Postpartum Doula vs Night Nanny – Which Support Is Right for New Parents?
Written by Anna Rodney, Doula and Childbirth Educator
Anna Rodney is the owner and founder of Chicago Family Doulas and Birth and Baby University. She is a leader in the perinatal field and a trusted resource for expecting families and perinatal professionals.
Choosing care for your newborn and your whole family can feel overwhelming. Many families need overnight newborn support during those first 3 to 4 months, especially while their baby is still learning to sleep in longer stretches. At the top of most parents’ wish lists? A trusted, experienced professional who can provide peace of mind and expert care.
But where to begin? Reaching out to friends, coworkers, parenting Facebook groups, and doing a quick Google search can be a great way to explore what types of support are available.
As you prepare for life with your newborn, you’ll likely come across a variety of terms used to describe overnight support. You might see phrases like night nanny, night nurse, postpartum doula, or newborn care specialist. While people often use these terms interchangeably, they can actually refer to different types of care, so it’s important to understand what each one really means.
Postpartum doulas
Postpartum doulas specialize in offering professional care for both newborns and families, during the day and overnight. They receive formal training in newborn care as well as in supporting postpartum moms, families, and households. With a focus on a whole-family approach, postpartum doulas often help with tasks like laundry and tidying up, which are part of their role.
Newborn care specialists
Newborn care specialists focus on providing professional care for newborns and have received formal training in newborn care. They typically support families both during the day and overnight, with a primary focus on the baby. Unlike postpartum doulas, they are often less focused on the whole family. However, some newborn care specialists may also have training in postpartum doula care.
Night nannies and night nurses
Night nannies and night nurses often help care for your newborn during the day or overnight. However, they typically haven’t received formal training as a newborn care specialist or postpartum doula. Once someone completes that kind of training, they usually stop using titles like “night nanny” or “night nurse.” It is also important to know that people often use the term “night nurse” loosely. Many families assume they are hiring a licensed nurse, but in reality, they may end up hiring a nanny or babysitter without formal credentials.
Night nanny vs. Postpartum doula
Many families ask us about the difference between a night nanny and a postpartum doula. The biggest differences come down to training, certification, and scope of practice. Families often assume that anyone offering overnight newborn care has the same qualifications, but that’s not always true—not everyone has formal training or certification.
We understand that your family’s peace of mind and your baby’s well-being are your top priorities! If you have any questions, we’re happy to help. Reach out to connect with us and learn more about our newborn care and postpartum support here.
Read more from Anna Rodney
Anna Rodney, Doula and Childbirth Educator
Anna Rodney is the owner and founder of Chicago Family Doulas and Birth and Baby University. She has been a leader in the perinatal field for over a decade, and continues to grow her offerings in order to support more families and to help her colleagues grow. She supports thousands of expecting and new families each year through both of her businesses. She is a passionate leader and a force of change and inspiration for families and birth and postpartum professionals.
