Story
About Lauren
Founder of Tapestry of Life
I began my career as a registered nurse, before moving into midwifery in 2005 where I spent 14 years working in the birthing suites of Mater Mothers Brisbane. Being a lifelong learner and champion for change and innovation, led me into research, writing a thesis and publication on early labour management in a tertiary hospital. I simultaneously embarked on becoming an endorsed midwife, gaining notation to prescribe and offer Medicare rebateable midwifery services in 2014.
This changed the trajectory of my career, moving out of the hospital system and into private practice at Eve Health working in collaboration with a group of obstetricians. Here, I gained an enormous amount respect and passion for collaborative care and made it my mission to close the historical gaps that had existed between doctors and midwives.
Although my initial intention to become an endorsed midwife was to provide continuity of midwifery care, my passion grew to provide midwifery support to women and families who chose to have a private obstetrician - believing all women deserve to have a midwife as part of their care team.
From here, a career highlight of mine was being involved in designing a team based, affordable private maternity care model that employed endorsed midwives and obstetricians - proudly providing another option for Brisbane families and revolutionising the maternity care landscape. This opportunity moved me into leadership, where I feel lucky to have been nurtured and mentored by leaders who showed an eager interest in my growth and success, pushing me out of my comfort zone to test my potential, and involving me in clinical governance, marketing & strategic business planning as well as leading a team of midwives and obstetricians.
Why am I telling you this highlight reel you may be thinking… because in all of this experience and study not once had I heard of the First 1000 days research, either in my capacity as a midwife or mother. I became a mother early in my career, working the long 12 hour shiftwork so many of us do, and balancing the needs of my family, with very little social support network.. I developed postpartum depression and anxiety following the birth of my second son as a result. It was only when I had found myself, facing a professional crossroads (no longer able to ignore the erosion of my own wellbeing, the signs of burn out that had been there for years) that I found time again to reflect, learn and listen - making the bold decision to resign from my leadership position and curate a life that felt more aligned with my values.
It was here that I first came aware of the critical developmental window of the First 1000 days after completing several postgraduate courses, to increase my knowledge base of maternal and child health to support the families in my care. This led to some profound reflections and raw feelings of mother guilt and a deep yearning to want the time back. I had ignored the effects of stress, kept pushing as a high achiever and didn’t prioritise self-care, which we all need for a regulated nervous system, particular mothers! I was not attune to my children’s needs the way I would be now, had I had the information and tools.
Being vulnerable often leads to the biggest impacts and so I hope it makes sense as to why I choose to share so publicly – because learning about the First 1000 days has had a huge impact on me personally and professionally. I have taken stock of the learnings from my own experiences, and the research and now apply this to educate and empower public understanding of the significance of the First 1000 Days. Childhood is so influential in the way our society behaves one generation later and therefore the role we as parents and people who support parents can make a difference in this world is not lost on me.
Health starts at conception… I am acutely aware of my sphere of influence as a professional who has access to families at the very beginning of this critical stage of development. It is never too late to change - brain plasticity means we are not hard wired, however this is the first and best opportunity we have to build strong foundations to help parents provide the best start in life so children thrive. When children thrive our communities thrive so they are the most precious resource.
When we work together, we learn together and from each other.
When we know better we do better
This is my WHY
Why I view health & wellbeing through the lens of the nervous system and maternal-child attachment
Why I am now passionate about applying this work to ‘Mother the Mother’
Why I built a values-led business dedicated to promoting strong foundations for families, through collaborative midwifery care, ceremony and intentional resources
Why my brand is called Tapestry of Life, honouring ancestral wisdom and curating offerings that foster connection, reflection, community and healing.
Values & Mission
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Values & Mission *
My Approach
This isn’t just a business—it’s a reflection of what I believe in. I’m here to provide the work that matters, led by a commitment to quality and care.
Tapestry of Life, is a values-led business deeply committed to remembering, connection and community. Every decision made has been shaped by a clear sense of purpose and listening to what feels good.
Each offering is grounded in the belief that our experiences matter - they are what shape us, stay with us and ultimately weave the story of who we are in the greater Tapestry of Life.
When mothers and families are nurtured, and supported, the impact ripples outward, creating lasting effects for children, families and the wider community.
Similarly, I honour the need for midwives and maternity care providers to receive and reset to enable sustainability for their important work.
Beyond clinical support, Tapestry of Life extends into thoughtfully curated ceremony, retreats and intentional products to engage in meaningful conversations and build a deeper sense of belonging.