Lauren

Postpartum Doula, Newborn Care Specialist

a brief bio

Lauren has been providing doula support since 2006. She is a DONA Certified Postpartum Doula, a Certified Perinatal Doula through the State of RI, a Certified Lactation Counselor and an Advanced Newborn Care Specialist. Her educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in Human Development, Counseling and Family Studies from the University of Rhode Island. Lauren lives in Portsmouth and is the mother of three amazing individuals, two adult sons and a teenage daughter. She looks forward to supporting you and easing your transition to parenthood!

Lauren has worked as an infant nanny and newborn care specialist for many years. She brings experience with a wide range of situations, including caring for twins, supporting premature infants, and helping families overcome feeding difficulties. Lauren has strong developmental knowledge of newborns and young children, along with hands-on experience in sleep shaping and training, sibling adjustment, potty training, and other key areas of early childhood care.

OFFERINGS

• Diapering

• Changing

• Bathing(first sponge bath, then regular bath)

• Soothing

• Circumcision & umbilical cord care

• Bottle preparation & storage 

• Bottle feeding (Breastmilk & Formula)

• Communication with breastfeeding parent to schedule feeds and transport baby back and forth to and from (when feeding overnight)

• Wash and sterilize bottles, pump parts, pacifiers, etc.

• Organization & maintenance of nursery

• Baby's laundry (washing, folding, and putting away)

• Create a regular feeding schedule

• Assist in establishing healthy sleep habits

• Keep nursery tidy and stocked

• Maintain a log that tracks the baby's feeding times, ounces, diapers, and anything else parents may need to know.

• Create a smooth transition for the family during the newborn stage (birth-3 months)

• Assist you with any (baseline) feeding issues baby may have, including formula feeding and breastfeeding support or knowing when to recommend pediatrician or IBCLC support for extensive issues. 

• Troubleshoot potential issues of concern with the newborn and offer professional options to resolve them

• Infant CPR (when needed)

• Providing a safe and healthy sleep environment for baby at all times

• Sleep Conditioning by using a gentle approach to help your baby develop sleep habits that lead to sleeping throughout the night

• Parent education and emotional support

WITH EXPERIENCE IN

• Reflux

• Colic

• Twins/multiples

• Premature Infant Care

• Pediatric Sleep Training

• Newborn Sleep Conditioning/Shaping

• Supporting mothers with Perinatal Mood Disorders (Postpartum Depression, Postpartum Anxiety)

• Surrogacy

CERTIFICATIONS/TRAINING

• Pediatric/First AID

• Birth Doula Training

• Postpartum Doula Training

• Lactation Certification

• HIPAA Certification

• SAFESERV Training

• Perinatal Doula Certification (RI)

RECENT CASES

JS Family -

Overnight postpartum doula care was provided for a 1-week-old male infant, with a focus on newborn monitoring, comfort, and parental support. Throughout the shift, the baby was closely observed for breathing, skin tone, responsiveness, and overall well-being, all of which remained appropriate for his age. Diaper changes were completed as needed, with urine and stool output within normal limits, and gentle hygiene practices were used to maintain skin integrity. The infant was soothed using developmentally appropriate techniques such as swaddling, gentle rocking, holding, and rhythmic patting, and was consistently placed on his back in a safe sleep environment. Feeding cues were monitored and responded to per family preferences, with burping and comfort measures provided following feeds. A detailed report was given to the mother in the morning, including information on diaper output, sleep periods, feeding patterns, and overall behavior, along with reassurance and guidance regarding normal newborn care.

LM Family -

Overnight postpartum doula care was provided for newborn twin girls from birth through 6 weeks of age, with an emphasis on consistent monitoring, individualized infant care, and family support during the early postpartum period. Throughout each overnight shift, both infants were closely observed for breathing, comfort, feeding cues, and overall well-being, with care tailored to each baby’s needs. Diaper changes were completed regularly, with urine and stool output monitored and remaining within normal limits for age, and gentle hygiene practices used to protect skin integrity. Soothing techniques such as swaddling, holding, rocking, and calming verbal reassurance were utilized to support regulation and promote restful sleep, while maintaining safe sleep practices at all times. Feeding support was provided per family preferences, including preparation, pacing, burping, and post-feed comfort. Detailed morning reports were shared with the parents, outlining feeding schedules, diaper output, sleep patterns, and any notable observations, along with reassurance, education, and guidance to support confidence in caring for both newborns during this adjustment period.

JB Family -

Daytime infant care was provided with a strong focus on developmentally appropriate support and responsive caregiving. Care included attentive monitoring of the infant’s cues, routine diaper changes, and feeding support in alignment with the family’s preferences. Age-appropriate activities were incorporated throughout wake windows to encourage healthy development, including tummy time, gentle movement, visual engagement, and verbal interaction to support motor skills, sensory development, and early communication. The infant was supported with soothing techniques and placed in a safe sleep environment for naps as needed. Ongoing communication with caregivers was maintained to share updates on feeding, sleep, mood, and developmental milestones, ensuring continuity of care and a nurturing, stimulating daytime environment.