting philosophies can sometimes be as polarizing as political opinions. Listen in as we unpack how parenting choices are introduced through birth stories and how they can lead to judgment rather than curiosity and support.
 
Key Highlights:
4 Parenting “Parties”
Judgments in Parenting Choices 
Parenting like Politics can be Polarizing
Building Parenting Alliances and Communities
Effective and Modern Parenting Principles
 
Connect with Melania & Ally:
  Instagram: @rawmomversations
  Website: www.rawmomversations.com
 
 Podcast Disclaimer:
The raw MOMversation podcast is for entertainment purposes only and not a substitute for professional or medical advice. The views expressed by hosts and guests are their own. Consult professionals for individual needs. We strive for accuracy but make no warranties. Any views or opinions expressed by the hosts, guests, or contributors are solely their own and do not represent the views of rawMOMversations, its sponsors, or affiliated organizations. Raw MOMversations is not liable for any losses. By listening, you agree to these terms. Thank you for tuning in!