Meet Laura
The Birth of ‘Aina Hanau…
I have been a caregiver for most of my life, working with humans in all forms, yet have always had an affinity towards holding space for women. As a young adult, after six years in a Colorado arts school, I had a hunger to explore and an adventurous spirit. I moved to Hawaii to study sociology and anthropology while working as a social worker in the only women’s shelter on the Big Island. While traveling and learning the importance of human experience and our interdependence with the land, I was led to the ancient art of working in the birth space, and became a doula. I am passionate about learning from others through an exploration of their cultural mores and rituals, and I have a unique perspective when it comes to caring for others without judgement. From there, I studied energetic & herbal medicine with an emphasis on women’s reproductive health, mountain west plants, and menstrual wisdom. Making my way down to the Yucatan, I was taught Mayan medicine and womb massage from traditional midwives and healers. In many cultures, the womb space is revered as sacred and considered the core of our existence. I established my business in 2015 knowing the name would soon come to me. I opened the Hawaiian dictionary for inspiration. On the first page stood the words ‘Aina Hanau. ‘Aina meaning land, and Hanau meaning birth. Birthplace. Land of Birth. There my creation was born and continues to grow. Weaving in my skills, therapy techniques and teachings to facilitate an empowering experience for all that I serve.