[fusion_builder_container background_parallax=”none” enable_mobile=”no” parallax_speed=”0.3″ background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_mute=”yes” video_loop=”yes” fade=”no” padding_top=”20″ padding_bottom=”20″ padding_left=”0″ padding_right=”0″ hundred_percent=”no” equal_height_columns=”no” hide_on_mobile=”no” type=”legacy” border_sizes_top=”0px” border_sizes_bottom=”0px” border_sizes_left=”0px” border_sizes_right=”0px”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_2″ type=”1_2″ layout=”1_2″ last=”false” spacing=”yes” center_content=”no” hide_on_mobile=”no” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” hover_type=”none” border_position=”all” animation_speed=”0.1″ border_sizes_top=”0px” border_sizes_bottom=”0px” border_sizes_left=”0px” border_sizes_right=”0px” first=”true” spacing_right=”2%” min_height=”” link=””][fusion_text rule_style=”default” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” sticky_display=”normal,sticky” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″]While working toward her Bachelor’s Degree in Child Development and Family Studies at Wester Michigan University, Lauren has worked as a Preschool teacher and nanny. She is passionate about serving families through parenthood as well as working with individuals with various needs and abilities. She excels in time management and organization, but also has an innate ability to engage with others. She’s known for her strong ability to communicate and connect with young children.

She brings excitement and energy to families through non-judgmental and unbiased support, being a trusted and safe care-giver in their community, and meeting each individual where they are at.

Lauren is a ProDoula Certified Elite Birth Doula and Certified Elite Postpartum & Infant Care Doula. Lauren is also working toward her Advanced VBAC Doula Certification through The VBAC Link.

Lauren is a proud East Grand Rapids native. During her free time she enjoys cooking and baking, and being outside with her family, friends, and dog!

[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_2″ type=”1_2″ layout=”1_2″ last=”true” spacing=”yes” center_content=”no” hide_on_mobile=”no” background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” hover_type=”none” border_position=”all” animation_speed=”0.1″ border_sizes_top=”0px” border_sizes_bottom=”0px” border_sizes_left=”0px” border_sizes_right=”0px” first=”false” spacing_left=”2%” min_height=”” link=””][fusion_imageframe image_id=”4801|medium” style_type=”none” hover_type=”none” bordersize=”0px” borderradius=”0″ align=”center” lightbox=”no” linktarget=”_self” hide_on_mobile=”no” animation_direction=”down” animation_speed=”0.1″]https://www.goldcoastdoulas.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/LaurenUtter-3661-200×300.jpg[/fusion_imageframe][fusion_text rule_style=”default” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility”]

