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.

• 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 Articles Website: sharenmedrano.com

Connect with Ally & Melania 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!

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!