Lauren Prothero

Postpartum Doula

5.0

Fayetteville, North Carolina

Lauren Prothero

Postpartum Doula

Fayetteville, North Carolina

5.0

About
Services
Reviews (4)
FAQs
Social media

About me

Hello, I’m Lauren. I am a mother, a certified postpartum doula, an infant care specialist, a photographer, a parent coach, and a childcare expert. Everything in my life is shaped by a deep passion for supporting families and giving them the opportunity to not just survive, but to truly thrive in the moment they are in. With over a decade of education and experience in early childhood development, behavioral psychology, and hands-on family care, I specialize in guiding families through the earliest stages of parenthood. I run a small in-home childcare program, provide overnight postpartum care, offer virtual parent coaching, and create natural lifestyle photography that captures the beauty and emotion of growing families. My care is personalized, gentle, and rooted in both professional training and lived experience. I support families navigating newborn care, toddler transitions, neurodivergence, and postpartum mood challenges. Whether you are preparing for your first baby or adjusting to life with a growing child, I am here to walk beside you with compassion, clarity, and care.

Education

High School Diploma (2017)

Diploma of Mental Health (2023)

Certification and training

Pro Doula Postpartum and Infant Care Specialist Certification (2025)

Memberships and affiliations

Pro Doula

Specialties

Abuse Anxiety Anxiety and Depression Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Birth Photographer Birth Support Birth Trauma Breastfeeding Photography Breastfeeding Support Caring for Special Needs Children Childbirth Education Childhood Growth and Development Early Parenting Educator Family Photography Fresh 48 Photography HAES (Health at Every Size) Approach Infant Care Maternity and Family Photography Maternity and Newborn Photographer Maternity Photography Mental Health Newborn, Baby, & Birth Photography Newborn Care Newborn Photography Overnight Newborn Care Parenting Parenting Support Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Perinatal Mood Disorders Postpartum Care Postpartum Doula Care Postpartum Photography Support during Labor, Birth, and Postpartum Toddlers

Languages

English

Service introduction

Certified postpartum doula and infant care specialist providing overnight newborn care, virtual parent coaching, and natural lifestyle photography. I support families through restful nights, practical guidance, and meaningful memories with services designed to nurture both baby and parents during this special transition.

Packages

Overnight Postpartum Package

For families needing consistent, nurturing care during the fourth trimester, this package offers flexible overnight support to help you rest, recover, and bond with your baby. Includes: • Infant care throughout the night (feeding, burping, diapering, soothing) • Bottle and pump part cleaning • Sleep and feeding guidance • Emotional check-ins and support Book three or more overnight shifts (9PM–5AM) within the same calendar month and receive discounted care. Each shift is 8 hours long and designed to ensure you wake up rested and reassured. This package is perfect for families seeking regular, high-quality care without needing to commit to a strict weekly schedule. You choose the nights that work best for you.

$25.00

USD Per hour

Deluxe Overnight Package

Includes 3 overnight shifts per week (9PM–5AM) for 4 weeks This package is designed for families who want consistent, expert support throughout the month without the stress of scheduling week to week. You’ll get a dedicated postpartum doula providing overnight newborn care and guidance, helping you feel rested, supported, and confident in your parenting journey. Includes: • 3 overnight shifts per week for 4 weeks (9PM–5AM) • Full newborn care (feeding, soothing, diapering, tracking) • Bottle and pump part cleaning • Feeding and sleep support • Emotional check-ins and expert guidance • Flexible start date and option to renew weekly or monthly Additional weeks can be added at a prorated cost — perfect for families who want extended care or continued rest.

$2,000.00

USD Flat rate

Storytelling Photo Bundle

Capture your journey from pregnancy to postpartum with a full storytelling experience designed to preserve your most meaningful milestones. This bundle offers timeless, connection-focused lifestyle photography through every stage. Includes: • Maternity session • Fresh 48 session (taken within the first 48 hours after birth, typically in hospital or home) • Family session (scheduled at any time postpartum) • Up to 60 minutes per session • 40 professionally edited high-resolution images total with ability to purchase more if desired • Client selects how to divide images across sessions • Gallery previews provided for image selection This bundle is perfect for families who want cohesive, natural images that celebrate the growth of their family — from bump to baby and beyond.

