“I always knew that I wanted a Doula - mostly to ensure that I had a strong advocate by my side throughout my pregnancy and birth. Lauren gave us SO much more than we ever would have imagined. Lauren was not only a strong advocate for my husband and I but also a steady and calm presence during what can generally be an uncertain time for new parents. Lauren’s advice and guidance were always on point - from herbal remedies to prepare my body for birth, reminders to have meal plans in place after birth and constant encouragement to unabashedly put boundaries in place whenever and with whomever to allow us to fully enjoy a process that is meant to be beautiful. Perhaps most importantly, Lauren’s questions to the other providers on my team are undoubtedly the reason I had such a pleasant birthing time - despite an unfortunate change in my birth plan. I cannot imagine what our journey to parenthood would have been without Lauren, and I’m so grateful that I don’t have to!”

“Working with Lauren was literally a dream come true. My two prior birthing experiences left me traumatized and completely distrustful of medical “experts”. I initially reached out to Lauren after the 3rd OB that I had seen during my pregnancy refused to allow me to try for a vaginal birth because of my 2 prior cesareans. I had never considered homebirth and the thought of it terrified me. However, Lauren swiftly encouraged me and poured into me so much so that I quickly agreed that a homebirth was the safest option for me and my son.

I had worked with a doula before but the level of care that Lauren provides is second to none. My partner and I never felt like we were navigating our pregnancy or birthing experience alone. Lauren was very responsive and extremely knowledgeable. She was patient and such a calming, affirming force. Lauren was such a gem throughout my pregnancy and during my birth and I would hire her over and over again. Lauren was born to do this work and it is evident in the intention and level of care that she provides to her clients.”

“I hired Lauren a week before my due date and she quickly jumped in and began offering lots of support, including a home visit, attending a doctor’s appointment, and sending breastfeeding resources. Unfortunately, the world quickly changed with the beginning of the pandemic. Hospital rules changed, making me choose between having my husband or my doula attend the birth. I chose my husband, but Lauren adapted her services very quickly and effectively to support my husband and I in this new virtual environment.

The day I was admitted, Lauren met us at the hospital and provided us with a “labor support bag” containing water, snacks, honey sticks, a wireless speaker and other helpful items. Originally, we had planned on Face Timing throughout the labor, but my husband and I were so overwhelmed that we never set up the computer or iPad. Lauren adapted once again, and texted us throughout the entire labor providing advice and support that helped turn everything around. I went into the hospital expecting to be induced. With Lauren’s help, I was able to advocate for myself and begin my labor without medical intervention. When the doctor refused to allow me to move around, something that Lauren and I worked on extensively as a means of pain management, Lauren provided advice that helped me cope with the pain while being confined to a bed and also helped expedite the dilation process. Overall, my labor was not the labor my husband and I initially envisioned, but with Lauren’s support I was able to have the vaginal delivery that I really wanted.

On top of the support that I received before and during my labor, Lauren also provided valuable advice after I got home. I was discharged 30 hours after delivering, and with the pandemic, I didn’t have the family support that we had planned for, but desperately needed help because this was my first child. Due to the relationship we developed Lauren quickly became my go to support person with all of my breastfeeding questions. Looking back I am so grateful that I hired Lauren. My only regret is that I didn’t hire her sooner.”

“The day that I gave birth to my son, in the same hospital, a mother had lost the ability to ever hold her child. I start with this to say, at a time where black and brown birth mortality is at an all time high, having Lauren by my side, without exaggeration, truly saved my life. She empowered me to advocate for myself, walked me through questions to ask the hospital staff, and offered to stay on the phone so she could guide me through appointments that I had to navigate on my own during the Coronavirus pandemic. Times were stressful but it was manageable with her support. Lauren not only supported me but she constantly kept in contact with my partner throughout my labor, always maintaining her presence and making sure we were taken care of. I am grateful I accepted the gift of allowing Lauren to be my doula. She was knowledgeable, empowering and truly nurturing. I wish her success through all of her engagements in advocating for women of color.”