Doulas Unhinged

In today's episode Emma DeVanzo walks us through the experience of losing her son Austin at 39.5 weeks into her pregnancy. We discuss the isolation created by Covid and loss, tips for how others can help hold space for those they love who have experienced loss and tips for future pregnancies. We hope you will find this episode valuable should you find yourself or a loved one faced with the lo...

This week Alex and Lacey share some tips for how to get the most bang for your buck when hiring a doula.  They discuss:  When to hire a doula, the importance of finding the right fit, speaking up to share what you need from your doula and communicating if her support is not meeting you where you are. They also dive into when it's a good time to chat with your doula and the types of details a...

On this episode Alex and Lacey discuss the diagnostic testing often referred to as an NST (Non- stress Test). They explain what is being measured, what it might mean and how accurate the test actually is. Dive in for another episode of Doulas Unhinged.  Risk of PPH in otherwise unmedicated birth is between 1.5-3%.  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11239210/ Discuss aminoinfusion NST Recomm...

Hiring your provider is the most influential piece of your outcome for labor and delivery. Not your age, weight, genetic lineage, health history. Your care provider can contribute positively or negatively to your birth experience so it is critical to choose them wisely.  Join Alex and Lacey as they discuss questions to ask, red flags and share stories of how providers impact your journey. 

What does it really take to nourish yourself through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum? This week, we’re joined by Dr. Megan Bragg, a registered dietitian nutritionist with a PhD in nutritional biology and the owner of Family-Centered Nutrition Science. Megan breaks down pregnancy and postpartum nutrition without the fear, perfectionism, or trendy wellness noise. We discuss protein, carbohydrates,...

Listen as Laura Martin tells the story of the birth of her fourth child. She attempted an elective induction at 39 weeks but decided to stop it after signs it was not moving forward. She then chose a medical induction a week later which was successful. Join us as we hear the details as they unfolded. 

In this episode, we’re digging into one of the most coached—and sometimes most misunderstood—parts of birth: pushing . When should pushing actually begin? Does everyone need to be 10 centimeters before listening to the urge to bear down? Is “purple pushing” better than following your body's instincts? Does laboring down really work? And what can actually be done to protect the perineum? We’ll...

Sit with Alex and Lacey as they chat with Joe Cianciulli, owner of the Yupaichani Center for Healing a holistic wellness center located in Pennsylvania. Joe focuses on bringing the body into alignment with special attention given to abdominal organ realignment.  In our chat with our local traditional medicine man we explore his work, his approach to healing, and his perspective on birth. We talk a...

This week Alex and Lacey discuss a new press release from ACOG in which it discusses the important role doulas play, the impact they have in the birth room and how they should be encouraged to work collaboratively with doulas. While it's a nice nod to what many of us have known for decades, we break down why this may be a thinly veiled power grab or lead to challenges in the future.  https://...

Join us as we hear the beautiful stories of Melissa's births. Learn about her second child's auspicious arrival into the world on his due date en caul. 

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—inc...

We know many of you who are listening are interested in doula support. Finding the right doula can make or break your experience. In today's quicky episode we open up about questions we have been asked, questions we wish we were asked and why many of the questions you see online aren't really relevent. 

Lacey and Alex meet with Danielle Kepics, Board Certified Physician Assistant, fertility educator, nutrition coach and former mental health therapist, personal trainer and FEM educator. Danielle shares some of her wisdom and experience with helping women through the hormonal changes of perimenopause and menopause. We also venture down the trail of parenthood a bit towards the end.  linkedin.com/in...

This week we share a conversation with Ginger, an L&D nurse who blew Alex and Lacey away with her compassionate, patient centered care. They wanted to learn why she is the way she is, get tips on how patients can have the best experience possible and what patients should know before going to the hospital. 

Join us this week to hear Vivi's self-declared "Unhinged" birth stories. From her first unmedicated birth in a hospital, to her three unassisted home births and an unassisted miscarriage, she shares how she followed the path less traveled by current motherhood trends. She shared some of her concerns with the modern medical model which led her to choose a "wild" birth.  Ref...

Alex and Lacey attended a breech birth conference in April 2026 at Thomas Jefferson University. Join us this week to hear the nuggets of wisdom they learned while at that conference.  In this episode, they discuss: Clients using moxibustion which has lead to much faster labors The impact of the Term Breech Trial which has been disproven, but still had a lasting impact on choice in labor.  We are b...

Kathleen Summers joins Alex and Lacey to discuss how music can be healing, comforting and therapeutic. If you want to learn more about Kathleen or work with her for treatment you can find out more about her here.  https://www.bpmmusictherapy.com/

In this episode, Alex and Lacey answer some questions that came in from the episode about sex before diving into information about the risks of infection when your water breaks followed by what you should look for when it breaks. Be prepared to talk to your provider by grabbing your COAT- color, odor, amount, time. 

Join us as we learn about Rosa's birth story. Told from her perspective as a mother who chose homebirth for her first baby. 

In this episode Alex and Lacey discuss sex during pregnancy. Yes, it is usually safe! 

In this week's episode Alex and Lacey pull back the curtain on how doula work impacts the individuals in the work. They offer insight and wisdom to new doulas entering the field. They openly discuss the implications to health, family, commitments and overall lifestyle while also sharing how much they truly love this work. It is both the hardest and most beautiful job. 

In this week's episode we learn how Alex and Lacey found themselves in the world of doula work. Two very different paths, leading to one dynamic team supporting women in their journeys into motherhood. 

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 Experience 1....

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.