Ally the Doula

Ally Raven

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Health & Fitness

Your birth bestie for real talk about birth, motherhood, and real life.

Jun 22

Nobody Told Me Breastfeeding Would Be This Hard | The Better Boob (Part 1)

Nobody Told Me Breastfeeding Would Be This Hard | The Better Boob (Part 1) Welcome back to my Build Your Birth Team series, where we're talking about the providers who can support you throughout pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and beyond. When most people think about building their birth team, they think about their OB, midwife, or doula. But one of the most valuable members of your support team may be someone you don't think about until you're sitting on the couch at 2 a.m., exhausted, emotional, and wondering if your baby is getting enough milk. In this episode, I'm joined by Courtney, founder of The Better Boob and an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), to talk about why lactation support deserves a place on your birth team. Courtney shares her own breastfeeding struggles, despite being a labor and delivery nurse at the time, and explains why even lactation consultants sometimes need lactation consultants. We also dive into what an IBCLC actually does, why breastfeeding isn't always intuitive, common pumping mistakes, flange fitting, tongue ties, and why getting support before baby arrives can make a huge difference in your feeding journey. In this episode, we discuss: ✨ What an IBCLC is and how they're different from other feeding support professionals✨ Why breastfeeding can be challenging, even for experienced parents✨ The story behind The Better Boob✨ Tongue ties, oral function, and feeding challenges✨ Why lactation consultants assess both parent and baby together✨ Pumping, flange sizing, and choosing the right pump✨ Why even lactation consultants sometimes need lactation consultants✨ The benefits of prenatal lactation consultations✨ How lactation support fits into your birth and postpartum support team✨ Setting yourself up for feeding success before baby arrives And a quick heads up: both Courtney and I had our babies with us during this recording, so if you hear some baby noises in the background, consider them our tiny guest stars for today's episode. 💛 🎙️ Coming in Part 2: We'll continue our Build Your Birth Team conversation by talking about what it actually looks like to work with a lactation consultant after baby arrives, common feeding challenges, how to choose the right lactation consultant for your family, and what to look for when building your feeding support team. 💛 Connect with Courtney & The Better BoobInstagram: @thebetterboobWebsite: www.betterboob.com 💛 Connect with AllyInstagram: @allythedoulaWebsite: www.allyravendoula.com 🎓 Birth Partner Bootcamp Want your partner to feel confident and prepared for labor? My Birth Partner Bootcamp teaches partners practical comfort measures, labor support techniques, advocacy skills, communication strategies, and what to expect during labor and birth so they can show up feeling informed, empowered, and confident. Learn more at:www.allyravendoula.com Keywords: build your birth team, lactation consultant, IBCLC, breastfeeding support, breastfeeding podcast, pumping, flange fitting, tongue tie, lip tie, prenatal breastfeeding education, lactation support during pregnancy, postpartum support, newborn feeding, breastfeeding help, Raleigh doula, North Carolina pregnancy podcast, Triangle moms, first-time mom, postpartum recovery, birth team, feeding support, The Better Boob, Ally the Doula

