What happens when you're told you're going to be induced at 37 weeks?

For Alex, it didn't mean losing control of her birth.

In this episode, I'm sitting down with my former client Alex to talk about her positive induction experience — from preparing for an induction and asking questions, to making decisions about interventions, advocating for herself, and having a birth team that supported her choices.

We talk about:

🤰 Being induced at 37 weeks
💬 Asking questions and advocating for yourself
📝 Preparing for an induction and knowing your options
🤝 The importance of a supportive birth partner
🏥 Choosing providers you trust
💭 Staying flexible when birth doesn't go exactly according to plan
❤️ What made Alex's induction such a positive experience
💪 And why being induced doesn't mean giving up control of your birth

This isn't a story about a "perfect" birth. It's about being informed, prepared, supported, and involved in your own care.

If you're facing an induction — or the word induction makes you nervous — I really want you to hear Alex's story.

I'm Ally Raven, a certified birth doula, breastfeeding counselor, and childbirth educator serving families throughout the Triangle and beyond.

📸 Instagram: @allythedoula
🌐 Website: allyravendoula.com
🎙️ Podcast: Ally the Doula: Your Birth Bestie for Real Talk

Find my doula services, Birth Partner Crash Course, classes, resources, and more on my website.

And remember, you're doing much better than you think. ❤️

I'll talk to you soon.

This episode is sponsored by Ceres Chill

If you've been around here for a while, you know I'm already a huge fan of Ceres Chill and have used my Ceres Chill with all three of my kids.

Ceres Chill makes reusable breastmilk chillers and accessories designed to make pumping and storing breastmilk easier while you're living your actual life — whether you're at work, traveling, running errands, or just spending a long day away from home.

I love that this is a product I genuinely use and recommend to my clients, which makes partnering with them for the podcast extra special. ❤️

Want to check out Ceres Chill?

👉 Ceres Chill

Use code ALLYTHEDOULA for 15% off your purchase.

CONNECT WITH ALLY

I'm Ally Raven, a certified birth doula, breastfeeding counselor, and childbirth educator serving families throughout the Triangle and beyond.

📸 Instagram: @allythedoula
🌐 Website: allyravendoula.com
🎙️ Podcast: Ally the Doula: Your Birth Bestie for Real Talk

Find my doula services, Birth Partner Crash Course, classes, resources, and more on my website.

And remember, you're doing much better than you think. ❤️

I'll talk to you soon.

Okay besties, this is a GOOD one. 👀

Today I'm sitting down with Lisa Myers, founder and CEO of Ceres Chill, for a conversation about breastfeeding, pumping, motherhood, and what happens when a mom looks at a problem and thinks, there has to be a better way.

Lisa shares the story behind Ceres Chill — including her own breastfeeding journey, the challenges she faced as a working and pumping mom, and the frustration that ultimately led her to create a product that would make life easier for breastfeeding and pumping parents.

We talk about:

🤱 Breastfeeding and pumping in real life
💭 The pressure moms feel to "get it right"
💼 Returning to work while breastfeeding and pumping
🍼 Why pumping IS breastfeeding
👙 Flange sizing and why the standard flange isn't necessarily right for everyone
🏥 The importance of good lactation support and education
❤️ The emotional side of feeding your baby
🔥 The "mom rage" that sparked Ceres Chill
❄️ The Ceres Chill products and how they actually work
🚗 Pumping and storing milk while traveling, working, or spending long days away from home
🌎 The bigger mission behind Ceres Chill and supporting moms wherever life takes them

And honestly, we talk about SO much more.

One of my favorite parts of this conversation is hearing Lisa talk about the fact that moms shouldn't have to choose between feeding their babies and showing up for their families, careers, communities, and lives. Ceres Chill was created from her own experience — and that story is a huge part of why I love this company.

I also share my own experience using my Ceres Chill with all three of my kids and why it has become one of those things I genuinely don't want to leave the house without. 😂

Whether you're planning to breastfeed, currently breastfeeding or pumping, exclusively pumping, combo feeding, heading back to work, or just trying to figure out how the heck you're supposed to make all of this work...

This conversation is for you.

Want to check out Ceres Chill for yourself?

Ceres Chill makes reusable breastmilk chillers and accessories designed to make pumping and storing breastmilk easier while you're living your actual life.

And because I'm a Ceres Chill affiliate, you can use my code:

ALLYTHEDOULA

Use my code at checkout for 15% off!

👉 Ceres Chill: cereschill.com

I'm Ally Raven, a certified birth doula, breastfeeding counselor, and childbirth educator serving families throughout the Triangle and beyond.

If you're pregnant, preparing for birth, figuring out breastfeeding, or just want someone in your corner who will give you honest, real-life support — I'd love to connect.

📸 Instagram: @allythedoula
🌐 Website: allyravendoula.com
🎙️ Podcast: Ally the Doula: Your Birth Bestie for Real Talk

You can also find information about my doula services, Birth Partner Bootcamp, classes, resources, and more on my website.

And remember, you're doing much better than you think. ❤️

I'll talk to you soon.

🧊 SHOP CERES CHILL💕 CONNECT WITH ALLY

We just wrapped up the Build Your Birth Team series, so I thought it was time to give you a little peek at what happens on the other side of the doula-client relationship.

