Doulas Unhinged

Lacey Morgan and Alex Shaw
  • 4.6 (11)
  • ALTERNATIVE HEALTH

Birth and parenting deserve more than recycled advice and outdated expectations. This podcast exposes the hidden influences shaping modern birth and parenthood- unpacking hospital culture, trauma, identity shifts, and the stories we're rarely encouraged to tell out loud.  Each episode challenges assumptions, amplifies lived experiences, and offers evidence- backed conversations that help you reclaim your voice, your choices, and your narrative.  If you've ever felt like the mainstream version of birth and parenting doesn't fit- you're not alone, and you're in the right place.

  1. 2D AGO

    Ep 13: Cervical Checks

    Doulas Unhinged

    59 min

  2. MAR 25

    Ep: 12 Marley's Birth Story

    Doulas Unhinged

    59 min

  3. MAR 18

    Ep 11: Continuous Fetal Monitoring is Not Living Up To Its Promise

    In this episode Alex and Lacey explore a New York Times article's report of the negative impact of constant fetal monitoring. Constant fetal monitoring is used in almost every U.S. hospital labor and delivery unit. Most people in labor are attached to belts that track the baby's heart rate continuously. This particular tool became widespread in the 1970's, replacing intermittent monitoring with a handheld device or stethoscope.  Research over the decades has found that continuous fetal monitoring does not significantly reduce cerebral palsy, infant death and long term neurological problems. Constant fetal monitoring does however, increase medical interventions, especially cesareans. One of the most common reasons for cesareans in otherwise low risk pregnancies is "fetal distress" determined by fetal monitor tracings from constant monitoring.  Hospitals continue to use this tool despite the largest increase in c-section rates since the 1970's. The article mentions reasons such as liability concerns, hospital efficiency and institutional habit. Continuous fetal monitoring became the standard practice in U.S. hospitals, but evidence suggests it does not improve major newborn outcomes and may significantly increase unnecessary c-sections due to false alarms and defensive medicine. Some alternatives for electronic fetal monitoring (EFM) include, intermittent auscultation, (listening to the baby's heartbeat at regular intervals instead of continuously) wireless monitoring, (still electronic monitoring but without wires) and intermittent electronic monitoring (checking baby's heartbeat using short periodic monitoring sessions such as monitoring for 20 mins; recheck in 40 mins). If you're a first time mom or a fifth time mom, Alex and Lacey dive into this article and dissect it from the ground up offering information, education and alternatives for your birth experience.

    1 hr

  4. MAR 11

    Ep 10: When Policies Impact Support

    In this episode Alex and Lacey discuss a new hospital policy that may impact patients at their local hospital- though these types of policies exist all over. They go through the document pulling apart the ways it could be used against the doulas to prevent families from having the support they choose to have in the room. They leave you with a call to action. As the consumer, your money talks. Telling the hospital discriminatory,  coercive documents will lead to you taking your money elsewhere, may help to change policies in place to protect the system, NOT YOU.

    42 min

  5. MAR 4

    Ep 9: Boundaries...What boundaries? Postpartum Boundaries: Protecting Your Peace After Baby

    In this warm, honest, and deeply supportive episode of Doulas Unhinged, hosts Alex Shaw and Lacey Morgan speak directly to new families navigating the tender postpartum period — a time when protecting your energy, space, and recovery is essential. Alex and Lacey unpack the art of setting boundaries with visitors, from deciding when people can come over to how long they stay. They explore the importance of communicating expectations around helping with chores, hand-washing, kissing and touching the baby, and respecting the family’s need for rest. You’ll hear: Why listening to your inner voice matters — even if you worry about being seen as “difficult.” The power of staying in bed, resting, bonding, and recovering without apology. Lacey’s candid story of breastfeeding in front of guests — and what to say when others have opinions. How to create a “Yes, Please List” so visitors know exactly how to help (and you don’t have to ask). Insights into why we’re quick to help our friends, yet reluctant to ask for help ourselves. Tips for staying connected with your partner, letting nonessential tasks wait, and making space for intimacy and reconnection. Alex’s reminder that boundaries also apply to your own expectations, especially around returning to exercise and daily routines. A brief look at how doulas set boundaries too—protecting sleep, maintaining professional roles, and encouraging communication during business hours. This episode is a loving permission slip for new parents to slow down, protect their peace, and honor the incredible physical and emotional work of the postpartum season. Whether you’re preparing for postpartum or currently in the thick of it, Alex and Lacey offer the compassion, clarity, and courage you need to set boundaries with confidence.

