 This week's guest blogger is Lauren Hogg—wife, mom, certified lactation counselor, and co-creator of LactSafe. If you have ever wondered which medications are safe to take during pregnancy or while nursing or pumping, LactSafe may be an answered prayer. Through a simple, streamlined app, you can search a medication's safety—including general info, common brand names, safety ratings, potential side effects, and effects on milk supply—and get a clear, research-backed answer in about 60 seconds. As a doula, I get questions about medication safety all the time, so I was thrilled to connect with Lauren to learn more about what she is building and the impact her work is having on mothers every day. 1. Tell me about yourself.
Hi! I'm Lauren, a mom of three kiddos from Richmond, VA! My background is in anthropology, and since college, I have spent my professional life working at a non-profit and, for the past decade, for a breastfeeding and maternity e-commerce brand. I am also a Certified Lactation Counselor. I'm a homebirther, have been breastfeeding babies for almost 6 years now, and I'm a firm believer in making empowered and informed decisions for themselves and their families, especially when it comes to birthing and breastfeeding. When I'm not fully engrossed in parenting or work, I like to go for a walk in the woods, ride my bike, craft, or watch birds! 2. How/why did you build LactSafe? LactSafe was built after a series of moments where I could have really used it. Each instance really pushed me to work with my husband to co-create the app. Instance one: When my firstborn turned one, I had to have two major surgeries, and I remember vividly being concerned about whether certain medications were safe to take while breastfeeding and not really getting a clear answer. Some said pump and dump to be safe, others said it was fine. It was confusing. Instance two: When I was pregnant with my third baby, I was given inaccurate advice from an EMT about which medications were safe to take while pregnant and breastfeeding for a sinus infection. I knew his advice was incorrect because I had been a CLC for years, and also had been working on LactSafe, so I was pretty familiar with the medications he was talking about. Nonetheless, I remember being so flabbergasted because if I hadn't had that background knowledge, what would I have done? That experience led me to instance three, which is more of an ongoing pattern. As a CLC, I've heard so many times folks ask whether a certain medication is safe to take. As a CLC, the response is to check LactMed and talk to your provider. But from personal experience, when you're down bad with a sinus infection or recovering post-surgery, the last thing you have the capacity to do is read through a bunch of medical jargon when you really just want a clear answer on whether you can take this medication while breastfeeding. I've been in those situations, so I 100% get it. You're in so much pain, baby has to eat, and you don't want to give up on your breastfeeding goals. With my husband's help (he built the entire app from start to finish, and who I am co-creating with!), this is when we decided it was time to get LactSafe out into the world! My goal for this app is to be a tool that makes medication safety easier to understand and gives parents the confidence to start conversations with their providers, because I've also heard horror stories about people ending their breastfeeding journeys over medications that the research actually says are fine. 3. What is LactSafe's mission or main focus? LactSafe's mission is to make evidence-based medication safety information easy, fast, and friendly for breastfeeding and pregnant families. Our vision is a world where every parent can make confident health decisions. 4. What are the best and most challenging parts of being an entrepreneur? Time and energy! I hate that this is such a cliche answer, but as a working full-time parent with three very active kiddos, finding the time to really invest the energy I want into LactSafe has become really hard. That said, remembering being postpartum and struggling to know if I could still breastfeed my baby post-surgery, and thinking about how I know I'm not the only one struggling with this problem, is what encourages me to keep going. I feel very passionate about this project, and I'm excited to dive back into LactSafe's mission now that the kids are back in school and we have a routine down. :) 5. Where do you see yourself and your business in 5 years? Gosh, it would be an ultimate dream to have LactSafe become the resource providers automatically hand new parents, the way I wish someone had handed it to me. In 5 years I'd love for it to be trusted enough that it's just part of the standard of care, built out with tools like patient insights dashboard and custom provider builds, and known widely enough that no parent has to sit in that scary, confusing moment I was in wondering if they can still breastfeed. Ultimately, if this thing dies tomorrow I'd be happy just knowing it helped at least one other person in their lactation journey! 6. Who do you follow or admire in the breastfeeding/lactation community? My midwife, Nancy. When I think back to my breastfeeding journey, she really encouraged me to keep going. I appreciate her keeping it real with me and telling me to stick it out. Breastfeeding is beautiful, but it can also be a labor of love and hard work. 100% worth it, but any breastfeeding person would be lying if they said it was all rainbows and sprinkles! Having that support system has been huge. 7. Tell me about your most recent business win. I recently launched a pilot for LactSafe for Providers and have been having providers sign up. To me, that shows there's a real need in this space and validates the reason LactSafe exists. 8. Please share any upcoming events or programs you will participate in, or any special offerings for new providers. We are still offering an early sign-up beta program for providers! If you sign up, you'll get a custom URL referral link. We're also working on launching a patient insights dashboard and a custom build of LactSafe with your brand. More details to come on those latter two, but we are still accepting folks into the beta!
