As a military couple, Lauren and Landon Skelton are used to relocating. But their most recent move, in May 2025, was a little more challenging, as Lauren was seven months pregnant with their first child. “We moved from Kansas to Boston just two months shy of my due date,” she says. “I was very stressed about having to change care so late into my pregnancy.” After doing some research, Lauren and Landon chose the certified nurse-midwives at Boston Medical Center for the remainder of the pregnancy. “I wanted my first experience to be in my own hands as much as possible and to feel like a participant rather than just a patient,” explains Lauren. “I wanted to feel safer knowing that my voice mattered and that my choices would be respected. I also wanted a low-intervention birth, but with a care team that would be prepared for any situation that arose.”
Feeling Safe, Heard, and Supported
The team at BMC put the couple at ease from day one. Once Lauren and Landon arrived in Boston, they met with the midwives and got a new ultrasound, even though Lauren had sent all her records and previous ultrasounds from her OB/GYN in Kansas. “They wanted to ensure our daughter was doing well after our stressful move, which I was so grateful for,” says Lauren. “I only ever felt safe and respected under their care.”
Thankfully, the baby was healthy, and Lauren’s pregnancy progressed normally. In the final weeks leading up to her delivery, Lauren was able to relax and focus on the road ahead. “I appreciated my midwives’ knowledge and deep understanding of holistic approaches but also the importance of modern medicine,” she says. “I was able to mentally prepare for birth much better with their support and make decisions that were best for me and my baby without guilt.”
Welcome, Baby Elora!
On July 18, after laboring for 20 hours, Lauren delivered her baby girl with the help of midwife Yuleissy “Jules” Ramirez. Elora was born full term at 8 lbs 3 oz and 20.5 inches, and perfect in every way.
“It was the best moment of my life,” recalls Lauren. “Landon got to help catch her, which made it extra special. I could not have imagined a smoother or more special entrance to the world for my baby girl. Jules was so calm and collected and guided us through the birth so effortlessly. We will always be so grateful to Jules for that, and we will never forget her.”
Despite the challenges of being far from family, Lauren says that motherhood is “magical” and that Landon has been a tremendous support and a hands-on dad. These days, the couple is enjoying exploring Boston and taking Elora out on excursions. At a recent Renaissance festival, Elora was quite the celebrity. “She’s too cute and she knows it,” laughs Lauren. “She loves music and monkeys and is always smiling and laughing, especially for her dad. She is so special, and we are so lucky to be her parents!”
After her experience, Lauren has this advice: “I think it’s important for moms to know that midwifery care is a great choice, especially if you want a more collaborative approach to pregnancy and birth. I never felt like I had to justify my decisions or fight for my perspective to be understood. I loved using the midwives at BMC because my opinions mattered, and my preferences were honored.”