Hi, I’m lauren graves.
Maybe you are ready to grow your family, or perhaps interested in fertility planning. Allow me to help you navigate uncharted territory.
As a childbirth educator, birth and postpartum doula, I provide full-spectrum inclusive support to birthing persons, couples, families and individuals seeking education and unbiased training and labor preparation. Birth is beautiful, complex, and a journey worth enjoying the scenic route. Allow me help curate a love-filled, informed and calm experience as you embark on your pregnancy and family planning. No matter if you are planning for a VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean) or heading into your first pregnancy after a loss. My experience and approach to supporting you includes meeting you emotionally right where you are.
What qualifies me?
With over 17 years’ experience as a Senior Human Resources Executive, trained in employment law, compliance, labor relations, and talent acquisition, I over 12 years working directly in hospitals and healthcare. In 2019, I began completing a series of trainings and certification as a Childbirth Educator, Birth and Postpartum Doula. I served families while still working full-time in healthcare.
I am also a mother who gave birth at home, in water surrounded by my very own dream team: my partner, our loving parents, a Midwife, RN birth assistant, and an incredible doula.
My own homebirth experience gave me new life and a deeper appreciation for advocacy during pregnancy and postpartum. I've worked full-time as a birth and postpartum doula since April 2014, supporting families through various birth experiences. This hands-on experience has reinforced my belief in the midwifery model of care, emphasizing compassion, empathy, and holistic wellness. I've witnessed how low-intervention approaches and holding space for birthing individuals can lead to better outcomes, particularly for Black and Indigenous birthing persons are disproportionately affected by poor maternal health outcomes. I hope to share my knowledge, expertise, compassion and empathy with you.
My Approach
It all begins with an idea and a dream to grow your family. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Dream it
Don’t take this step without educating yourself on risks, options, alternatives, and resources. There are Doulas and childbirth educators out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. Select a doula that has planned for “Portugal but ended up in Portland.” This means having vast, descriptive training and educational overviews of the OR and what to expect with induction, pain management, epidural preparation, as well as holistic practices for you have steadying yourself and feeling anchored for an unmedicated vaginal birth if you choose this route as well.
Build it
Be clear, be confident and most importantly, be adaptable. Let’s create the birth plan that is includes your preference for lighting, sounds, aromatherapy, your playlists, but also to include your comfort measures. Peanut ball, your rehearsed breathing and meditation rituals. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve. Later will take care of itself. It always does. With your doula, your ability to anticipate change will be in a supportive and nurturing space.