Choosing The Right Support: Postpartum Doula, Nanny or Newborn Care Specialist?

Deciding on the type of care you need depends on your needs and the type of support you're looking for. Each are trained and highly trained certified professionals. They come in as, knowledgeable and resourceful team players, understanding when to step back and comply with parents’ reasonable child-rearing preferences. Below is a brief composite of each job description

If you seek support from the moment of your birthing experience (to include your stay in the hospital) a Postpartum Doula provide expert guidance and emotional support during this transformative period, empowering new parents with essential information on infant feeding (both bottle and breast) and teach effective information on newborn feeding and sleeping. Postpartum Doula's also assist with light household tasks and help preparing nourishing meals.

A Nanny's role is primarily focused on childcare and relevant household duties related to your children. Nannies often take on responsibilities such as feeding, bathing, and engaging children in educational age appropriate activities and assisting children with developing healthy habits and life skills in a structured positive manner. Nannies can prepare and serve light meals, handling light housekeeping duties. Nannies can provide long-term care as your child grows, some nannies have flexible schedules for night and weekend care as well as travel with families.

A Newborn Care Specialist (NCS) is a trained professional who specializes in the care of infants from birth to three months of age. With comprehensive expertise in areas such as newborn development, feeding, scheduling, sleep routines, swaddling techniques, and safety practices, an NCS supports parents through a smooth transition into parenthood. An NCS will typically work overnight or work 24/7, for up to 3-4 months, and will usually take on full care of your newborn overnight so parents can rest.

Choosing the right support system for your family comes with its fair share of decisions. Knowing the differences in the type of support available can help to make choosing a little less complicated!