Lauren Verica

About me

I'm Lauren, a birth doula and photographer based in Milwaukie, Oregon, just outside of Portland. I grew up in Delaware, but have lived on the West Coast since 2017. I am a mom to one child, two dogs, and a cat. I love reading, getting outside, and exploring new cities. I love trying out new hobbies: currently, I'm learning how to crochet! I trained through Doula Love Portland's DONA International and OHA Approved program. My practice is trauma-informed, inclusive, and evidence-based. I honor all paths to parenthood and believe that every person deserves compassionate, culturally responsive care during their most vulnerable moments. I believe birth is not just a beginning. It is a continuation of a lineage - of wisdom, of strength, of becoming. I am here to hold space for you to make your own choices while feeling supported, safe, and seen.

Education

Univeristy of Maryland - College Park (2014)

Certification and training

Doula Love Birth Doula Training (2025)

OR State THW (Certified Doula) (2025)

Memberships and affiliations

Oregon Doula Association

Gateway Doulas

DONA

Carrot Insurance

Credentials

CD

Specialties

Birth Doula Birth Support Labor Doula Maternity and Family Photography Maternity and Newborn Photographer Maternity Photography Newborn Photography

Languages

English

Accepted insurances

CareOregon Health Share of Oregon Medicaid OHMS (Oregon Health Management Services) Tricare Carrot

Service introduction

Hi, I’m Lauren Joy, a birth doula and photographer based in Portland, OR. I offer inclusive, trauma-informed, and down-to-earth support for pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. My goal is to help you feel safe, supported, and fully seen through every part of your journey—whether you're giving birth at home, in a hospital, or at a birth center. My birth package includes 1-2 prenatal visits, continuous labor support, and 1-2 postpartum visits. I also offer cozy maternity, newborn, and postpartum photo sessions as an add-on. If you’re looking for a calm, encouraging presence who’s there to support your choices, I’d love to connect. Let’s chat and see if we’re a good fit!

Packages

Birth Doula Support

•1–2 prenatal visits (virtual or in-person) •24/7 on-call support from 38 weeks •Continuous labor support (home, hospital, or birth center) •Up to 2 hours postpartum presence after birth •Unlimited check-ins via phone/email/text •2 postpartum visits (1–2 hours each)

$1,200.00

USD Flat rate

Photography Add-On

•30-minute session during prenatal + postpartum visit •10–15 lightly-edited high-res images •Seamlessly integrated with doula care •Two 30-minute sessions for $50 total

$150.00

USD Flat rate

Ratings and reviews

Average

5.0

# of Reviews

3

5.0

September 30, 2025

My husband and I recently moved to WA, so we had to find a new doula. We were a little nervous about starting from scratch all over again after having such an incredible birth team in CA for our first home birth. After searching through so many doulas, we came across Lauren and SO glad we did! She is extremely thorough and provided so much helpful information during our prenatal home visits. Another huge plus for us was that she could relate to us as parents of a toddler, and was so helpful with our 2 year old when my husband was needed during my labor, especially since we don’t have family nearby to help! Lauren has been so nurturing from the very beginning and brought us so much comfort and support, she definitely went above and beyond our expectations! We are truly grateful for her and recommend her to anyone and everyone who may be on the fence about getting a doula, even if you have the most supportive partner in the world (like I do), trust me… you NEED LAUREN!!! <3

- Cassiee K.

5.0

September 13, 2025

We were so happy to have Lauren join us on our second birth journey! We instantly felt comfortable and at ease with her from the moment we met. Things didn’t go exactly as we’d planned, but having Lauren there with us made everything feel so much more reassuring. Lauren is really knowledgeable and genuinely passionate about the birth experience, making her a wonderful partner to have by your side.

- Jacky B.