Bed Rest Doula

Birth Doula

Postpartum & Infant Care Doula

616-294-0207

[/fusion_text][fusion_imageframe image_id=”4405|thumbnail” hover_type=”none” align_medium=”none” align_small=”none” align=”left” lightbox=”no” linktarget=”_self” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” sticky_display=”normal,sticky” filter_hue=”0″ filter_saturation=”100″ filter_brightness=”100″ filter_contrast=”100″ filter_invert=”0″ filter_sepia=”0″ filter_opacity=”100″ filter_blur=”0″ filter_hue_hover=”0″ filter_saturation_hover=”100″ filter_brightness_hover=”100″ filter_contrast_hover=”100″ filter_invert_hover=”0″ filter_sepia_hover=”0″ filter_opacity_hover=”100″ filter_blur_hover=”0″]https://www.goldcoastdoulas.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/certified-elite-PICD-150×150.png[/fusion_imageframe][fusion_imageframe image_id=”4403|thumbnail” hover_type=”none” align_medium=”none” align_small=”none” align=”center” lightbox=”no” linktarget=”_self” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” sticky_display=”normal,sticky” filter_hue=”0″ filter_saturation=”100″ filter_brightness=”100″ filter_contrast=”100″ filter_invert=”0″ filter_sepia=”0″ filter_opacity=”100″ filter_blur=”0″ filter_hue_hover=”0″ filter_saturation_hover=”100″ filter_brightness_hover=”100″ filter_contrast_hover=”100″ filter_invert_hover=”0″ filter_sepia_hover=”0″ filter_opacity_hover=”100″ filter_blur_hover=”0″]https://www.goldcoastdoulas.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/certified-elite-Labor-150×150.png[/fusion_imageframe][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container][fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”no” hundred_percent_height=”no” hundred_percent_height_scroll=”no” hundred_percent_height_center_content=”yes” equal_height_columns=”no” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” background_position=”center center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” fade=”no” background_parallax=”none” enable_mobile=”no” parallax_speed=”0.3″ video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_loop=”yes” video_mute=”yes” border_style=”solid” type=”legacy”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ type=”1_1″ layout=”1_1″ center_content=”no” target=”_self” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” background_position=”left top” background_repeat=”no-repeat” hover_type=”none” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ last=”true” border_sizes_top=”0″ border_sizes_bottom=”0″ border_sizes_left=”0″ border_sizes_right=”0″ first=”true” min_height=”” link=””][fusion_testimonials design=”clean” navigation=”yes” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility”][fusion_testimonial avatar=”none” company=”Birth Support” target=”_self”]

When Lauren showed up to my house she took a wash cloth and dripped water over me as I labored in my bath tub. She said such comforting phrases the entire time – “That’s one contraction you never have to have again.” and “You’re one surge closer to meeting your baby.” I felt so safe and secure having Lauren there during my labor and during the birth of my daughter.

[/fusion_testimonial][fusion_testimonial name=”Rachel” avatar=”none” company=”Birth Support” target=”_self”]

I would recommend a doula to everyone who is having a baby! Especially as a first time mom having that constant support was so nice. I can’t thank Lauren enough for all of her support throughout my pregnancy and during the birth of my daughter. I’m so thankful for doulas!

[/fusion_testimonial][fusion_testimonial avatar=”none” company=”Birth Support” target=”_self”]

As soon as my contractions started to become more consistent Lauren was ready to rock and roll! She was ready to come to our house whenever we were ready. For us, we wanted to labor at home as long as possible, so I’m glad she was here and then knew when to head in. Throughout the process she suggested different positions to keep me progressing, she would apply counter-pressure and keep me moving around. She always reassured me and stayed positive. When I hit my make or break moment she would reference what my wishes were for my labor and delivery, and remind me that I can do it and that I was nearly done. Lauren was a gem!

[/fusion_testimonial][fusion_testimonial name=”Emilee V.” avatar=”none” company=”Birth Support” target=”_self”]

Lauren was an amazing support person to have during my first pregnancy! During labor, Lauren was actively engaged the entire time and she made me feel very safe and secure. She stayed around at the end and helped with the first latch as well, and it was very special to share that time with her and our new family. My husband continues to say how happy he was that Lauren was present during labor. We really enjoyed every bit of having birth doulas!

[/fusion_testimonial][fusion_testimonial name=”Megan F.” avatar=”none” company=”Birth Support” target=”_self”]

Lauren supported us during labor and delivery. I recommend her and Gold Coast to everyone now!

[/fusion_testimonial][fusion_testimonial avatar=”none” company=”Birth Support” target=”_self”]I wanted my husband to be my main labor support and we intended for Lauren to be a supplement. She was exactly what we needed! She relieved him so he could sleep, or get us food, without me being alone. She was such a help once I had the epidural too. I think she also helped the nurses and doctors move me as necessary to keep our baby’s heart rate up. She was so encouraging and affirming when I was feeling down or anxious.[/fusion_testimonial][fusion_testimonial avatar=”male” company=”Birth Support” target=”_self”]

My overall experience was amazing with Lauren. I wouldn’t have had the experience I did without her! Lauren was encouraging and listened to my wants and needs during labor. She was able to calm me when needed. Lauren was also a great support for my husband.

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