raw MOMversations

We sit down with Sharon Medrano, IBCLC, who has supported families in their breastfeeding journeys for over 16 years. Sharon’s own struggles led her to dive deep into the science and soul of breastfeeding, and now she works to bridge the gap between birth, postpartum, and feeding with compassion and practical wisdom.
We explore why breastfeeding doesn’t always “just happen,” how interventions at birth can shape the start of feeding, and why support and informed choices matter more than anything. Sharon also breaks down common myths (like breast size and milk supply), shares the number one thing she wishes moms knew before giving birth, and reminds us that even if your birth didn’t go as planned—you can still have a positive, nourishing breastfeeding experience.
This is one of those conversations every mom deserves to hear, whether you’re pregnant, postpartum, or supporting another mother on her journey.
 
 Key Highlights:
• How Sharon’s personal struggles led her to become a lactation consultant• Why birth and breastfeeding are deeply connected• The role of support in shaping successful feeding outcomes• The surprising truth about breast size and milk supply• What moms can do during pregnancy to prepare for breastfeeding success• How interventions (like inductions) impact babies’ readiness to feed• The #1 myth Sharon wishes moms could let go of• How to transform a difficult birth into a positive feeding journey• Why breastfeeding is not “all or nothing”• What informed feeding choices really look like
 
📍 Hear Sharon live at the Reclaiming Birth Conference in Ontario – September 19 & 20, 2025🌐 reclaimingbirthconference.com📸 @reclaimbirthconference
 
Connect with Sharon Medrano
Motherly: Helpful ArticlesWebsite: sharenmedrano.com
 
Connect with Ally & MelaniaInstagram: @rawmomversationsWebsite: 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!

Couples therapist and birth advocate Ashley Mariani (aka “The Rogue Therapist”) joins us to talk about love, leadership, and protecting your family in the birth space. Ashley works at the powerful intersection of birth, intimacy, and nervous system healing, supporting couples through pregnancy, birth, and the massive transition into parenthood. From naming obstetric violence to calling fathers into true protection and partnership, this episode is a wake-up call and a blueprint for unity.
We unpack why so many moms feel dismissed, how “good girl” conditioning shows up in appointments, and what real advocacy looks like when the pressure is on. Ashley shares the core relationship shifts after baby (mental load, intimacy, boundaries), how to regulate your nervous system so you can respond—not react and why fatherhood should be treated as a rite of passage, not an afterthought.
If you’ve ever wished your partner knew exactly how to show up or you’re ready to reclaim birth as yours, this one will change how you prepare together!
 
Key Highlights:• Why naming obstetric violence matters—and who can perpetrate it (it’s not just OBs)• The 3 biggest relationship shifts after baby: mental load, sex/intimacy, and family boundaries• How “good girl syndrome” keeps women quiet—and scripts to set firm, respectful boundaries• Green flags vs. red flags with providers (consent, collaboration, and how they react when you say “no”)• What true advocacy looks like in the room—and why regulated partners are taken more seriously• Nervous system 101: responding vs. reacting, widening your window of tolerance• Why fatherhood is a rite of passage—and how men can build brotherhood and leadership now• A step-by-step debrief for couples after birth (even years later) to heal and move forward• Expectations talk: the proactive conversation every couple should have in pregnancy• How dads can become “the protector”: purpose, presence, and practical leadership• Shadow work for both parents—owning your triggers so fear doesn’t run the birth space
 
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 change makers, the conference is about honouring 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 Ashley Mariani: Instagram: @TheRogueTherapist Course: Protecting Your Family from Obstetric Violence  Website: mindonline.ca
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!

Dr. Nathan Riley, holistic OB-GYN and host of the Born Free Method podcast, joins us for one of our most expansive and paradigm-shifting conversations to date. Trained in both conventional medicine and hospice care, Dr. Riley now walks a radically different path- one that integrates midwifery, lifestyle medicine, intuition, and reverence for birth as a sacred rite of passage.
We talk about how doctors are schooled out of intuition, how medical hierarchy silences women, and why midwifery—not obstetrics—should be the default model of maternity care. Dr. Riley also shares his deeply personal story of attending his own daughter’s home birth, what it really means to “sit on your hands,” and why reclaiming birth is inseparable from reclaiming society itself.
This episode is a masterclass in love-based care, medical deprogramming, and what it looks like to hold birth—not manage it.
If you've ever questioned the system—or yourself—this one will help you remember your power.
Key Highlights:• Why Dr. Riley left the hospital system—and never looked back• The story behind “eat oysters” and its connection to fertility• How medical school trains out curiosity and critical thinking• The difference between schooling and true education• Why midwifery care leads to better outcomes and deeper trust• How male OBs can support birth without dominating it• The impact of hospital birth on newborns—and society• Why intuition is “authoritative knowledge” in birth• How the ARRIVE trial and induction reflect deeper cultural issues• Reclaiming birth as a portal to reclaiming community and humanity• The role of presence, not information, in birth support• How we raise schooled children to be obedient, not autonomous• Why love, not fear, must lead our conversations around birth• The hopeful wave of new med students challenging the system
 
About the Reclaiming Birth Conference
This groundbreaking event brings together voices from around the world to challenge the mainstream birth narrative. Designed for parents, birth workers, and revolutionaries, the conference centers physiology, sovereignty, and sacred connection.
📍Ontario – September 19 & 20, 2025🌐 reclaimingbirthconference.com📸 @reclaiming.birth.conference
📍Montreal – Sprin 2026🌐 reclaimingbirthmontreal.ca📸 @reclaiming.birth.montreal
 
Connect with Dr. Nathan Riley: Website: bornfreemethod.com & belovedholistics.com Instagram: @nathanrileyobgyn Podcast: Born Free Method
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!

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!