Doula, hypnobirthing and eft tapping practitioner, Lauren Akin holding her daughter in a yellow baby carrier while she kisses the top of her daughter's head during sunset.

About Lauren

I completed my full spectrum doula education with Birth Advocacy Doula Trainings. A full spectrum doula is trained to support clients through preconception, pregnancy, birth, postpartum, abortion, miscarriage, stillbirth, and adoption. A full spectrum doula places reproductive care at the very center of a just and loving future.

As a clinical hypnotherapist, I received specialized training in the use of hypnosis for childbirth. I am a member of the American Council of Hypnotist Examiners. I am EFT Level 1& 2 certified, and received my certification in somatic, trauma informed EFT with Jackie Viramontez . I love learning new ways in which these tools can offer effective, multi-dimensional support before, during, and after labor.

Unlike anything else, birth work puts me in deep contact with the mystery, sanctity, and wondrous physicality of being alive.

Before I gave birth to my daughter, I worked for over a decade as a nature-based educator, building connection to wild places with young people of all ages. I hold a Master of Science in Education for Sustainability from the University of Vermont. Alongside motherhood and birth work, I’m a musician, a storyteller, a gardener, a fabric artist, and devout reader of high fantasy, mystic poetry, and 19th century female British authors.

About Doula Care

A doula is a non-medical birth worker committed to supporting the unique way you choose to navigate the birth journey.  This means that no matter what unfolds, a doula is there to support your connection to what matters most.

I believe that each and every birth asks us to show up in ways we can’t predict, and I believe that’s a gift. In the vast landscape of birth, interventions can have an important place. That said, here are some statistics that demonstrate what the support of a doula can do.

Research shows that doula support results in:

  • 39% decrease in the risk of Cesarean

  • 15% increase in the likelihood of a spontaneous vaginal birth

  • 10% decrease in the use of any medications for pain relief

  • Shorter labors by 41 minutes on average

  • 38% decrease in the baby’s risk of a low five-minute Apgar score

  • 31% decrease in the risk of being dissatisfied with the birth experience

  • Lowered rates of postpartum depression (Source: from Evidence Based Birth)

About Hypnosis and EFT Tapping for Pregnancy, Labor, and Postpartum

Hypnosis and EFT tapping offer safe and effective tools to soothe the nervous system, connect us to the part of the brain in charge of autonomic functions (like labor!), increase the flow of oxytocin, and interrupt the fear-tension-pain cycle. These elements weave together to create a “green light effect” for labor progress, breastfeeding, and healing the body after birth.

Hypnosis and EFT tapping can also open the door to intuitive insight, establish new communication channels between you and your baby, and strengthen your connection to spiritual sources of support.

I work with birthing people (and their partners!) to create a personalized program that attends to their unique needs and desires.

Here are some helpful articles on the use of hypnosis and EFT tapping during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum:

Tapping for Pregnancy and Birth: A Natural Tool to Ease Anxiety and Reduce Pain by Eloise Howell

Hypnosis for Pain Relief During Labor by Rebecca Dekker from Evidence Based Birth

Abstract artwork featuring colorful circles and floral designs in pink, orange, yellow, and blue hues, titled "Childhood No. 2" by Hilma Af Klint.

Services

  • Labor doula services include:

    • Three, one hour long, prenatal visits to ask questions, explore your birth plan, and reach a shared understanding of the best way I can support you.

    • Unlimited access via phone/text/email from the day we begin working together

    • On call 24/7 from 38 weeks gestation

    • Continuous in-person support from the moment you need me in labor to 1-2 hours post-birth

    • A 1-2 hour postpartum visit after you’ve returned home to reflect, process, and honor all you’ve experienced

    • Herbal care package that includes sitz bath spray or c-section cream, nipple butter, and lactation tea

    • Optional placenta processing for encapsulation or smoothies

    Cost: $1,000

    I offer a labor support only package for $850

    Add a 3-session hypnosis and EFT tapping package: $195 includes personalized, download-ready recordings.

  • Postpartum doula services include:

    • 1, 30 minute to 1 hour prenatal session to map out a postpartum support plan.

    • Food prep and meal planning

    • Laundry and light housework

    • Newborn care

    • Support for breastfeeding and bottle feeding

    • Running errands

    • Spending time with siblings

    • Attuned emotional support for the birthing person and their partner

    • Non-biased, evidence based information about all things postpartum

    • Homemade bone broth and lactation cookies

    • Herbal care package that includes sitz bath spray or c-section cream, nipple butter, and lactation tea

    • Optional placenta processing for encapsulation or smoothies

    I charge an hourly rate of $45/hour for a maximum of 4 hours/day. I’m happy to come for shorter periods of time for those who live within 30 minutes of Burlington.

    Add a 3-session hypnosis and EFT tapping package: $195 includes personalized, download-ready recordings.

  • A 3-session personalized program that attends to your unique hopes and challenges, and gives you the skills to effectively use hypnosis and EFT tapping when and where you need it most.

    Hypnosis and EFT tapping offer safe and effective tools to soothe the nervous system, release fears, activate the part of the brain in charge of autonomic functions (like labor!), manage pain, increase the flow of oxytocin, and process overwhelming birth experiences. These elements weave together to create a “green light effect” for labor progress, breastfeeding, and healing the body after birth.

    These same tools can also open the door to intuitive insight, establish new communication channels between you and your baby, and strengthen your connection to spiritual sources of support.

    3-session package: $195 includes personalized, download-ready recordings.