raw MOMversations

What role does a man truly play in the birth space? In this grounded and eye-opening conversation, we sit down with Alec Zeck, father of three and host of The Way Forward- to talk about something rarely centered in birth stories: masculine presence. Not as control. Not as authority. But as steady, regulated, protective energy that allows a woman to soften, feel safe, and fully surrender to the phy...

We're Backkkk! Hospital birth vs birth center birth, what actually changes everything? In this intimate, emotional episode, Melania shares the full birth story of baby Luke, her unmedicated, birth-center delivery that completely rewired what she believed about pain, trust, and her own power. After a first birth during COVID that included invasive exams, feeling pressured toward interventions, and...

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 b...

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 int...

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 doc...

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...

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. Wit...

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 t...

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...

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 validati...

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 confide...

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. medic...

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. Disc...

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 diffe...

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 pol...

Stephanie Peck, a busy mom of three and winner of our mommy makeover contest, takes us on a beautiful journey through her natural birthing experiences. She opens up about her first two births in a hospital setting, then shares how her third birth at a birthing center was a completely different experience. From the first signs of labor to her water breaking, Stephanie walks us through each moment i...

Ever wondered why your friends with kids seem to operate on a different wavelength?  Melania and Ally break down the top 5 things that parents wish their child-free friends understood. From the reality of time constraints and the constant worry to the never-ending kid-centered conversations, we share how these factors shape our daily lives and relationships. These insights are not just for parents...

Haley, co-founder of My Superhero Foods and My Superhero Sleep, opens up about her inspiring transition from a flourishing career at Pfizer to embracing a Holistic approach to health and wellness. Haley shares how yoga and nutritional changes revolutionized her health, sparking a passion for empowering families to make healthier life choices. Discover how Haley's journey from pharmaceutical sales...

​​Can Homeopathy truly transform your health and well-being? Join us in this thought-provoking episode of Raw MOMversations featuring Jennie, a Certified Classical Homeopath, as she shares her personal journey from dissatisfaction with conventional medicine to discovering the holistic power of homeopathy. Learn how remedies made from natral substances, like onion for hay fever, can stimulate the b...

Raquel, Founder and CEO of Viita- a revolutionary brand dedicated to empowering women dealing with urinary incontinence. Join us as she shares her journey of overcoming parental resistance, winning entrepreneurship contests, and building a company that offers innovative, eco-friendly solutions for moms. In this episode, Raquel takes us through the intricate process of designing functional women's...

On this season finale of Raw MOMversations as we catch up on the rollercoaster ride of motherhood from the beginning of the season. Ally revisits the birth story of her second child and shares the highs and lows of managing life with a newborn- from sleep deprivation struggles to a breakthrough in sleep training. Melania recounts her rejuvenating escape to the Sunshine State, providing a much-need...

Kelsey, a mother of four and a dedicated speech pathologist, shares invaluable insights into nurturing highly sensitive children. Drawing from her professional expertise and personal experiences, she emphasizes the importance of understanding and respecting each child's unique sensory needs, both at home and in therapeutic settings. Kelsey's deep understanding of sensitivity paints a vivid picture...

There's something deeply transformative about the journey of childbirth, and Miranda from TheInformedBirth on Instagram joins us to share just how empowering that journey can be. Her evolution from seeking an unmedicated birth to becoming a doula who champions informed decision-making is not just a story—it's a movement. Miranda looks forward to welcoming her fourth child via home birth, her exper...

From sleepless sagas to serene slumbers, we dissect the polarizing practice of sleep training, with insights from our own trials. Discover how history has shaped the way we tuck in our tots at night. Reflect with us on the diverse experiences and decisions parents face, as we consider a range of strategies to help our little ones—and ourselves—catch those elusive Z's. Listen to tales of turning te...

Kristen Nagle, a trailblazing former NICU nurse turned holistic parenting advocate, unfolds her personal evolution that will ignite a flame of curiosity within you! Discover the power of maternal instinct and the courage to challenge healthcare norms. From the sacredness of pregnancy to the beauty of physiological birth, Kristen's journey is a call to mothers everywhere to trust in their innate wi...