​What’s the Difference between a Postpartum Doula and a Baby Nurse or Night Nurse???

If you Google this question you will come across a number of articles… I’m going to break it down into four major differences to give you a better understanding of what I do as a postpartum doula!
 
Role:  
 
Bringing a new baby home can be overwhelming! As your postpartum doula, I will support your entire family in your home in whatever capacity is most needed. I can answer questions on newborn care, help with the first bath, answer questions on feeding your baby, assist you in wearing your infant in a newborn carrier, take care of your infant while you nap or shower, prepare meals, run errands for you or with you, and perform some light housekeeping such as laundry and cleaning baby bottles.... plus so much more! 
 
Even if you have TONS of family support, doula support is incredibly valuable.  Both you and your partner will receive evidence based education (if you want it) and non-judgmental support, which will allow you to gain confidence in your new roles!  I’d like to take a minute to point out that I do a lot of listening.  I recently worked with a family facing some pretty intense breast-feeding struggles… there were nights of crying, phone calls of desperation, and also moments of shear joy.  Sometimes all you need is someone to listen.  As this family’s postpartum doula I also scheduled a late night visit with an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC).  I spoke with the family about options, relayed that info to the consultant, and ultimately scheduled this visit, which proved to be a total game changer for the family. 
 
As for overnight support, I can be the sole caretaker of your baby overnight, or, if the birth mother is breastfeeding, I can stay in a separate room with your baby and bring your baby to you when he/she needs to nurse.  Then I will burp, diaper, soothe, etc. your baby so that you can get right back to sleep!
 
Now what is the role of a baby nurse?  A baby nurse’s focus is on your newborn, not on you, your partner, or other siblings.  She may be a wonderful individual and have the best of intentions – fabulous with your baby – but she will not personally call up an IBCLC and get you a last minute appointment, nor will she be available by phone for your questions. 
 
Who actually comes to your house?: 
 
If you hire me, then you will see me at your doorstep.  Most baby nurses are a part of large agencies and you often will not know ahead of time who your baby nurse will be. 
 
Schedule:  
 
I have worked with families for as little as two weeks and as long as four months.  For some families I have only provided support during the day, others only nights, and others a combo of the two!  My number of contracted hours has varied a great deal as well.  Some families need support every day and some only one day a week.  The bottom line is that I offer extreme flexibility as a postpartum doula! 
 
A baby nurse requires a set schedule.  Furthermore, if you are hiring a baby nurse for overnight support, she will require a set schedule that doesn’t change from week to week.  I, on the other hand, may be there the night before a busy day and then return later in the week to accompany you during your little angel’s pediatrician appointment. 
 
Cost:
 
My services cost more than that of a baby nurse.  Why?  By offering you such a flexible schedule I am limited in the number of families I can work with.  Furthermore, I am available by phone and email throughout the day and even night for last minute questions and those moments where you just need reassurance that you are an amazing parent!
 
So what’s the take home?  Well of course I want you to hire me as your postpartum doula.  I am flexible, compassionate, a good listener, and resourceful.  I have also recently added a package to my services that includes just overnight support at a slightly reduced rate.
 
Hopefully I’ve given you enough information to make the best choice for you, your baby, and your family.  All the best with your new little one!

Click here to get more information on the postpartum support services I offer!