Meet the Emerald Doula : 5 Questions with Lauren Nichols
1: Give us a three word summary of who you are.
Empathy, listener, warmth
2: What drew you to a career as a doula?
I have a really vivid memory of me as a new mom with my first child. He was fussy, our families lived really far away and my husband was working long hours and some nights. One night felt particularly hard - it seemed like my baby cried for days straight and even when rocking him in a dark room with the white noise and all the things, he just wouldn't calm. I called a friend in tears at around 9pm knowing I had a long night ahead of me. I was in serious doubt of my ability to get through it alone. She came over with ice cream, sat with me, held my baby and talked to me. I learned the transformative power of the presence of a supportive person in hard moments and still feel very passionate about providing that for others.
3: What's rocking your world right now, in birth or in parenting?
The strength and resilience of new parents raising their babies in a PANDEMIC! It's become our new normal but it's HARD! Also cozy sweatshirts.
4: What has been your #saferathome silver lining?
I have picked up a few random hobbies like raising plant babies, decorating sugar cookies and painting peg dolls for my daughter! Helped keep me present amidst the chaos.
5: What's your Top 5 Registry Must-Haves for new parents?
Cozy pjs for new parents - you deserve pjs just as much as your little one!
Magnetic fastening nightgown or pjs in newborn or 0-3 month for those first few weeks of frequent diaper changes
Baby carrier of choice - I like the fabric wraps for wearing baby inside like Moby or Boba
Dohm sound machine - good for babies and grownups alike
Gift card for any other service you can offload from cleaning service to meal delivery etc!