$800.00

USD Flat rate

Show all packages

Ratings and reviews

Average

5.0

# of Reviews

5.0

July 15, 2025

Lauren is a kind, passionate and dedicated person. She takes fantastic care of our daughter and has her health, development and happiness in mind at all times.

- Erin W.

5.0

July 15, 2025

Lauren has supported my family in so many ways. As a babysitter, parent coach, and even our family photographer, and she truly shines in every role. She’s spent time with my 4, 6, and 7yo (including my niece), and my kids absolutely love her. My son, who often struggles with meltdowns, responds so well to her gentle but confident presence. She’s incredibly patient, grounding, and consistent with her boundaries, all without ever making a child feel small. I reached out to Lauren for parent coaching because both my son and I have ADHD, and we often found ourselves clashing. She’s helped me learn healthier ways to communicate with him, identify my own triggers, and approach parenting from a place of understanding rather than frustration. She’s never once made me feel judged, only supported, heard, and encouraged. We also had the joy of doing a family photo session with her. It felt like complete chaos at times (as it always does with little ones), but Lauren stayed calm and lighthearted the entire time. Somehow, she managed to capture the most beautiful, natural moments, sweet candid shots, fun group photos (including a silly one that we all love), and solo portraits of each of us. The final photos were even better than I could’ve hoped for. I recommend Lauren to all my friends and family because she’s real, honest, nonjudgmental, and incredibly talented. She has such a gift for connecting with kids and supporting parents, I’m so grateful for everything she’s done for our family.

- Nikole L.

5.0

July 15, 2025

Lauren is absolutely amazing. She’s so friendly and professional but also so so so great with the babies! I couldn’t recommend her enough

- Shelby Z.

5.0

July 15, 2025

Initially Lauren was hired as my son’s babysitter, and has now become one of his favorite people. Since being in her care, he has flourished with eating, independent sleeping, speech, play and more. I can’t say enough wonderful things about her, she cares for my son and her other littles like they were truly her own. Lauren is not just a babysitter, she is part of our village and a safe place for all children.

- Lisette W.

Frequently asked questions

What is a postpartum doula?

A postpartum doula supports families during the early weeks and months after birth, offering overnight care, emotional support, newborn expertise, and guidance tailored to your unique needs. My goal is to help you feel rested, confident, and supported.

Why should I hire a postpartum doula?

The early days with a newborn can be beautiful but exhausting. A postpartum doula helps lighten the load by caring for your baby overnight, offering guidance, and helping you rest and heal — so you can show up as the parent you want to be.

Do you sleep during overnight shifts?

Yes — when the baby sleeps, I rest lightly but stay fully attentive and responsive. This allows me to care for your baby throughout the night without disturbing your rest. You’re not paying me to sleep — you’re paying for expert support, safety, and peace of mind.

Do you support twins, preemies, or special needs babies?

Yes! I have experience with twins, NICU graduates, and neurodivergent children. I adapt my care to meet your baby’s individual needs with skill, compassion, and patience.

Do you offer payment plans or sliding scale options?

I offer package discounts and, in some cases, flexible payment options. Please feel free to ask if cost is a concern — I’ll always do my best to work with your needs.

What areas do you serve?

I offer in-person overnight support and photography services in and around Fayetteville, NC. Willing to travel farther for a traveling fee. Parent coaching is virtual and available to families anywhere.

What is parent coaching?

Parent coaching is customized, action-focused support to help you navigate challenges like sleep routines, feeding transitions, toddler behavior, emotional dysregulation, or parenting structure. It’s not therapy — it’s practical, real-time guidance with compassion and expertise.

Do you think you’re a perfect parent?

Definitely not — and I don’t expect you to be either. Coaching isn’t about being perfect, it’s about building self-awareness, learning what works for your family, and having someone walk beside you while you figure it out. Sometimes as parents we just need a fresh perspective, new ideas, and validation of our struggles.

What kinds of photography do you offer?

I offer a wide variety of natural light portrait photography. I specifically enjoy focusing on maternity, birth, and family sessions though. Sessions are natural, relaxed, and connection-focused; no stiff posing or heavy props, just beautiful storytelling of your real life. https://laurenslensphotogrpahy.pixieset.com/

Do you edit your photos?