38 min
Jun 8

Why a Pelvic Floor PT Belongs on Your Birth Team, with Dr. Lauren Davenport

Why a Pelvic Floor PT Belongs on Your Birth Team When most people think about building their birth team, they think about their OB, midwife, or doula. But what about a pelvic floor physical therapist? In this episode of Ally the Doula: Your Birth Bestie for Real Talk, I'm joined by Dr. Lauren Davenport, founder of Uplift Pelvic Health & Performance, to talk about why pelvic floor therapy can be such a valuable part of your pregnancy, birth, and postpartum journey. Lauren was actually my pelvic floor therapist during my pregnancy with Emmy, so this conversation is especially meaningful to me. We dive into what pelvic floor PT actually is, what appointments look like, and why you don't need to wait until something feels "wrong" before seeking support. In this episode, we discuss:✨ What your pelvic floor actually does✨ Why strength isn't always the goal✨ How pelvic floor therapy can help prepare you for birth✨ What an internal pelvic floor exam looks like (and whether you need one)✨ Why pelvic floor PT isn't just for people with symptoms✨ How pelvic floor therapists and doulas can work together✨ What postpartum recovery support can look like✨ How to choose the right pelvic floor therapist for your birth team✨ Motherhood, entrepreneurship, and prioritizing your own health Whether you're trying to conceive, currently pregnant, preparing for birth, or navigating postpartum recovery, this episode is packed with practical information and empowering education. 💛 Connect with Lauren & Uplift Pelvic Health & PerformanceInstagram: @upliftpelvicncWebsite: https://upliftpelvicnc.com Lauren and her team provide pelvic floor physical therapy services in the Charlotte/Huntersville area and also offer virtual support for clients who aren't local. 💛 Connect with AllyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/allythedoulaWebsite: https://allyravendoula.com If you're pregnant in Raleigh, Cary, Apex, Holly Springs, Fuquay-Varina, Wake Forest, Durham, Chapel Hill, or anywhere in the Triangle area of North Carolina and are looking for birth doula support, I'd love to connect with you. Birth Partner Bootcamp Want your partner to feel confident and prepared for labor? My Birth Partner Bootcamp is a self-paced online course designed to help birth partners learn comfort measures, labor support techniques, communication strategies, and what to expect during labor and birth so they can show up feeling confident and empowered. Learn more at:https://allyravendoula.com Keywords: pelvic floor physical therapy, pelvic floor therapist, pregnancy podcast, postpartum recovery, birth preparation, labor preparation, birth team, pelvic health, pregnancy support, Charlotte NC pelvic floor therapist, North Carolina pregnancy podcast, Raleigh doula, pregnancy education, postpartum healing, pelvic floor PT during pregnancy, preparing for labor, childbirth education, first-time mom, motherhood, postpartum support

46 min
May 26

Oh hi, it's me, your doula

Oh hi, it’s me… your doula In this episode, we’re talking all about what a birth doula actually does, what support can really look like during labor, and why doulas are about so much more than just hip squeezes and essential oils. We’re diving into:• what a doula is (and what we’re not)• how doulas support both YOU and your partner• what it actually looks like to have a doula at your birth• labor support, position changes, belly mapping, epidurals, and birth preferences• how doulas help facilitate conversations with providers• why all doulas have different support styles and price points• why it’s important to talk to multiple doulas before hiring one• and why I truly believe doulas become your birth bestie through the process 💛 We also talk about one of the biggest misconceptions about doulas—that we are there to replace your partner. Spoiler alert: absolutely not. A huge part of my role is helping partners feel more confident, informed, involved, and supported throughout labor too. Whether you’re planning an unmedicated birth, an epidural, an induction, or a cesarean, this episode is for you. Connect with me:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allythedoulaWebsite: https://allyravendoula.com If you’re pregnant and looking for birth doula support in Raleigh, North Carolina or the surrounding Triangle area, you can learn more about my doula services or schedule a consult through my website. Birth Partner Bootcamp I also offer my Birth Partner Bootcamp — an online, self-paced course created specifically for birth partners who want to feel more confident and prepared during labor and birth. Inside the course, we talk about:• how to physically support your partner during labor• comfort measures and coping techniques• epidurals, inductions, and interventions• how to advocate and communicate during birth• what labor actually looks like• and how partners can feel calm, involved, and empowered throughout the experience Once purchased, you’ll have lifetime access to the course. You can find more information at:https://allyravendoula.com Keywords:doula podcast, birth doula, Raleigh doula, North Carolina doula, labor support, birth support, epidural support, unmedicated birth, birth partner support, pregnancy podcast, first time mom, childbirth education, labor positions, hypnobirthing, birth team, pregnancy support, postpartum support, Raleigh NC pregnancy support, Triangle doula

