Doulas Unhinged

This week on Doulas Unhinged, Lacey and Alex dive into a powerful topic- Empowerment or Trauma surrounding birth. This is one of the biggest differentiators in how someone remembers their birth for the rest of their life. The same situation can feel empowering or traumatic depending on how care is delivered. Tune in to hear and explore our thoughts!How Providers Can Empower a Birth Experience1. Informed Consent (not just “permission”)•Explaining risks, benefits, and alternatives (BRAIN in action)•Using language like: “Here are your options” instead of “This is what we’re doing”•Respecting a “no” without pressure👉 Impact: Builds trust, autonomy, and safety2. Respecting Bodily Autonomy•Asking before every touch (especially cervical exams)•Honoring position changes, movement, and pushing preferences•Supporting refusal of interventions👉 Impact: Prevents feelings of violation or loss of control3. Calm, Regulated Presence•Grounded tone, slow movements, non-chaotic energy•Confidence without urgency when things are still safe👉 Impact: Keeps laboring person’s nervous system out of fight-or-flight4. Language That Supports, Not Scares•“Your baby is tolerating labor well” vs “We’re concerned”•Avoiding worst-case framing unless truly necessary👉 Impact: Reduces fear → supports physiological laborHow Providers Can Traumatize a Birth Experience1. Coercion or Pressure•“If you don’t do this, your baby could die” (without context)•Repeatedly pushing interventions after refusal•Using fear as a tool👉 Impact: Loss of autonomy, panic, long-term mistrust2. Non-Consented Touch•Performing cervical checks or procedures without clear permission•Ignoring verbal or physical resistance👉 Impact: Can mirror sexual trauma → deeply triggering3. Creating Urgency Without Explanation•Sudden tone shift: “We need to move NOW”•Rushing into interventions without context👉 Impact: Triggers fear response—even if outcome is medically fine4. Violation of Birth Preferences Without Discussion•Ignoring birth plan completely•Performing routine interventions without checking in👉 Impact: Leaves people feeling powerless and unheard5. Chaotic Environment•Multiple people entering/exiting•Loud conversations unrelated to patient care•Lack of privacy👉 Impact: Disrupts safety → stalls labor + increases stress6. Postpartum Silence or Avoidance•No explanation after emergency or unexpected outcome•Brushing off questions👉 Impact: Unprocessed experience → birth trauma, PTSD symptoms

All midwives are not created equal. In this brief episode, Alex and Lacey were inspired to discuss things families might want to look out for when vetting a homebirth midwife to help you find the right person to support you. Questions about training, experience, equipment and how they handle the unexpected or most serious situations are all discussed. 

Prioritizing your relationship in the early days of the postpartum period can make or break your future relationship. In this Episode, Alex and Lacey discuss many of the common pitfalls of the postpartum period and offer many tips for easy tweaks, adjustments and simple mindset shifts which can be implemented immediately. If no one gives you a play book, how can you know. Now that you have the tips, what will you do with them?

In this episode of Doulas Unhinged, Lacey and Alex get real about one of the most routine—and rarely questioned—parts of modern birth: cervical checks.Are they actually necessary? What information do they really give? And why do so many women walk away from them feeling uncomfortable, discouraged, or even violated?We’re breaking down:•What cervical exams are meant to assess (and their limitations)•The emotional and physical impact they can have during labor•How they can shift the energy of a birth—for better or worse•When they might be useful…and when they’re just routine•What true informed consent around cervical checks should look likeWe also dive into the nuance providers don’t always talk about—how these exams can influence decision-making, create unnecessary timelines, and affect a woman’s confidence in her own body.This isn’t about fear—it’s about awareness, autonomy, and giving you the full picture so you can make decisions that feel right for your birth.Because you deserve care that asks, not assumes.

In this episode of Doulas Unhinged, Lacey and Alex sit down with a powerful VBAC mama who shares her journey of choosing to birth again after a cesarean—and doing it unmedicated.She opens up about the fears, the pressure, and the moments where she had to deeply trust her body despite everything she’d previously experienced. From navigating provider conversations to staying grounded through intense labor (and her hilarious inner monologue), this story is a raw and honest look at what it means to reclaim your birth.We talk about:•The mindset shift from C-section to VBAC•Letting go of fear and stepping into trust•How support (and the right environment) changed everything•What unmedicated VBAC actually felt likeThis episode is for anyone curious about VBAC, questioning their options, or needing a reminder that your body is capable—even after a different kind of first birth.Because sometimes, healing looks like doing it your way.

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. 

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.  

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.

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. 

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 offeredElective inductions at 39 weeks and a short critique of the ARRIVE TrialInductions offered after 41 or 42 weeks of pregnancyPersonal reasons families may choose inductionMedical indications for induction, including diabetes, gestational hypertension, and preeclampsiaLow amniotic fluid levels and the difference between AFI and single deepest pocket measurementsHow the risk of stillbirth—while statistically very small—is often presented and used to encourage compliance rather than informed consentWe also walk through what an induction often looks like in practice:Calling the hospital to see if there is availability to come inStarting with cervical ripening agentsThe possible use of a Foley balloon or Cook catheter (and why they’re not always used)Transitioning to PitocinBreaking the bag of waters and how that fits into the induction sequenceThis 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.

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.

