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Night nanny, night nurse or postpartum doula?

CWPublished byChris WyattUpdated · 7 min read
Short answer

A night nanny (newborn care specialist) looks after your baby overnight so you sleep. A night nurse is a licensed RN or LPN, for babies with medical needs. A postpartum doula mainly supports you, the parent, usually during the day.

Night nannies

Most work 8–12 hour overnight shifts in the first weeks. They handle feeds (or bring the baby to you), changes and settling, wash bottles and keep a log. Many also work gently on longer sleep stretches once the baby is ready.

Training is non-medical. Look for a recognized newborn care specialist certification, current infant CPR and references from recent families.

Night nurses

A night nurse holds an RN or LPN license. Choose one if your baby came home from the NICU, was born early, or needs medication, oxygen or feeding-tube care. Rates are higher, and some agencies use "night nurse" loosely, so ask to see the license.

Postpartum doulas

A postpartum doula's focus is the birthing parent: physical recovery, feeding support, light meal prep, and someone to talk to. Most visit for a few hours during the day; some also offer overnights.

Side by side

Night nanny$35–55/hrFor: Sleep for parents, twins, routinesHours: Overnight, 8–12 hrsCredential: NCS certificate
Night nurse$50–90/hrFor: Preemies, NICU grads, medical needsHours: Overnight or 24-hrCredential: RN or LPN license
Postpartum doula$35–75/hrFor: Recovery, feeding, emotional supportHours: Daytime, 3–6 hrsCredential: Doula certification

How to choose

We just need to sleep.Night nanny
Our baby has medical needs.Night nurse
I need help recovering and feeding.Postpartum doula
We’re expecting twins.Night nanny + doula
Written byChris WyattFounder · Founder of findanannyonline.comChris founded findanannyonline.com to make finding childcare in the US simpler, more honest and free to search.Other guides by Chris →