23 min
May 11

If Someone’s Delivering Your Baby, You Should Probably Like Them

If someone’s delivering your baby… you should probably like them. In this episode, we’re talking all about choosing your OB or midwife, the differences between the two, what questions to ask before committing to a provider, and how to actually find a practice that feels like the right fit for you. We also talk about:• why you can interview multiple providers• switching providers during pregnancy (yes, even later on)• rotating providers in OB and midwifery practices• questions to ask about the hospital you’ll deliver at• pain management options, lactation support, and nursing care• why feeling comfortable and supported matters so much during pregnancy and birth I’m also sharing some of my own experiences with OBs and midwives, including my experience delivering with the midwives at Durham Women’s Clinic in Durham, North Carolina. Because at the end of the day… this is someone who will be supporting you during some of the most vulnerable moments of your life. You deserve to feel heard, respected, safe, and comfortable in your care. There are so many amazing providers out there—you’re really just looking for the right fit for YOU. Connect with me:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allythedoulaWebsite: https://allyravendoula.com If you’re pregnant and looking for birth support in Raleigh, NC or the surrounding Triangle area, you can learn more about my doula services or book a consult through my website. Keywords:Raleigh doula, North Carolina doula, OB vs midwife, choosing an OB, choosing a midwife, pregnancy provider, birth team, pregnancy support, birth support Raleigh NC, midwife care, pregnancy podcast, doula podcast, labor and delivery, postpartum support, first time mom, birth preparation, pregnancy education, Raleigh pregnancy support, Triangle doula

9 min
Apr 27

How to Find Your Birth Besties (Your Birth Team Explained)

You’ve probably been told you need an OB… and that’s about it. But pregnancy, birth, and postpartum aren’t just medical experiences—they’re physical, emotional, and mental too. And having the right support around you can completely change how you experience all of it. In this episode, we’re talking all about your birth team—who you actually need during pregnancy, how each provider supports you, and when to start building your team. We cover:• OB vs midwife care• What a doula actually does (and why it matters)• Prenatal chiropractic care• Pelvic floor therapy during pregnancy and postpartum• Lactation support and breastfeeding help• Mental health support for pregnancy and postpartum And just as important—we talk about how to know if a provider is the right fit for you, because it’s not just about credentials… it’s about feeling supported, heard, and safe. If you’re pregnant in Raleigh, North Carolina (or the surrounding Triangle area), this episode will help you better understand your options for building a supportive birth team—including working with a Raleigh doula, midwives, and other local providers. This is the first episode in a series breaking down how to choose each member of your birth team so you can feel confident throughout pregnancy, labor, delivery, and postpartum recovery. 💛 You don’t have to figure everything out right now—but you do deserve support. Connect with me:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allythedoulaWebsite: https://allyravendoula.com Looking for a doula in Raleigh, NC? You can learn more about my services or book a consult directly through my website 🤍 Keywords:Raleigh doula, North Carolina doula, Raleigh NC pregnancy support, birth doula Raleigh NC, pregnancy support Raleigh NC, OB vs midwife NC, prenatal care Raleigh NC, pelvic floor therapy Raleigh NC, chiropractor pregnancy Raleigh NC, lactation consultant Raleigh NC, postpartum support Raleigh NC, new mom Raleigh NC, Triangle birth support, Raleigh birth planning

9 min
Apr 13

You're Pregnant - Now Close Google

You took the test… it’s positive… and now you’re sitting there like, “okay wait… now what??” Whether you’re feeling excited, overwhelmed, confused, or all of the above (hi, totally normal), this episode is your go-to starting point for those early days of pregnancy. In this episode, I’m walking you through what actually matters right now — without the overwhelm, the pressure, or the 47-tab Google spiral. We’re talking about: What to focus on (and what you can absolutely ignore for now)When to schedule your first appointmentHow to choose the right OB or midwife for youWhen to hire a doula (hint: earlier than you think 👀)How to start building your support teamWhen to announce your pregnancy — and why there is no “right” timeThis is your reminder that you don’t have to have everything figured out today. You’re allowed to take this one step at a time. And if you’re someone who feels like you need to be doing something — we’ll talk about a simple, realistic way to start supporting your body early on too. Think of this episode as your deep breath and your game plan. 💛 Connect with me:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allythedoulaWebsite: https://www.allyravendoula.com 💛 My favorite prenatal vitamin:https://thisisneeded.com/products/prenatal-multi-essentials?variant=47086313046261 If this episode helped you, send it to a friend who just found out she’s pregnant — because I promise you, she’s probably asking the same question: “now what??” And remember… you’re doing much better than you think 💛

