It takes a village to raise a child.

My name is Lawren Masters. I live in East Greenbush with my fiancé, son, and two tuxedo cats. In my free time I enjoy cooking, reading, hot yoga, and spending quality time with my family. My journey to parenthood included a struggle with fertility, an enjoyable pregnancy, a satisfying birth, and a challenging postpartum and breastfeeding experience. I quickly learned how easy it was to fall into the cracks of the medical system and what a difference having and not-having doula support can make. I saw the huge care gap locally in the Capital Region and nationally across the United States of America and I knew I wanted to be a part of the change I hoped to see in the world. 

I have a background in Early Childhood Education as an Infant-Toddler Teacher with hundreds of hours of continuing education training. My First Aid-CPR-AED training for all age groups is up to date. I am dual certified as a Birth & Bereavement Doula through the Stillbirthday organization which aims to prepare me for supporting any choice or outcome parents may encounter in their childbearing year(s). I am also professionally trained through DONA international as a Postpartum Doula and I am currently awaiting my certification confirmation. Other training I have includes; Spinning Babies Workshop, Psychological First Aid, Holding Space for Abortion, Exploring Labyrinth Meditations, and Babywearing Educator Training. 

I've been interviewed by News Channel 13 for raising awareness during the Formula Shortage Crisis. I'm a volunteer-member of the Save Burdett Birth Center Coalition (SBBCC). I've been featured as a professional guest speaker at The University at Albany School of Public Health. I'm also a volunteer in the Sling Babies of the Capital Region group. All of this to say, birthwork and activism is close to my heart, especially as it pertains to the reproductive rights of those in my local community. Servitude to the growing families in my community is a core value for me and my business.

I am currently in pursuit of my Bachelors degree in Human Development and you will see my passions for this topic throughout my work. My philosophy of fertility, birth, and postpartum is driven by a foundation of biological truths and developmental norms which is then applied to the context of your life. While I provide evidence based information to aid you in the informed decision making process, I am also aware that some families are part of the smaller statistics and some families are not represented in the evidence, data, or statistics whatsoever. The journey to and through parenthood is a very intimate and individual experience that can also be greatly influenced by larger cultural and social determinants. Due to the sensitive nature of this truth, compassion and inclusivity are essential components of my values as a doula. Through this lens, I am better able to support families with a holistic approach in order to process fears, overcome obstacles, and reach goals. It is always an honor and a privilege to be able to walk alongside families in the Capital Region on their journeys to and through parenthood, no matter what twists and turns their labyrinth may have. It would be my pleasure to walk alongside you, too.