    43 min

  6. FEB 25

    Ep 8: Rolling With The Punches- When Birth Doesn't Go As Planned- An interview with Emmalee Bierly

    Emmalee opens up about the birth of her second child whom she chose to invite into the world via induction at 39 weeks. She shares how her long, protracted process was joyful, encouraging, surprising, and ultimately successful with some creative doula tricks which helped her step out of the standard approach and into her own storyline.

    57 min

  7. FEB 18

    Ep. 7: Induction: When, Why & What to Expect

    Induction of labor is one of the most common interventions in modern birth—but it’s also one of the most misunderstood. In this episode, we break down why inductions are offered, what the process typically looks like, and how to navigate the conversation with your provider from an informed and empowered place. We discuss both the medical and non-medical reasons inductions may be recommended, including the growing trend of elective inductions at 39 weeks. We also dip our toe into why we don't love the ARRIVE Trial for a reason to induce.  In this episode, we cover: Common reasons inductions are offered Elective inductions at 39 weeks and a short critique of the ARRIVE Trial Inductions offered after 41 or 42 weeks of pregnancy Personal reasons families may choose induction Medical indications for induction, including diabetes, gestational hypertension, and preeclampsia Low amniotic fluid levels and the difference between AFI and single deepest pocket measurements How the risk of stillbirth—while statistically very small—is often presented and used to encourage compliance rather than informed consent We also walk through what an induction often looks like in practice: Calling the hospital to see if there is availability to come in Starting with cervical ripening agents The possible use of a Foley balloon or Cook catheter (and why they’re not always used) Transitioning to Pitocin Breaking the bag of waters and how that fits into the induction sequence This episode is designed to help you understand the full picture of induction—so you can ask better questions, weigh your options, and make decisions that align with your values and circumstances. 🎧 Tune in for an honest, grounded conversation about inductions and informed choice in birth.

    51 min

  8. FEB 11

    Ep 6: GBS: What They Don’t Fully Explain at 36 Weeks

    At around 36–37 weeks, almost everyone is offered a Group B Strep (GBS) test — and for many parents, that’s the first time they’ve ever heard of it. Suddenly there’s talk of “positive results,” IV antibiotics, hospital policies, and fear-based statistics… without a lot of context. So what is GBS really? How risky is it actually? And what choices do you have? In this episode, we break it all down without the scare tactics. We cover: What Group B Strep actually is (and why it’s normal bacteria for many adults)How common GBS colonization really isThe difference between colonization vs infectionRoutine testing at 36–37 weeks — what the swab checks for and its limitationsFalse negatives, false positives, and timing issuesWhat happens if you test positiveStandard hospital protocol for IV antibiotics in laborBenefits and risks of antibiotics for parent and babyHow antibiotics may impact the newborn microbiomeRisk factors that change recommendations (fevers, prolonged rupture of membranes, prematurity, prior GBS baby)Alternatives and considerations some families exploreQuestions to ask your provider so you can make an informed decisionHow doulas support families navigating GBS conversations without fear or pressureWe also talk about the bigger picture:  Because “positive” shouldn’t automatically mean panic. This is about understanding relative risk, knowing your options, and making decisions that feel aligned with your values — not just following a protocol you didn’t fully understand. As always, information is power — and your birth gets to be informed, not rushed.

    48 min
See All (13)

4.6
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

Birth and parenting deserve more than recycled advice and outdated expectations. This podcast exposes the hidden influences shaping modern birth and parenthood- unpacking hospital culture, trauma, identity shifts, and the stories we're rarely encouraged to tell out loud.  Each episode challenges assumptions, amplifies lived experiences, and offers evidence- backed conversations that help you reclaim your voice, your choices, and your narrative.  If you've ever felt like the mainstream version of birth and parenting doesn't fit- you're not alone, and you're in the right place.

Information

  • Creator
    Lacey Morgan and Alex Shaw
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    13
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Doulas Unhinged
  • Show Website
    Doulas Unhinged

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