Postpartum Doula or Night Nanny - What's the Difference?
Does it matter whether you choose an overnight postpartum doula or a night nanny for your newborn? Absolutely it does!!! You may have heard people use these terms interchangeably but these roles are NOT the same. We’re here to break down the big differences between hiring an overnight postpartum doula or a night nanny to care for your precious baby.
TRAINING & CERTIFICATION
Difference number one comes down to training and certification. A postpartum doula is someone that has gone through an official training and certification to learn the skills and education necessary for their role. A reputable training organization (such as ProDoula) will have Standards of Professionalism and a Code of Conduct for all of its doulas to adhere to. It will have policies in place to assure that its members provide the highest level of care for their industry. And most importantly it will train doulas on the most up to date guidelines and evidence based information so you can know your doula is not relying on outdated guidance or education when caring for your baby.
A night nanny on the other hand does not have any of these requirements or standards. There is no formal training to become a night nanny - it’s a role that people fill because they enjoy caring for babies. And while some night nannies may have years of experience, they are not bound by a higher organizations standards or guidelines. Nor is there any training to ensure they are following the most up to date information and practices.
WHOLE FAMILY CARE
Another major difference between a postpartum doula and a night nanny is that the doula has been trained to provide whole family care. This means that your postpartum doula is committed to more than just caring for your baby at night, the doula is committed to YOU. A postpartum doula is also there to check in and care for the new parents’ physical and emotional well being. If you have questions about breastfeeding or other infant feeding options, your doula has the knowledge and skills to assist you. If you’re uncertain about what is happening with your postpartum physical recovery, your doula can answer those questions and determine what is healthy or needs outside assistance. If you’re overwhelmed or uncertain, your doula knows how to actively listen to you, normalize and validate your concerns, and provide the type of emotional and mental support that is unique to doula care.
The night nanny is hired solely to care for and focus on the new baby.
NONJUDGMENTAL SUPPORT
One of the final major differences that cannot be overlooked is the ability to provide nonjudgmental support and connect and attune with each individual family. This is a skill unique to postpartum doula care. Our job is not to tell you what to do or make decisions about how to care for your baby. Our job is to listen and understand your needs and help you decide what is best for your family. The postpartum period is a vulnerable time and our doula training instills in us the importance of true nonjudgmental support for our clients. Doulas are a safe space and are there to help you process this giant life transition with grace and understanding and support.
This is not the role of the nanny. And because the night nanny receives no formal training for this job, this is a skill that is often entirely overlooked when it comes to nanny/family interactions.
The postpartum period is a delicate and special time. And it can be made even more vulnerable by inviting a new person into your space during this time. You deserve to have the support of someone specially trained for this role, committed to both YOU and your baby, and there to be your person through the ups and downs of the early newborn period. You deserve a postpartum doula.