Lauren J DeVaughn, CNM

For as long as she can remember, Lauren DeVaughn has been passionate about delivering babies and working with pregnant women. There is a reason for this: DeVaughn discovered that her great-great-great-grandmother was a granny midwife in Boligee, Alabama, delivering babies across her county. “Learning that caring for women and mothers is in my bloodline felt like a blessing and confirmation,” DeVaughn states. “My desire to improve Black maternal and infant health outcomes sustains my dedication to this field.” She gets gratification in other areas of her practice as well.

“What gives me the most satisfaction in working with patients is helping them understand their bodies,” she explains. “I love the empowerment that comes with learning how your body works. When patients can name and understand what they're experiencing, it's a crucial step towards gaining autonomy. For me, patient education is about more than just sharing information—it's about fostering confidence and trust. It’s incredibly rewarding to see patients make informed decisions and take charge of their health.”

Building trust is important to DeVaughn. 

“I want my patients to know that I am a safe place for them and that I will always advocate for them. Whether it's a routine annual visit, a problem visit, or scheduled prenatal care, I understand that navigating the healthcare system can be overwhelming, emotional, and stressful. My goal is to join them in that process and connect them with resources that will support them.”

DeVaughn grew up in Pasadena and acquired an early love of music, thanks to her father. “I love listening to music and was initially introduced to music by my dad,” she notes. “I have very diverse musical tastes and a deep love for the oldies. The first concert I ever went to was co-headlined starring Earth, Wind, and Fire and Chicago. My second was a Stevie Wonder concert. Old school music will always have a piece of my heart.”

Outside of medicine, DeVaughn loves binging on a good TV series, rewatching a comfort show, or going to the movies. “I also enjoy reading a good romance or mystery book, journaling my thoughts, and exploring new restaurants with friends,” she says. “I played piano for 15 years when I was younger, but I took a break during college, nursing, and midwifery school. I'm excited to hopefully pick it back up soon!”