Meet Lauren Shields

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 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 Practioner (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

Services Offered:

  • Birth Doula

  • Mother’s Blessing Ceremony

  • Closing of the Bones Ceremony

  • Lecture and Public Speaking

  • Pre and Postnatal Yoga Classes

  • Childbirth Education & Comfort Measures

Let’s Chat

birth Doula

mother blessing

closing of the bones

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Doula Services

  • Let’s meet up virtually so you can ask me all your questions and determine if we’re a good fit. It’s important that as your doula, we have a harmonious vibe, and you feel that you can be supported by me. The fee for consultation goes directly towards your deposit.

  • This is time for me to get to know the culture of your family/home, and the better understand the vision of your birth. We’ll go through potential scenarios, discuss options, and I’ll write up a professional birth plan any provider will not only read, but will rely upon to become familiar with your preferences.

  • In this session in my home studio, we’ll learn breath, meditation, movement, and connecting to yourself and your partner energetically. We’ll discuss anything coming up, holding space to process and/or build affirmations best support you.

  • As a client, you’ll have my personal cell number, and have access throughout your pregnancy. At 38 weeks, I go on call for your birth. Yes, I’ve had plenty of moms give birth before the on call period, and I made it to all of them. We’ll set up a group chat to share updates.

  • I will support you and your partner via text, phone calls and/or FacTime until you are in an active labor. At that time, I will come to meet you in person. I offer gentle massage, reiki, guided meditation + breath work, pacing, position changes, assistance positioning baby, supporting the partner, navigating medical professionals and care providers in real time, and processing every step. I stay with you until after the first latch (1-2 hours post birth).

  • Within your first week post birth, I will visit you and your new baby in home. This visit is whatever you would like for it to be or feel that you need in that moment. The postpartum visit may include: breastfeeding support, processing the birth, newborn care education, postpartum healing education, preparation of site bath, gentle movement and breath, and more.

  • The total investment for this package is $1800. A 50% nonrefundable deposit is due upon booking. Your consultation fee goes directly towards your fee for service. HSA and FSA cards may be used with Medical Necessity document signed by doctor. Balance is due at 36 weeks or at onset of labor, whichever should occur first.