Yes. Every image you receive is hand-edited. I correct light, color, and distractions while preserving authentic, real-life beauty of the people and moments. My goal is timeless, polished photos — never overdone.

What is your background?

I’m a certified postpartum doula, infant care specialist, parent coach, photographer, and early childhood professional with more than a decade of experience supporting families through the earliest and most tender stages of parenting. My background includes formal education in early childhood development, behavioral psychology, and trauma-informed care. I’ve worked as a teacher, a behavioral support specialist, and I currently run a private in-home childcare program where I provide hands-on developmental care for infants and toddlers. My experience covers newborns through preschoolers, and I am especially passionate about helping families navigate common transitions like sleep changes, feeding, toddler behavior, emotional regulation, and sibling adjustment. As a doula and coach, I support families with far more than just newborn care. I provide individualized guidance for families navigating postpartum mood disorders, neurodivergence including ADHD and autism, emotional overwhelm, and the complex identity shifts that come with becoming a parent. I bring both professional expertise and real-world perspective into my care, offering a space that is knowledgeable, nonjudgmental, and deeply supportive. I’m also a professional photographer specializing in maternity, fresh 48, and family lifestyle sessions. I have been hired by local hospitals as both a newborn and bereavement photographer, a role that has allowed me to witness and preserve some of the most meaningful moments families will ever experience. My photography style is natural and emotive, designed to tell the story of your family as it truly is. At the heart of everything I do is one simple goal. I want to support parents and families so they have the chance to be present in these moments, not just get through them. Whether you are navigating a sleepless night, a toddler meltdown, or a beautiful new beginning, I am here to help you feel held, seen, and capable of finding joy right where you are.

Who are you?

You’ve heard the formal side of what I do, but the work I offer is incredibly intimate. Welcoming someone into your home, especially during the early days of parenting, is deeply personal. You deserve to know more than just my qualifications. You deserve to know the person behind them. I’m Lauren. Before anything else, I’m a mother. My husband and I have a little boy we adore and one baby we never got to meet, but who still holds a place in our hearts. We hope to grow our family in the future, but right now we are soaking up every moment with the blessing we have. During the day, I’m a working stay-at-home mom. I care for my son and a small group of children in my home, run my business during nap time, and spend my evenings supporting families through doula care, parent coaching, or editing photos. I love cooking and take pride in preparing homemade meals for the people I love, although I’ll admit I cannot bake to save my life. I’m a book lover, a paint-splattered hobby artist, a binge-watcher when I need to recharge, and someone who will always stop to watch a sunset. I love the beach, the zoo, new restaurants, and finding any excuse to show my son just how magical the world can be. I grew up as the oldest of three, with a brother diagnosed with autism and ADHD. From an early age, I stepped into the role of caregiver, and I never really left it. That part of me has shaped everything I do. Whether I’m comforting a new parent, supporting a child through a transition, or helping a family capture the beauty of their story, my work always comes back to the same purpose. I want to give others the chance to feel supported enough to truly enjoy the season they are in, not just survive it.

What if we need to cancel?

I understand that life is unpredictable. Each session includes one free reschedule if you need to cancel. If additional sessions are canceled or missed without notice, they may be forfeited or subject to a fee, depending on the situation. If I ever need to cancel, I will always do my best to make it right. You will have the option to reschedule for another date, accept a full refund for that session, or, if you are comfortable, I may be able to arrange care with a qualified backup doula. My goal is to provide consistent support, but also to remain flexible and understanding when real life happens on either side.

What else do you offer?

In addition to postpartum doula care, parent coaching, and lifestyle photography, I may be able to support your family in other ways depending on your needs. Every family is different, and sometimes what you are looking for may not fall into a specific category. If you need support with something unique or outside of what is listed, please reach out and ask. If it is something I am qualified to help with, I will be happy to talk with you about it. If not, I will do my best to connect you with someone who can.

LOCATION

Fayetteville, North Carolina

Lauren Prothero

Lauren Prothero

Lauren Prothero

About me

Education

Certification and training

Memberships and affiliations

Specialties

Languages

Service introduction

Packages

Ratings and reviews

Frequently asked questions

Social Media