0 Comments
 As a doula with over a decade of experience, I have developed numerous relationships within the birth community and strive to stay informed about local birth news for the benefit of my clients and the surrounding parent community. Here are the latest updates regarding birth in the Triangle area. If you are planning to expand your family, there are some amazing resources and support options for you to explore. North Carolina Birth Center
Earlier this month, it was announced that North Carolina Birth Center will be closing. This news was sudden and very unexpected. If you read my last update or subscribed to the NCBC newsletter, then you know all that hard work and effort that was put forth to get the former Womens Birth and Wellness Center reconstructed and transformed into the beatutiful and welcoming facility for families. With just over a year in operation, the birth center was doing very well and hiring to accomadate more families, which makes this loss even more devastating. Here is words from the birth center's manager about NCBC's closing: "Two and a half years ago, I accepted a position to help open a birth center in Chapel Hill. I was the first employee hired and the only local team member, while the corporate leadership was based out of state. Over the last 2.5 years, I poured my heart into this work. I monitored construction, assembled furniture, maintain the website and social media, gave tours to EVERY prospective client who walked through our doors, onboarded patients, and supported our midwives as we built something truly special for families in our community. And now, that work is coming to an abrupt end. Not because the birth center failed. Not because there was a lack of patients, community support, or interest in the birth center model of care. In fact, we were growing and thriving. The reality is that the corporate company that managed our birth center, along with many others across the country, made business decisions that left the organization millions of dollars in debt. As a result, they are closing all of their birth centers, laying off employees, and abandoning patients who trusted them with their care. The heartbreak is difficult to put into words. After years of hard work, dedication, and sacrifice, everything we built is being taken away through circumstances completely outside of our control. But despite what has happened, my North Carolina Birth Center colleagues and I have made a decision: we will not abandon our patients. Thanks to the generosity of our building’s landlords, we have been allowed to remain in the space through the end of June. During that time, our midwives and staff are continuing to provide care, support, and guidance to our existing patients as they navigate new birth options. We are doing this without pay. We are not asking our patients for a single dollar, even though many employees are still owed weeks of unpaid wages. At the same time, we are covering essential expenses out of pocket, including internet service, office supplies, and other necessities required to continue caring for families during this transition. A local doula, Andrea Fowler, moved by what was happening, created a GoFundMe to support our team during these final weeks of service. Every donation will help us continue caring for patients, cover operating expenses, and provide some relief as we navigate the loss of our jobs and begin rebuilding our futures. If you are able to donate, share this fundraiser, or simply send words of encouragement, it means more than you know. Thank you to everyone who has donated, shared, and reached out with support. Your kindness is helping us continue showing up for the families who need us most. With heartbreak, frustration, and hope, Mariam" Very special thak you to Andrea Fowler for organizing the fundraiser and helping the NCBC staff support the remaining families. Please join BOBWDS in making a donation. Haven Women's Health and Birth Center Haven Women's Health and Birth Center recently celebrated their 2nd birthday and are very close to welcoming their 200th baby! Check out their website for classes, support groups and schedule a tour if you're thinking about a birth center for your next birth experience. Aya Birth & Community Wellness Aya Wellness NC is now accepting accepting Medicaid for birth services for families due September 2026 & beyond. Curious about birth center birth? Aya’s Open House is later this month! You’ll get to:
Saturday, June 27, 10-1pm Aya Birth & Community Wellness 1412 Hudson Ave Durham, NC 27705 Special Beginnings Midwifery Special Beginnings Midwifery has opened their birth suites in Durham. The birth suites were thoughtfully designed to feel warm, peaceful, and deeply supportive so families can labor, birth, and bond in a space that feels safe and sacred. Home birth support is still available. Special Beginnings has also partnered with Well One Healthcare to bring primary care services to their Durham office. This is a choice friendly clinic and crunchy mommy friendly. Services include and routine check ups, newborn/pediatric, prenatal and adult care, FMLA paperwork and prior authorizations, labs & referrals and IV therapy. Abiding Love Birth Collective I am so excited to share my new birth collective with you! Since our launch in March, Abiding Love Birth Collective has grown into a wonderful community of Christian doulas and local business owners who are all dedicated to supporting families. I am so blessed to transition into this new phase of my career and am truly thankful for all the support and new clients who trust my leadership and our collective to support them. We are now accepting clients due in August and beyond and will begin accepting applications for new collective members later this summer. Stay tuned for more birth news!  There comes a time in many women’s lives when their bodies begin to feel… unfamiliar.
