New parents face the challenge of caring for their newborn around the clock, which can lead to

exhaustion, tension, and an increased risk of postpartum mental health conditions. A night
nanny or doula can provide relief by caring for the baby at night while parents rest. However, not
everyone can afford this service, and some may feel pressure to do everything themselves,
even if it is not practical or sustainable.

Jackie S. is a 39-year-old mother of two from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida who was struggling when
her second baby had colic and cried all the time. Her first child had already caused her to lose a
lot of sleep in the past year, and this time her husband didn't even get time off work. Although
her husband suggested hiring overnight help, Jackie had concerns about it. She already had
daytime help and felt like asking for more help was either selfish or a sign that she was failing.
She preferred to settle her child herself or have them settled in her arms overnight rather than
leaving them with a stranger.

She had several reservations about hiring a night nanny: potential interference with bonding, a
nanny who would not meet the baby's needs, and even concerns about the nanny being
untrustworthy. She also questioned if it would be helpful since she would still have to wake up to
breastfeed and finding the right fit would be challenging. However, it is important to prioritize
what is best for one's family, recovery, and mental health over societal expectations of
parenting. Here are some things to consider when considering hiring nighttime help for better
sleep.

What are the duties of doulas and night nannies?

Jackie had similar worries to other parents who consider hiring a night nanny or doula, but her
concerns faded away after she spoke to the doula she ultimately hired. The doula listened to her
and provided emotional support, which made Jackie feel more at ease. She would talk to the
doula about her day and how she was feeling about being a parent. The doula would offer
guidance and solutions when needed, which helped Jackie through a difficult time.

What distinguishes a doula from a night nanny?

A doula is a specially trained caregiver who provides support not only for the baby but also for
the parent. Their responsibilities may include:

● Assistance with lactation and guidance

● Consultations and referrals for postpartum mood and mental health
● Support for postpartum physical recovery
● Soothing for infants
● Resources and advice for infant feeding
● Support for infant's physical and emotional recovery from birth
● Care for newborns
● Help with coping skills for siblings and other family members
Jada Shapiro, the founder of Boober, explains that postpartum doulas offer more extensive
services than nannies, as they are more involved with the family. However, some people might
only require a night nanny for basic nighttime tasks like feeding and changing.

What are the advantages of employing a night nanny or

doula?
Sleep deprivation is a common challenge for new parents, and it can cause arguments with their
partners. Hiring nighttime support can help new parents get more rest, which can result in better
physical and mental health. It also allows both parents to adjust to a new routine and establish
expectations, such as who will get up with the baby during the night. Even just a few days of
nighttime help can help parents catch up on sleep and better understand their baby's needs.

Skaggs suggests that in today's society where new parents are usually isolated from extended
family or community, a night nanny can play a crucial role in caring for the entire family during
the early stages.

Moreover, some other benefits of hiring a night nanny could be:

● Decreases in postpartum mental health issues — in fact, a 2018 study suggests fatigue
is almost indistinguishable from depression, calling them “separate but related
experiences.” Another study shows that if sleep issues weren’t improved by 7 months
postpartum, higher depressive symptoms were reported..
● A birthing parent obtaining enough physical rest helps them recover from the physical
changes of birth and postpartum weeks.
● Improved relationship adaptation due to less bickering from sleep deprivation

Can a night nanny or doula satisfy my family's particular

needs?
Not all night nannies are trained to handle certain situations like caring for multiples, babies with
medical concerns, or other challenges. It is important to interview potential nannies or doulas
and ask for references from families who have used their services in similar situations.
Doulas typically have more formal training than nannies, so it's especially important to look for
doulas with experience in these cases. Examples of these situations include:

● Night nannies may not always be trained to handle unique situations.

● It's important to interview nannies or doulas to assess their experience in these
circumstances.
● Doulas usually have more formal training than nannies and may be more suitable for
such cases.
 ● Some of the special cases that may require additional experience include twins, triplets,
babies with special needs, preemies transitioning home from NICU, and parents with
physical disabilities.
●
What to consider and when to start looking for a night nanny
or doula
Night nannies and doulas can be in high demand, so it's best to start looking early, especially if
you're due in the summer or around the holidays. Even if it's close to your due date, you can still
find available doulas or nannies with some extra searching. To find the right one for you, ask
them questions about their experience and training, and consider looking for those with
certification or background checks.

Can I afford to hire a night nanny or a doula?

Many families assume they can't afford a night nanny or doula, but it may be possible, even if
it's only for a few nights or part of the night. Prices vary based on factors like qualifications and
location, but doulas typically charge between $15-$80 per hour. Most overnight doulas work a
minimum of 7-8 hours per night, with the average being 10 hours. Shapiro suggests that gifting
money towards doula costs can be a great baby shower idea.

Night nannies are usually less expensive than doulas, but it's important to ask about services
and minimum hours required. If you can't afford paid help, look for free or volunteer doula
services in your area, like the Northeast Ohio Doula Collective, which helps families reduce
health risks.

A Final Statement from Sleepopolis

As a new parent, it can be challenging to know what to believe. Jackie suggests following your
instincts and sticking to the childcare approaches that feel right to you. For her, this meant using
a night doula to help with postpartum recovery. Even though she didn't have full-time care,
having some overnight help every once in a while made life more manageable since she hadn't
slept well for almost three years between her first and second child.