12 min
Mar 30

Let's Talk Babies, Sleep & Development with Dr. Brooke

In part two of my conversation with Dr. Brooke, we’re diving into all things babies — from sleep and development to breastfeeding and what your baby actually needs in those early months. We talk about:• why “sleep regression” might not actually be about sleep• how your baby’s development impacts their behavior• what’s really going on when babies seem fussy or unsettled• how movement and sensory input play a huge role in development• how chiropractic care can support babies and breastfeeding• and simple, practical things you can start doing right away This part of the conversation is packed with those “wait… no one told me this” moments — in the best way. If you’re pregnant, postpartum, or navigating life with a baby, this is one you’ll definitely want to listen to. You can connect with Dr. Brooke at:Instagram: @bloom.familywellness You can find me at:Instagram: @allythedoulaWebsite: www.allyravendoula.com Dr. Brooke's Website: https://www.bloomfamilywellness.com/ And remember — you’re doing much better than you think 💛

35 min
Mar 16

Pregnancy, Babies & A Little Real Talk with Dr. Brooke Sellers

In this episode of Ally the Doula, I’m sitting down with someone who has been part of all three of my pregnancies and now helps care for all three of my kids — prenatal and pediatric chiropractor Dr. Brooke. This conversation felt a lot less like an interview and more like two friends chatting about pregnancy, motherhood, and what it really looks like to support families through every stage. We talk about:• how Dr. Brooke got into chiropractic care• why she shifted her focus to supporting moms and babies• how becoming a mom changed the way she practices• balancing motherhood and running a business• why caring for moms matters so much• and of course… we had to talk about her chickens 🐓 This conversation was so good that we actually turned it into two episodes, so this is part one! In part two, we’ll dive deeper into prenatal chiropractic care, infant development, breastfeeding support, and how chiropractic care can help both moms and babies. If you're pregnant, postpartum, or raising little ones, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss. You can connect with Dr. Brooke at:Instagram: @bloom.familywellness You can find me at:Instagram: @allythedoulaWebsite: www.allyravendoula.com And remember — you are doing much better than you think 💛

34 min
Mar 2

Birth Plans Without the Pressure

Birth Plans Without the Pressure Birth plans get a bad reputation — and honestly, they don’t deserve it. In this episode, we’re talking about how to create a birth plan that actually helps you feel calm, confident, and prepared… without turning it into a 12-page document or something that stresses you out more than it supports you. We’ll cover: What a birth plan really is (and what it’s not) Why some providers push back on birth plans How to approach your provider in a collaborative way What actually needs to go in your birth plan How to keep it simple, flexible, and realistic Birth planning isn’t about controlling every outcome — it’s about understanding your options and making space for your voice in the room. If you’d like help creating your own, you can download my simple birth plan template at www.allyravendoula.com. And if you’d rather talk it through, I offer a one-hour “Doula Chat with Ally” where we sit down together and build a birth plan that feels right for you. Let’s take the pressure off and make this feel doable. You can always connect with me on Instagram at @allythedoula. And remember — you’re doing much better than you think 💛

22 min
Feb 16

My Doula Story

In this episode, I’m sharing the story of how I became a doula — and how my own birth experiences completely changed the direction of my life. From becoming a mom to realizing how much support truly matters during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum… this episode is a behind-the-scenes look at what led me here. I’m talking about what surprised me, what I wish I had known, and the moment I realized I wanted to support other people in this season of life. If you’re pregnant, thinking about birth, or just curious how I got started in this work — this one’s for you. As always, this podcast is about real talk, honest conversations, and helping you feel more confident in your journey — whatever that looks like for you. You can connect with me on Instagram at @allythedoula And learn more about my services at www.allyravendoula.com If you loved this episode, make sure to follow the show and share it with a friend 💛

16 min
Jan 27

Welcome to My World

Hey friend! I’m Ally — a birth doula, a mom, and your new birth bestie. In this first episode, I’m saying hi, sharing a little bit about who I am, why I started this podcast, and what you can expect in the episodes to come. We’ll talk birth, motherhood, friendships, and all the real-life stuff that comes with it — with honesty, humor, and a little reassurance along the way. Grab a coffee (iced, always) and let’s chat. If you want to keep the conversation going or see more about life as a doula, come say hi on instagram @ allythedoula or visit my website www.allyravendoula.com

6 min

11 Episodes

Your birth bestie for real talk about birth, motherhood, and real life.

Creator

Ally Raven
Years Active

2K
Episodes

11
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© Ally Raven
Show Website

Ally the Doula