Meraki Mama Collective: Prenatal Yoga & Doula Services — Local services in Sandy Springs

Meraki Mama and Lauren, the founder, has been a blessing throughout my motherhood journey, and I can't recommend the services enough.

When I was pregnant with my first, I was looking for prenatal yoga classes and discovered Meraki Mama. The class, led by Lauren, wasn’t just about yoga, though you will get a good workout—it was a supportive space to talk openly about the fears and uncertainties of pregnancy and motherhood with other mamas. Lauren’s guidance was so comforting and insightful that I knew she had to be my doula. She’s incredibly knowledgeable about the birth space and has many resources in the Atlanta area. Through her, I found a prenatal chiropractor and attended a lactation consultant’s class, both of whom were part of Lauren’s "Intentionally Birth" doula/prenatal yoga program.

The doula services provided by Lauren are invaluable. Lauren facilitated a healing couples energy session for my husband and me. She came to our house and had an in-depth discussion about my birth plan, which helped me feel prepared. Though my first birth happened incredibly fast, and I didn’t have the birth experience I’d initially envisioned, Lauren was there for us. She arrived just as the baby was placed in my arms, but she had already been guiding us on the phone while driving to the hospital—ensuring that we had been supported the entire time and helping us communicate with the hospital staff to ensure everything went smoothly. Postpartum was challenging. Whether it was helping with small tasks around the house or just being a listening ear to talk through the hardships of motherhood, Lauren was there for me and my family every step of the way.

For my second birth, my husband and I knew we had to have Lauren again. We felt confident in her guiding us through the next phase, 2-under-2. We had all the same services and a well-planned birth plan, which led to a better birth experience. Lauren made sure I had all the resources and support I needed, especially during the postpartum period.

Lauren and Meraki Mama are truly remarkable. She has the compassion, dedication, and knowledge to be the support system every mama needs. Think of her as your big sister and best friend—there to guide you through the challenges of pregnancy, birth, and motherhood with love and expertise. If you’re considering any of the services she offers, you...

This review is long overdue - my baby turns one this week and as I reflect on my experience of this time last year, I'm finally able to put into words what Meraki Mama and Lauren has meant to me. I was fortunate enough to have Lauren by my side as my doula through my labor. I had my husband with me - who was wonderful and helpful and caring - but I feel like it goes without saying - he's never given birth before. As a first time mom, I thought my husband would be enough support. But my midwife recommended I get a doula and to this day, I'm forever thankful I listened. When my contractions were one minute apart and piggy backing off of each other, I can't think of a better person to have coach me, support me, motivate me, reassure me, and oddly enough - calm me...than Lauren. A husband or birth partner is a wonderful support system to have, and completely necessary - but adding in a doula adds an element of "I can do this". Sparing you the details of my difficult labor, I desperately wanted a natural birth. But when that couldn't happen and a cesarean became inevitable, Lauren was there the whole time. I was scared, shattered, and in disbelief at my own body. Somehow, having Lauren there empowered me to pull through. Imagine having someone support you through the worst pain of your life, being terrified of what's to come next and NOT being annoyed by that person - rather trusting and respecting everything she says. She even helped me get my baby to latch immediately. Some people are lucky enough to find their calling. Lauren found hers. And anyone fortunate enough to have her by their side during their transformation into motherhood will be forever grateful. Just like I am. She has created a community of mothers with Meraki Mama and those of us who are involved (even a little) are better because of it. Postpartum is hard - I mean, look, it took me a year to write a review. It somehow feels manageable knowing other women are going through...

I hired Lauren to be my doula after attending her prenatal yoga sessions (which I loved!). Unfortunately, I had a poor experience. Prior to birth, we were to have an initial meeting to get to know each other better, discuss my birth plan, and I wanted her to meet my partner. Lauren cancelled our meeting on two occasions for personal reasons. My baby then came 9 weeks early. Due to the unexpected timing, Lauren was unable to attend. She did do a quick FaceTime with us, however, I would not have chosen to have her at my birth as I still felt she had not taken the time to get to know me one on one, knew nothing of my birth plan/hopes (even for this changing situation), and had never met my partner. I then had a traumatic birth and my preemie baby spent the next 45 days in the NICU. Lauren failed to follow up or check in on me. After a week, I reached out to her myself voicing my disappointment in not hearing from her. She of course had her excuses. Because she had never met with us or performed any doula services and I was preparing for a hefty NICU bill, I asked about a refund on our deposit. She explained she had declined other clients to hold the space for us. However, it was still two months away and I’ll remind you she had yet to meet with us. Presumably she could still meet with another couple. At this point, I no longer felt comfortable moving forward in any way with Lauren including through yoga. It was an unfortunate loss as I really did enjoy the community aspect of the classes. I was hopeful for some much needed support. And was sorely disappointed...