About Laura
Welcome! I’m Laura (she/her)—a doula, educator, and equality consultant with over 15 years of experience supporting individuals, families, and organizations. My work—whether with expectant parents, school districts, or global organizations—is grounded in the art of “doula-ing”: holding space, offering evidence-based tools, and empowering people to navigate change in alignment with their values.
My birthwork builds on extensive expertise in sexual and reproductive health, gender equality and inclusivity, couples communication, and violence prevention, with a specialization engaging men and boys as allies and co-beneficiaries in these efforts. Supporting families during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum is deeply meaningful work for me—especially after my own transformative journey into parenthood.
As a doula, childbirth educator, and couples’ support specialist, I help families feel prepared, connected, and empowered with evidence-based tools, practical strategies, and compassionate care. I bring a strong foundation in labor physiology and comfort measures, offering actionable techniques for movement and positioning. I guide families in integrating evidence, intuition, and personal goals to make informed, values-driven decisions throughout their journey into parenthood.
Early in my doula career, I saw a profound connection between supporting families and my work in gender equality. Much like birth, achieving equity requires holding space for others to grow, while offering the tools and support to navigate challenges with adaptability and compassion. I also recognized fatherhood as a powerful opportunity for men to embrace equitable caregiving roles and step into parenthood with love and intention.
Again and again, men shared how much they wanted more guidance but found few resources available. The support I provided reinforced the need for greater tools to help fathers step into their roles with confidence. These insights became the foundation of my Team Birthhood Approach, which fosters connection and shared understanding in birth, parenting, and beyond.
Inclusivity is central to everything I do. Whether supporting single parents, LGBTQ+ families, folks from marginalized communities, or a loving partner eager to offer their best, I create spaces where everyone feels seen, valued, and supported.
Beyond my work with families, I consult locally and globally to advance equity, inclusivity, and health, and to prevent violence in all its forms. I bring a doula’s perspective to this work too, guiding and empowering organizations and school districts toward equity and justice. With a PhD in Geography and a Master’s in Community Development, I help develop evidence-informed, compassion-led strategies that challenge harmful gender norms and create environments where everyone can thrive.
My commitment to equality and community-based action has also inspired me to collaborate with like-minded birthworkers, changemakers, and leaders. I co-founded the Doula Support Foundation in Canada, and, more recently, the Doula Association of Vermont. I’ve also contributed to numerous publications in my areas of expertise, including serving as lead editor of An Anthology of Canadian Birth Stories: Inspiring Stories and Essential Guidance for Parents, Parents-to-be, and Healthcare Providers.
I live in Vermont’s beautiful Upper Valley with my two kids and wonderful husband, serving families locally and virtually worldwide. At the heart of everything I do—whether providing hands-on doula support, transformative coaching, advocating for access to doula care, or consulting on equality—is a commitment to helping people and systems grow with curiosity, connection, and compassion.
Strengthening people’s capacity for meaningful connection and positive transformation—
from the bedroom to the birth room to the boardroom!
The Team Birthhood Approach
Preparing for Birth, with Parenting in Mind.
I developed the Team Birthhood Approach through years of experience and a core belief: aligning evidence, intuition, curiosity, and personal values creates empowered, equitable, and connected families and communities. Grounded in inclusivity, practical intentionality, and compassion, this philosophy shapes all of my work—especially with expecting families.
A unique aspect of Team Birthhood is addressing overlooked dynamics and systemic gaps in communication, equitable parenting, and partner support. Too often, men are left unsupported in stepping into caring, engaged fatherhood roles. Nurturing both individuals and their partnership strengthens families—and, in turn, communities. That’s why this approach is called Team Birthhood: to help couples approach birth and parenthood as an equitable, loving team.
The stakes are high:
√ 1 in 5 couples break up within a year of having a baby.
√ Nearly 70% of heterosexual divorces are initiated by women, signaling deep dissatisfaction in their relationships.
√ Many couples struggle with disconnection, poor communication, and a lack of understanding and curiosity about each other's experiences—challenges that can intensify during the transition to parenthood.
√ Family support is one of the strongest predictors of LGBTQ+ children’s well-being, yet half of all trans kids experience family rejection.
These realities shape my approach, which is designed to foster connection, shared understanding, and intentional preparation—not just for the birthing person, but for the entire family and community system.
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How It Works
The Team Birthhood Approach prepares you for birth and parenting by balancing three key elements:
Evidence: I cut through the overwhelm of internet searches and opinions, guiding you to high-quality, reliable information so you can make informed, empowered decisions.
Your Goals and Preferences: I help you clarify what matters most, ensuring your choices align with your values and needs.
Your Intuition: I support you in trusting yourself, adapting with confidence, and embracing your unique journey in birth, postpartum, and parenting.
Birth is a transformational rite of passage—both wondrous and unpredictable. While we can’t control every aspect, we can prepare with intention, practical tools, and an open mind. My approach honors this balance, offering a compassionate, human rights-centered framework that ensures you feel respected, supported, and empowered every step of the way.
I aim to create a ripple effect—empowering individuals and strengthening families, workplaces, and communities to build a more equitable, caring, and compassionate world.
Values
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Compassion
Compassion is my compass, connecting me to our shared humanity and guiding me to lead with empathy and courage.
Curiosity + Awe
Curiosity and awe reflect a humble commitment to lifelong learning, a deep appreciation for the stories and experiences of others, and a willingness to be inspired and moved by the wonders we encounter along the way. Perhaps, even, the birthplace of wisdom.
Intentionality
Intentionality is about aligning actions with values, approaching work with purpose and care, and striving for sustainability and meaningful systems change. It’s a commitment to empowering others to connect deeply with their purpose and joy, creating lasting impact with intention and heart.
Equity
Equity is not just a commitment to justice and a necessary step toward true equality—it is a path to our collective liberation. By recognizing and addressing systemic barriers, equity ensures that all of us, regardless of our starting point, have the rights, resources, and opportunities to thrive. Only by dismantling these barriers and fostering justice can we create the conditions for everyone to live fully, freely, and as we all truly deserve.
Connection + Community
Connection and community are at the heart of what it means to be human. We are hardwired for meaningful relationships, and it is through community that we find belonging, support, and opportunities to grow. Our connection to and love for others is what binds us, gives life meaning, grants us the resilience to endure struggles, and enriches our lives in countless ways.