About Lauren
My name is Lauren Allen and I am the mother of two beautiful girls. The two have very different birth stories, but I wouldn't have it any other way. I live in Vancouver WA after moving from Seattle WA in 2005. I was the Portland Editor for Lilaguide.com, serve as a volunteer for Nursing Mother's Counsel, NW Babywearers (formally NINO) as a babywearing expert, and serve as a leader with Sunset M.O.M.S. (Moms Offering Moms Support). I plan to continue my education further to become a International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, and to continue to get my bachelors in Nursing.
Training: Internship with Marcia David, (CD, IBCLC) Heartfelt Center of Edmonds WA and Basic Labor Support from Penny Simpkin in 1998
Birth Doula training course at Birthingway College of Midwifery in Portland OR in 2006
My Philosophy for Birth: "You are assisting at someone else's birth. Do good without show or fuss. Facilitate what is happening rather than what you think ought to be happening. If you must, take the lead, lead so that the mother is helped, yet still free and in charge. When the babe is born the mother will rightly say, "We did it ourselves" (From the Tao Te Ching, Lao Tsu 5th Century B.C.)
On a Personal Note: When I am not educating, assisting birth or giving birth myself I enjoy the humor of my children and the adventures they like to take me on. I find entertainment and enchantment in snowboarding, microbrews, celebrity gossip, shopping, classic cars, dog parks, coffee and home improvement. My faith and family are the cornerstones of my life and I am continually striving to grow as a person. As I have been blessed with much love and support, I am compelled to encourage others.