You may notice shifts that don’t quite make sense. Fatigue that lingers, emotions that feel harder to regulate, sleep that no longer restores you, or a body that seems to respond differently no matter what you try. If you’ve found yourself thinking, “I don’t feel like myself anymore,” please know this: You are not broken. You are not alone. And your body is not working against you. You may be entering perimenopause or menopause, a powerful, natural transition that too often goes unrecognized, misunderstood or unsupported. When Your Body Feels Like a Stranger For many women, perimenopause begins quietly. Cycles may shift. Energy dips. Mood changes appear without warning. You might feel disconnected from your body, like the rhythms you once understood are now unpredictable. And yet, when you seek answers, you’re often met with confusion—or worse, dismissal. You may hear:
Little Known Truths About Perimenopause & Menopause There is so much about this stage of life that women are simply not taught. Let’s bring a few important truths into the light: 1. Perimenopause Can Start Earlier Than You Think Many women believe menopause begins in their 50s, but perimenopause can begin as early as the late 30s or early 40s, sometimes even sooner. 2. It’s So Much More Than Hot Flashes While hot flashes are commonly discussed, there are 30+ possible symptoms, including anxiety and panic attacks, brain fog and memory issues, joint pain and inflammation, sleep disturbances, mood swings and irritability and weight redistribution (especially around the midsection). 3. Hormones Impact Your Entire Body These changes don’t just affect your cycle. They influence your metabolism, your mental health, your cardiovascular system and your bone density. 4. Many Women Are Misdiagnosed or Undersupported Because awareness is limited, many women are told they have depression, thyroid disorders or chronic fatigue. While these conditions can be real, hormonal shifts are often a missing piece of the puzzle. The Reality of Women’s Healthcare in Midlife Here’s the hard truth: Women’s health, especially in midlife, has historically been under-researched and underfunded. Many healthcare providers receive little formal training in menopause care. As a result:
Menopause Isn't the End of Life as You Know It-It’s an Invitation What if this season isn’t something to endure… but something to step into with intention? Menopause is not an ending, it’s an invitation. An invitation to:
My Journey & Why I Do This Work Like my work as a doula, this work is deeply personal to me. I’m not speaking from a distance, I am walking through this stage of life too. I understand what it feels like to question your body, to search for answers and to desire a sense of balance and clarity again. That’s why I'm introducing my Menopause Lifestyle Coaching—to offer women the kind of support I know is needed in this season. A Holistic Approach to Menopause Support Through my coaching (I actually prefer mentoring), I provide physical and mental guidance and support for the real-life challenges of perimenopause and menopause. This is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Your body, your lifestyle and your needs are unique. Together, we focus on:
If you’ve been feeling disconnected, overwhelmed or unsure of what’s happening in your body, I want you to know that: There is support available to you. There is knowledge that can empower you. There are ways to feel like yourself again—grounded, energized, and whole. You deserve more than just getting through this season. You deserve to thrive in it. If you’re ready to better understand your body and feel supported in this transition, I invite you to connect with me. Let’s walk this journey together with intention, education and care.  Photo by Raleigh Skyline Nearly twenty-two years ago, I moved to Raleigh for college, not knowing that it would become home. As someone who has spent my entire adult life here, I have met some amazing people and had some life-changing experiences in this beautiful city. One of the main reasons I decided to stay here was the family-friendly amenities, not to mention, the great sense of community. I've seen Raleigh change a lot in the past couple of decades, but I have absolutely no regrets about making such a permanent change. If you’re thinking about growing your family and want more than just a place to live, Raleigh should definitely be at the top of your list. This vibrant, fast-growing (and I mean fast) city combines quality of life, economic opportunity, family-oriented accommodations and a culture of community in ways few other cities can match. Here’s why people are increasingly choosing Raleigh as the place to put down roots, raise their children and invest in community. Nationally Recognized Quality of Life Raleigh was recently ranked the #6 Best Place to Live in the U.S. by U.S. News & World Report for 2025-2026. Not only does Raleigh have safe neighborhoods and lower crime rates than many similarly sized metros, but it also offers job security, shorter commuter times, accessible health care and abundant outdoor recreation, giving families comfort and peace of mind. This kind of environment helps children thrive socially, emotionally and physically. A Thriving Economy and Strong Job Market Raleigh’s economy continues to outperform many U.S. cities. It consistently ranks high due to job growth in tech, healthcare, biotech and education. Because of this, families can look forward to stable employment opportunities, stronger household