Labor isn’t just something that happens to you—it’s a dynamic process influenced by your body, your baby, your environment, and your mindset. In this episode, we break down how labor actually progresses and why it looks so different from one person to the next.We explore the often-overlooked factors that can either support or stall labor, starting with mindset and the messages we carry into birth—from our mothers, our culture, and the stories we’ve absorbed over time. We also talk about practical ways to support physiologic labor by creating an environment that feels safe, private, and undisturbed.In this episode, we discuss:How mindset and inherited beliefs about birth can impact labor progressionUsing manifestation—writing your birth story as if it’s already happened—to build confidence and calmWhy labor is not meant to be a spectator sport and how privacy supports progressSimple strategies to reduce unnecessary interruptions in the hospital settingThe importance of feeling safe with your care providers and birth environmentHow movement, hydration, and balanced magnesium levels support effective laborThe role of stress and why reducing it can help labor unfold more smoothlyWe also break down the 5 P’s of labor and how each one influences progress:Passenger (baby): baby’s position and role in the processPelvis: how injuries, nutrition, mobility, and overly tight pelvic floors can affect laborPower: the strength, rhythm, and effectiveness of contractionsPosition: how the birthing person’s positions can dramatically change labor dynamicsPsyche: the mental and emotional state that can either support or slow laborThis episode is a quick dip into understanding labor beyond the clock—helping you feel more prepared, informed, and empowered as you approach birth.🎧 Tune in to learn how to support labor progression in ways that honor both physiology and intuition.

Today we hear from Chelsea Barbine, founder of Postpartum Better, a postpartum coaching program, host of the Postpartum Better Podcast and co-host of the Postpartum Better Expo. Hear her share about the difference between her typical first-time labor and her second birth in which her son arrived at 33 weeks. Jump in to hear how the unexpected can still be well supported and empowering. 

In this episode, we unpack a client’s distressing induction experience that occurred at a local hospital—and use it as a springboard to discuss broader patterns of medical mismanagement we’ve repeatedly witnessed at this facility.We walk listeners through what went wrong, why it matters, and how these experiences are not isolated incidents, but part of a larger systemic problem rooted in routine interventions, poor communication, and a failure to respect informed consent.This conversation is raw, honest, and rooted in our lived experiences supporting birthing families.In this episode, we discuss:A real client story involving a seemingly medically mismanaged birthHow “standard hospital policy” is often used to override patient autonomyRed flags we consistently see at this particular hospitalWhy outcomes matter—but how care is delivered matters just as muchThe importance of having support and education before labor begins and why it's worth arguing against hospital policies. ECV & Informed Decision-MakingIn the second half of the episode, we shift gears and discuss External Cephalic Version (ECV)—a procedure sometimes offered when a baby is breech—using the BRAIN acronym to support truly informed consent.We break down:B – Benefits: What are the potential upsides of ECV?R – Risks: What are the known risks, and how common are they?A – Alternatives: What other options exist?I – Intuition: What is your body, gut, and lived experience telling you?N – Nothing: What happens if you decline or delay the procedure?Why this episode mattersBirth trauma doesn’t happen because people “fail to cope”—it happens when systems fail to listen. This episode is about shining a light on harmful patterns, empowering families with language and tools, and reminding listeners that you are allowed to ask questions, slow things down, and say no.If you’re pregnant, supporting someone who is, or still processing your own birth experience, this episode is for you.Go check out Joe at the Yupaichani Center For Healing !!!Want to read more about ECV? Check out these resources. Evidence Based BirthKopa BirthPubMedPubMed2

When people think about hiring a doula, they often wonder, “But what about my partner?” In this episode, we flip that misconception on its head and explore how doulas don’t replace partners—they support them.We talk about how doulas enhance the partner’s experience, helping them feel confident, calm, and empowered throughout pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. From understanding what’s normal in labor to knowing when and how to speak up, doulas help partners show up in the ways they want to—but may not know how to on their own.In this episode, we discuss:Why doulas are not a substitute for partners, but a support system for themHow doulas help partners feel confident advocating and amplifying the birthing parent’s voiceCreating and understanding a birth plan—so partners don’t have to remember everything in the momentHow doulas reduce fear by explaining what’s happening during labor and birthThe unique role doulas play during unexpected situations, allowing partners to stay emotionally presentHow doulas “tag team” with partners—making sure they eat, rest, and take breaks without guiltSupporting partners in the postpartum period by normalizing recovery, emotions, and adjustmentHow doula support helps partners enter parenthood feeling more prepared, grounded, and confidentWhether you’re a first-time parent or supporting someone through birth, this episode highlights why doulas are truly for the whole family—and especially for partners who want to show up well without feeling overwhelmed.🎧 Tune in to learn how doula support creates stronger, more supported birth teams.

What is a doula anyway—and what do we actually do?In this episode, we break down the role of a doula in clear, honest terms. Whether you’ve heard the word before or are totally new to it, this conversation is designed to demystify what doulas do, who they’re for, and why their presence can be so impactful.We talk about how doulas are non-medical professionals who serve as educators and support people through pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period. Doulas provide physical, emotional, informational, and often spiritual support, meeting families where they are and helping them feel grounded, informed, and empowered.We also clear up some common misconceptions—like the idea that doulas are advocates who speak for you. Instead, we explain how doulas help elevate your voice, supporting you in communicating your needs and preferences while navigating the medical system.This episode explores:What a doula’s role truly is (and what it is not)How doulas help families navigate hospital births and medical settingsWhy doulas are for everyone—not just “hippie water births” (though those are pretty amazing too)The importance of doulas building respectful, collaborative relationships with medical providersThe many types of interactions doulas step into, supporting children, adults, and parents alikeWhether you’re pregnant, supporting someone who is, or simply curious about birth work, this episode offers a grounded look at how doulas support families in meaningful, practical ways.🎧 Tune in to learn what being a doula is really all about.