Laila DeVaughn
Pronouns: She/Her
Cultural/Ethnic Background: African American
Languages Spoken: English
Role: Apprentice
Services Offered: Prenatal, Labor & Birth, Lactation, Preconception, Loss/Bereavement
Service Locations: Boston and Surrounding Areas
Doula Training: Doulas of the Diaspora, COPHI
Degrees: I am currently attending Southern New Hampshire University and will have a bachelor degree in Human Services next year 2027
Certificate: Breastfeeding Peer Specialist (ROSE and Vital Village), Wraparound (BH Clearinghouse), First Aid (American Red Cross), Trauma Domestic Violence & Resilience (DSG), Pastry and Baking (Le Cordon Bleu)
Areas of Specialization:
Loss & bereavement
Adolescent pregnancy
First-time parents
Biography:
I am a Certified Doula and Family Partner driven by a deep conviction that a healthy birth experience begins with mental and emotional wellness. I believe that mental health is the foundation upon which everything else follows; when a person feels emotionally secure, heard, and supported, they are empowered to navigate the complexities of parenthood with resilience.
My approach is defined by wraparound support, ensuring that care extends beyond the delivery room to encompass the full emotional landscape of the families I serve. Drawing from my background in human services, I provide a compassionate, direct, and optimistic presence. I am dedicated to breaking down barriers to mental health resources and providing the advocacy necessary for families to feel truly safe and seen.
Beyond my professional life, I am a community leader and a creative soul who finds joy in interior design and the strength of family. I am eager to bring my focus on mental health and holistic advocacy to this apprenticeship, continuing my mission to support the 'whole' person through one of life’s most significant transitions.
Why did you become a doula?
My decision to become a doula is rooted in my belief that the birth of a child is the most critical window for a family’s mental and emotional health.
For years, I have worked as a Family Partner in the mental health field, serving as a bridge between families and 'the system.' My role has always been to protect the voice and choice of the families I serve, ensuring they are heard and respected. Over time, I realized that many of the challenges families face later on actually begin during the birthing experience. I saw a gap in the 'wraparound' support—a need for an advocate who could be there from the very beginning.
Years ago, I had a deep desire to become a midwife, but life took me on a different path. Now, I see that becoming a doula is the perfect intersection of my professional skill set and my long-held passion for birth. I want to be the bridge that was missing for so many—and, honestly, the bridge I wish I’d had during my own experiences as a mother. I am entering this field now because I believe that when a parent is supported, empowered, and mentally healthy during birth, the entire family has a stronger foundation to thrive.
What is your personal connection to birth/family/community?
My connection to these three pillars is rooted in the belief that they are inseparable; you cannot support one without honoring the others. While I am new to the professional doula world and eager to learn through this apprenticeship, I have always been a natural support for those in my circle. I have been honored to be present in the birthing room for friends and family, providing a steadying presence during one of life’s most transformative moments.
My deepest connection, however, lies in Postpartum Health. I am a firm believer that the ‘wraparound’ doesn’t end when the baby arrives. My passion is ensuring that families are not left to navigate the fourth trimester alone. I have dedicated myself to making sure parents have the resources, mental health advocacy, and emotional scaffolding they need to stay ‘okay’ during that transition.
To me, Community is the glue. I am passionate about building natural support systems and helping families create connections that last long after a professional service ends. Whether it is through my leadership in community empowerment or my work in family advocacy, my goal is always to move families from isolation to connection. I view birth not just as a medical event, but as a community milestone that requires a village of support to ensure the health and dignity of everyone involved.
What is your philosophy of doula care?
My philosophy of care is centered on what I call the 'Burrito Effect'! The idea that a family should be fully wrapped in multiple layers of support, protection, and resources. I believe that doula care isn't just about being present for a single moment in time; it’s about layering a family with the specific tools, advocacy, and emotional strength they need to feel secure.
My goal is to leave behind a legacy of tools that families can use to continue their journey independently and confidently. I don't just want to help a family navigate a challenge; I want to help them build the skills to handle future challenges on their own.
Who is your ideal client?
While I am eager to support families of all backgrounds, my heart and my ideal focus are drawn to the young, expectant parent who feels overwhelmed, scared, or isolated. I feel a deep personal connection to the young person who may be navigating this life-changing transition without a strong family network or a supportive partner by their side.
I remember what it feels like to be young, freshly out of high school, and facing the uncertainty of pregnancy while feeling 'broken' or unsure. Because of that, my ideal client is someone who is nervous and perhaps feels like they are standing alone. I want to be the steadying presence they deserve and the one who helps them build a strong foundation when they feel like they have none.
My goal is to wrap these parents in the 'burrito effect' of support, transforming their fear into confidence. I want to ensure that even if they started this journey feeling small or unheard, they emerge from the birth experience feeling empowered, capable, and connected to a community. I am passionate about being the bridge for the parent I once was.