5.0

September 6, 2025

I am a first time mother and was able to fulfill my birth vision…an unmedicated vaginal birth, with the support of Lauren. My husband and I were lucky enough to have Lauren as our birth doula and I am so glad the stars aligned and we got connected with her. I am confident that without her counter pressure magic, my phase of active labor would have been so much more challenging. Not only was she skilled with counter pressure, but she offered me 2 hand acupressure balls to squeeze that were so helpful in tolerating the discomfort of my contractions. Lauren is very skilled, no doubt, but what I appreciated most about her as a doula beyond her helpful interventions was her calm, strong, encouraging but quiet presence. We 100% recommend Lauren’s birth doula services! Thank you, Lauren!

- Kaitlin S.

Frequently asked questions

Why did I become a doula?

I became a doula because I believe every birthing person deserves to feel safe, supported, and heard during the profound experience of pregnancy, labor, and the postpartum period. Giving birth is one of the most awe-inspiring things we do as humans, and yet, 1 in 3 people feel traumatized after childbirth. That statistic breaks my heart, but I know it doesn't have to be this way. My goal as a doula is to shift that story by helping my clients feel grounded and empowered through compassionate education, continuous presence, and respectful advocacy. I want you to experience birth as a moment of power. A moment where you get to feel like your full, badass, life-giving self.

What is my approach or doula style?

My approach is genuine, adaptive, and deeply personal. I don't show up with an agenda or one-size-fits-all formula. Instead, I take time during our prenatal visits to really get to know you, so that my support is attuned to your values, hopes, and fears. My care is trauma-informed, which means I'm mindful of language, power dynamics, and how someone's past experiences can shape what they need in labor. Sometimes that means helping to work through a tricky conversation with a provider. Other times, it means hands-on massage, help with positioning, or just being a calm voice in the room when everything feels intense. However you need support, I'll meet you there. I am in awe of both the ancient lineage and the modern science of birth work. This means that I believe in evidence-based support while respecting your intuition and choices. I'll hold space for whatever comes up, without judgment. Expect me to bring a down-to-earth energy to your space, along with encouragement, practical guidance, and snacks. :) My goal is to help you feel confident and supported so you can focus on the incredible work of bringing your baby earthside.

How do I support partners during birth?

Partners are an essential part of the birth team, and I'm here to support them too. I help partners understand what's happening, suggest ways they can provide comfort and encouragement, and offer reassurance during intense moments. I never replace the partner's role. Instead, I enhance it by providing guidance, taking care of practical needs, and ensuring they can focus on being present with you. Many partners find that having a doula allows them to be more emotionally available because they're not worried about remembering comfort techniques or advocating for your preferences.

When do I go on-call and how does it work when you go into labor?

I go on-call for you at 38 weeks of pregnancy, which means I'm available 24/7 to support you when labor begins. When you think you might be in labor, you'll call me, and we'll talk through what you're experiencing. I'll help you determine when it's time for me to join you, whether that's at home first or directly at your birth location. I stay with you throughout active labor and birth, and remain for about 1-2 hours afterward to help with initial breastfeeding and ensure you're settled before I leave.

Can I support all birth plans and locations?

Absolutely. I support families planning hospital births, birth center births, and home births throughout the Portland Metro area and Vancouver, WA. Whether you're planning an unmedicated birth, want an epidural, or need a cesarean birth, I'm here to support your choices and help you have the most positive experience possible. Every birth plan is valid, and my role is to support you in achieving your goals while adapting to whatever your birth journey brings.

Am I certified and able to bill insurance?

YES! I am an OR State THW Certified Birth Doula (and currently waiting on my WA state certification to come through). If you have insurance and want to confirm my ability to bill them, please send me a message and we'll check things out!

Nearby cities

Beaverton, OR Lake Oswego, OR Tigard, OR Vancouver, WA Gresham, OR

Lauren Verica

Lauren Verica

About me

Education

Certification and training

Memberships and affiliations

Credentials

Specialties

Languages

Accepted insurances

Service introduction

Packages

Ratings and reviews

Frequently asked questions

Social media

Nearby cities