What's the difference between a Night Nanny and a Postpartum Doula?

If you're a new parent looking for someone to help take care of your infant overnight, you may have come across both Night Nannies and Postpartum Doulas and wondered if they are different, and if so, which one you should hire? A typical overnight shift for both roles often have a fair bit of overlap. We may both change diapers, feed the baby or bring them to the nursing parent, and wash bottles or pump parts. There are some key distinctions, however, and being familiar with these will help you find the right person for your specific needs.

A main difference between Night Nannies and Postpartum Doulas is that doulas care for all members of the family, but especially the parent(s). I often hear the phrase “hold the mother, not the baby” in reference to this approach. For a day shift, this means that if I’m getting baby snuggles, it’s so the parents can rest, shower, or eat a full meal without being interrupted. I'm not there to care for the baby while the parents work, for example, unlike a nanny. For a nighttime shift, this often means that I'm chatting with the parents for a while before they head to bed. We review how baby did that day, do a mental health check-in, troubleshoot any issues or concerns, etc. Also, where nannies are generally signing long-term contracts, postpartum doulas generally specialize in the first 12 weeks or so. We support, nurture, and educate the parents as they settle into their new roles.

Just a note: though many people use the title “Night Nurse” in conversation to mean someone who provides overnight care for infants, in most states, it is illegal to call yourself a nurse of any kind without a nursing license. There are definitely actual nurses like RNs that care for babies overnight, especially those who are medically fragile or had NICU stays, so just make sure you’re clear on the qualifications of the person you’re looking to hire. Medical care is outside the scope of both doulas and nannies.

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