We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Lauren LaBarre a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Lauren , appreciate you joining us today. Was there a moment in your career that meaningfully altered your trajectory? If so, we’d love to hear the backstory.

The defining moment in my journey towards becoming a birth worker emerged from a deeply personal experience that reshaped my entire perspective on life. After a decade in corporate sales, where I thrived in the fast-paced world of hustle and competition, I found myself abruptly halted by the profound experience of pregnancy. Suddenly, my priorities shifted, and I was drawn into a realm of dedicated learning and self-discovery. Despite facing a challenging pregnancy diagnosis and subsequent birth trauma, the knowledge and preparation I had amassed became my guiding light through the darkness. Supported by my partner, I navigated the storm with newfound strength and resilience. Yet, it was in the aftermath of this journey that the seeds of my true calling were planted.
As I delved deeper into the world of pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care, I felt a profound resonance with the idea of holding space for others during their most vulnerable moments. The longing to immerse myself in this nurturing, feminine energy grew stronger with each passing day, a stark contrast to the competitive drive of my previous career. A pivotal moment came during a simple evening with my mother, where her words about her work as a death doula echoed the unspoken longing in my heart. In that instant, I knew with unwavering certainty that this was my path forward.
With the support and guidance from a seasoned birth worker and Bradley method educator, Lia Berquist, I took the leap into this new chapter of my life, and every step since has felt like coming home. From the moment I launched my business, the universe has responded with affirmation, as if confirming that I am indeed walking the path I was meant to tread. Within just 90 days, I welcomed three incredible clients and their partners into my fold, each one a testament to the power of intuition and the beauty of holding space for others during their most transformative journey. This defining moment marks not just a career shift, but a profound alignment of purpose and passion, where my journey as a birth worker is just beginning.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My journey into doula work was shaped by my own unexpected twists and turns during labor and postpartum. It ignited a passion within me to not just support birthing individuals and their partners, but to be a beacon of light in what can sometimes feel like a weighty and emotional experience.

One aspect that sets my doula support apart is my commitment to teaching partners to be the ultimate support person. Whether your partner, friend, or family member, I believe in the power of educating and empowering them to play a central role in your birthing journey. Together, we cultivate a team dynamic, ensuring that my clients have a robust support system in place.

Pregnancy, labor, and early parenthood are undoubtedly profound, and yet, my clients and I navigate through it with a spirit of playfulness. We laugh, cry, practice, and engage in the process through enjoyable moments. My goal is to always keep it real with them, to hold space when they need it, and also assist them in finding the joy even in the most hectic moments.

While we do enjoy the lighter side, we definitely dive into the depths too. We tackle the complexities, prepare for the unexpected, and ensure they’re armed with the resources to face any challenge. It’s about blending the creative with the conscious, the wild with the diligent – all in the name of crafting a birthing experience that’s uniquely theirs. The ultimate outcome, in my eyes, is that they embark on this adventure with confidence, resilience and trust.

In addition to pregnancy and labor preparation, the challenges I encountered postpartum further deepened my dedication to this work. Recognizing the need for a robust support network, I tirelessly sought out pelvic floor therapists, baby chiropractors, tongue tie specialists, lactation consultants, specialized therapists, and holistic health professionals. My journey taught me the critical importance of postpartum care, and I am committed to helping families build a strong foundation during this delicate period.

Together we are able face the challenges of birth and postpartum together, celebrate all of the many wins, laugh through the “awkward” stuff and develop their dream-bubble of safety and oneness with their team.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

The most effective approach to expanding my clientele revolves around genuine human connection and networking in and outside of the birth world. In the realm of birth support, where each person’s journey is unique, it’s crucial to cultivate authentic relationships that go beyond mere transactions. Instead of relying on conventional sales techniques, I prioritize authenticity, standing firmly by my mission and radiating the light I have to offer into the world. By engaging individuals on a personal level, whether they’re contemplating parenthood, expecting, or have a loved one expecting, I create environments where my passion, mission, and true self are palpable. This method allows the right clients to naturally gravitate toward me, drawn by shared values and meaningful connections. It’s about trusting in the inherent power of attraction—be it energy, destiny, or another force—to align me with those who resonate with my offering and who I am, ensuring that I can truly make a difference in their lives.

Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?

Beyond training and knowledge, self-care and a robust support system are indispensable for success in the field of birth support. Caregivers invest deeply in their clients, often overlooking their own needs in the process. However, prioritizing self-care is essential to prevent burnout and sustain the level of care expected in this profession. Establishing a reliable support network, whether through childcare, household assistance, mentorship, or other means, ensures that caregivers can fulfill their responsibilities while also attending to their own well-being. Implementing consistent self-care routines, such as meditation, physical activity, and quiet reflection, fosters resilience and prevents compassion fatigue. Moreover, maintaining a commitment to lifelong learning and remaining open to new perspectives is crucial. Birth work is as much about advocacy as it is about support, requiring caregivers to navigate complex systems while providing evidence-based education to clients. By staying adaptable, reliable, and continuously learning, caregivers can not only meet the needs of their clients but also thrive in this rewarding yet challenging field.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.lunasolbirthwork.com
• Instagram: lunasolbirthwork
• Other: [email protected]

Image Credits

Althea Garden Photography.
Noemy.