incomes and the ability to balance professional and personal life. For many couples, this stability makes it easier to plan for children and secure family support services like doulas, child care, camps & extracurricular activities, and even higher education. Unmatched Work–Life Balance Last year, Raleigh ranked #4 nationally for work-life balance, highlighting its affordable cost of living, flexible work options (including remote and hybrid roles), and abundant green space per resident. For many parents, this balance is critical and means more meaningful family time, less stress during pregnancy and early parenthood and better integration of supportive services (like doulas, nannies and elder care for aging parents). High-Quality Schools and Education Families often cite education as a top priority and Raleigh does not disappoint. The Raleigh-Wake County area regularly ranks among the top cities in the nation for public school quality and overall education outcomes. Our strong education ecosystem boosts property values, attracts family-oriented communities and creates opportunities for children to excel from early learning through high school. Affordable Cost of Living Compared to Major Cities With an average of 50+ people moving to Raleigh each day, housing is always being developed. And while Raleigh’s housing market has grown, it still offers better affordability than many large U.S. metros like New York, D.C., or San Francisco, especially when you compare total living costs and quality of life. Currently, home prices in the Triangle area remain significantly lower than in larger coastal markets. Many families find that their quality of life improves as housing costs decrease relative to their income, leaving more money left for monthly expenses like childcare, groceries and activities. This affordability can also free up resources for important family-building expenses like savings & emergency funds, family enrichment activities and travel. Growing Healthcare Infrastructure Families with young children often prioritize access to strong pediatric and maternity care. Raleigh is part of the Research Triangle region, which is building North Carolina’s first standalone children’s hospital, a major development that will expand pediatric services and access for families. This kind of long-term health investment complements supportive services like prenatal and pediatric care, ensuring families have more options for comprehensive care. Family-Focused Neighborhoods for Every Stage of Life Whether you’re a first-time parent or planning your forever home, Raleigh and its surrounding suburbs offer diverse living options. Each of these areas has unique advantages while staying connected to Raleigh’s economic and cultural core.
A Community That Values Family Support Raleigh has developed a community culture centered on families that includes support networks for new parents, group activities, festivals & family events, robust parks, trails, outdoor spaces and countless family & parenting resources. Whether you’re seeking support for your first baby or enrolling children in after-school programs, Raleigh offers the social fabric that nurtures families, not just houses. Choosing where to raise your family is one of life’s biggest decisions. Raleigh stands out not just for its rankings and statistics, but for the real lived experiences of families like mine who move here seeking support, balance, community and opportunity. From economic stability and educational strength to outdoor living and family resources, Raleigh provides a foundation where children can flourish and parents can build the life they’ve always dreamed of.  NC State Fair in Raleigh Want to learn more about Raleigh? Here are some interesting facts that just may persuade you to settle here sooner rather than later.
 As the holidays approach, many of us feel the excitement of family gatherings, the joy of giving, and the peace of rest. Yet for some in the Triangle area community, particularly those who are undocumented, unhoused, or facing food insecurity, the season may be bringing deep stress, uncertainty, and loneliness. This year, let’s expand what “giving back” means. Let’s lean into compassion, solidarity, and justice. Even small actions can help make our community safer, more welcoming, and more resilient.
Below is a guide to meaningful ways to support your neighbors during the holidays, especially those who might otherwise be vulnerable to ICE detention, homelessness, or lack of reliable food. Supporting Immigrant and Undocumented Neighbors a) Align with Local Advocacy Groups
Helping Those Without Stable Housing a) Support Local Homelessness Nonprofits
Addressing Food Insecurity in the Triangle a) Volunteer with Hunger-Relief Organizations
Building Long-Term Solidarity: Beyond the Holidays
This holiday season, giving back doesn’t have to look like expensive gifts or grand gestures. Sometimes the most profound impact comes from being present, offering time, empathy, and solidarity to neighbors who face real risk, instability, or hunger. Whether you help accompany someone to a court hearing, donate meals, or volunteer to sort food boxes, your actions reverberate: they affirm dignity, build trust, and strengthen our shared community. Let us remember: the holidays are not just about receiving. they’re an invitation to serve. Let’s lean in and come together. Your time, support and compassion can be a gift that changes lives. |
About the AuthorKelly Collins Archives
August 2026
Categories
All
|
RSS Feed