What is it actually like to be a birth doula when you're also a wife, a mom of three, and a small business owner?

In this episode, I'm talking about what being on call really looks like in my everyday life — from getting a client text while I'm at Target or nursing my baby, to figuring out childcare at 2 AM, to the mental load of always knowing that someone could call and say, "It's time."

I'm also talking about the parts of doula work that happen behind the scenes, why having a solid backup network is so important, how my family makes this job possible, and what my kids actually think I do for work. 😂

And if you're a doula, I have a little reminder for you at the end: you don't have to stop living your life just because you're on call. You can still see your friends, go to appointments, take your kids places, and be a whole human. Being available doesn't mean putting your entire life on pause.

This is a more personal, behind-the-scenes episode about life as a doula — the unpredictable parts, the funny parts, the hard parts, and why I genuinely love what I do.

Find me on Instagram: @allythedoula
Learn more about my doula services + Birth Partner Bootcamp: allyravendoula.com

And remember, you're doing much better than you think.

I know—that title might make you laugh. 😅 But hear me out.

When we think about building our birth team, we usually think about our OB or midwife, a doula, maybe a pelvic floor therapist or lactation consultant. But what about our mental health?

In this final episode of the Build Your Birth Team series, we're talking all about why therapy deserves a seat at the table. From preparing for postpartum before your baby arrives, to navigating identity shifts, relationship changes, birth trauma, and finding a therapist who actually feels like the right fit, this is an honest conversation about why asking for support is one of the strongest things you can do.

And yes... I share some of my own postpartum experience, too.

If you've ever thought, "I'm fine—I don't need therapy," this episode is for you.

• Why therapy isn't just for people in crisis
• Preparing for the emotional side of postpartum
• Identity shifts after becoming a parent
• Changes in your relationship after having a baby
• Birth trauma and processing difficult birth experiences
• How to find a therapist
• Why it's okay if the first therapist isn't the right fit
• Why building your support system doesn't end after birth

This wraps up the Build Your Birth Team series! Whether you've listened to every episode or this is your first one, I hope this series has helped you feel more confident, informed, and supported as you prepare for birth and parenthood.

Connect with me:
Instagram: @allythedoula
Website: www.allyravendoula.com
My Birth Partner Bootcamp gives you and your birth partner the tools, confidence, and practical skills to prepare for labor, birth, and those first moments postpartum. Learn more at www.allyravendoula.com.

Keywords: pregnancy podcast, birth podcast, postpartum mental health, therapy during pregnancy, postpartum therapy, perinatal mental health, birth trauma, postpartum anxiety, postpartum depression, therapist for moms, pregnancy support, birth team, doula, childbirth education, new parents, motherhood, parenthood, mental health after baby, pregnancy, postpartum, Ally the Doula

Part 2 with Courtney at The Better Boob!

Welcome back to Part 2 of my conversation with Courtney, founder of The Better Boob and an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC)!

As we continue my Build Your Birth Team series, we're diving into what it's actually like to work with a lactation consultant after your baby arrives and how to choose the right one for your family.

From home visits and weighted feeds to pumping, returning to work, and breastfeeding myths, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you feel more confident throughout your feeding journey.

In this episode, we discuss:

✨ What a lactation appointment actually looks like
✨ Home visits vs. office visits
✨ What a weighted feed is and why it's so helpful
✨ Pumping support, flange fitting, and returning to work
✨ Your legal rights as a pumping parent in the workplace
✨ How to choose the right lactation consultant
✨ Why it's okay to get a second (or even third!) opinion
✨ Common breastfeeding myths and milk supply concerns
✨ Why having someone who truly understands your feeding journey can make all the difference

Whether you're breastfeeding, pumping, combo feeding, or simply preparing for postpartum, I hope this conversation helps you feel informed, supported, and empowered.

💛 Connect with Courtney & The Better Boob
Instagram: @thebetterboob
Website: www.betterboob.com

The Better Boob is located in downtown Cary, NC and offers home visits throughout the Triangle, office visits, virtual consultations, pumping support, prenatal lactation visits, weighted feeds, return-to-work planning, and more. You can also text the number listed on their website to get in touch or request an appointment directly through their website.

💛 Connect with Ally
Instagram: @allythedoula
Website: www.allyravendoula.com

🎓 Birth Partner Bootcamp

Want your partner to feel confident and prepared for labor?

My self-paced Birth Partner Bootcamp teaches practical comfort measures, labor support techniques, communication strategies, advocacy skills, and what to expect during labor and birth so your birth partner can show up feeling informed, confident, and ready to support you.

Learn more at:
www.allyravendoula.com

Keywords: Build Your Birth Team, lactation consultant, IBCLC, breastfeeding support, weighted feeds, pumping, flange fitting, return to work, breastfeeding myths, milk supply, postpartum support, newborn feeding, breastfeeding podcast, Raleigh doula, Cary NC, Triangle moms, pregnancy podcast, birth education, fourth trimester, The Better Boob, Ally the Doula

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 Boob
Instagram: @thebetterboob
Website: www.betterboob.com

💛 Connect with Ally
Instagram: @allythedoula
Website: 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

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 & Performance
Instagram: @upliftpelvicnc
Website: 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 Ally
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allythedoula
Website: 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

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/allythedoula
Website: 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

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/allythedoula
Website: 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

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/allythedoula
Website: 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