Doulas Unhinged

Lacey Morgan and Alex Shaw

Birth and parenting deserve more than recycled advice and outdated expectations.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. Jul 22

    Ep 29: PMADS - Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders

    The week Alex and Lacey discuss Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders.  Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs) affect far more families than many people realize, yet they're often misunderstood or overlooked. In this episode, we take a look into what PMADs are, who they affect, and why recognizing the signs early can make all the difference. We break down the different types of PMADs—including postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and postpartum psychosis—discussing the unique symptoms of each and how they may present. We also explore the important differences between the "baby blues" and a perinatal mood or anxiety disorder, helping families understand when emotional changes are a normal part of postpartum recovery and when it's time to seek additional support. During the conversation, we discuss research examining the association between labor interventions—such as Pitocin use—and an increased risk of developing PMADs. We emphasize that while an association has been observed in some studies, this does not mean Pitocin causes PMADs, and many factors contribute to a person's mental health during the perinatal period. Finally, we share practical interventions and evidence-based strategies that can help support mental wellness, including building a strong support system, prioritizing rest, seeking professional mental health care when needed, utilizing doulas and community resources, and recognizing that asking for help is a sign of strength—not weakness. Whether you're expecting, newly postpartum, supporting a loved one, or a birth professional, this episode provides valuable information to help you better understand PMADs and know when and how to seek support. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5310833/

4.4
out of 5
13 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.