Peace, I’m Lauren!
Lauren Shields (she/her) is a biracial, queer woman hailing from Central Illinois, whose diverse background and passions have culminated in a vibrant career dedicated to supporting modern mothers and birthing people. With a Master's in Communication Sciences and Disorders, Lauren combines her academic expertise with her lifelong love of movement, having studied ballet and begun teaching yoga in 2004 at just 22 years old. Her journey into the world of perinatal care began in earnest in 2016 when she founded the Meraki Mama Collective—a yoga and wellness business that emphasizes the sacred journey of pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.
With experience as a birth doula since 2016, Lauren has offered compassionate support at more than 90 births and has guided hundreds of birthing students throughout thousands of hours of prenatal and postpartum yoga classes. She brings a unique combination of mindfulness and movement to families during one of the most transformative periods of their lives.
In 2020, she expanded her impact by launching a perinatal yoga teacher training program, Intentionally Embodied Birth, through which she has trained 27 dedicated teachers to carry on her mission.
Lauren is an E-RYT200, RPYT, and has certifications with Peak Pilates, and Upledger CranioSacral Therapy.
Currently residing in Decatur, GA, Lauren balances her work as a Speech Pathologist in acute rehab with teaching prenatal yoga and various workshops, all while being the proud mother to three remarkable children. Her commitment to empowering birthing people with the tools of yoga, mindfulness and movement continues to inspire and nurture those she works with, creating communities rooted in strength, wisdom, and compassion.
My birth philosophy:
Birth is sacred, it is a rite of passage for both parents and the baby(ies). Birth is the ceremony, postpartum the integration. The goal is not to merely survive the birth experience, but to witness deeply, who we are, and what we are capable of as women, as humans. I approach birth utilizing mindfulness and movement as tools to prepare, process and heal though this journey. We must not only connect deeply to the body but truly embody the wisdom of the divine feminine surrendering, flowing, and maturing into the wise mother.
My credentials:
Founder/CEO of Meraki Mama Collective
Master’s in communication sciences & Disorders
Speech language therapist in medical setting, 10+ years
Craniosacral Therapy Practitioner (Upledger Institute)
Certified birth doula (DONA International), 6+ years
Postpartum doula training, Birdsong Brooklyn
Certified yoga instructor (Yoga Alliance since 2017)
Creator, Intentional Embodied Birth Coach training curriculum (Yoga Alliance accredited 2020)
Peak Pilates certified instructor
Reiki healing practitioner
Certified spiritual life coach
Certified barre instructor
LGBTQ Cultural Competency training for healthcare providers
