The postpartum period is such a tender and magical time, but it also comes with unique challenges. The rush of joy, love, worry and exhaustion can be quite overwhelming.
New parents may wonder what options they have for support, and the reality is that there are more than a few. Depending on your family’s needs and goals, the following is a brief breakdown of choices.
Night nanny
A night nanny provides basic overnight care and works under the direction of parents’ specific plan for their newborn. Night nannies assist in feeding, changing diapers and helping the baby settle to sleep.
Postpartum doula
A postpartum doula primarily supports Mom in her recovery. Roles may vary as some doulas also will cook and do light cleaning, in addition to tending to the baby so Mom can rest or shower.
Postpartum doulas typically work days, but many also support parents at night with the baby and other duties.
Newborn care specialist
Newborn care specialists are skilled providers whose main focus is newborns. A trained or seasoned NCS should be well-versed in gentle sleep conditioning, and all things newborn-related.
The NCS should be able to recognize common newborn issues and educate parents to understand and troubleshoot issues as they arise.
These specialists work in a variety of ways, including overnights and 24/7 live-in support.
Hybrid specialists
Many NCS’s are also trained postpartum doulas who offer the best of both worlds, depending on new parents’ needs. These professionals may have additional areas of focus such as lactation, baby-wearing, meal services, sleep consulting and travel support.
If you’re unsure where to start, consider booking a discovery call with a professional to find someone with whom you feel completely comfortable and whose methods and practices align with your goals for support in your postpartum journey.
Editor’s note: Newborn care specialist Marisa Rodriguez is founder and CEO of Scottsdale-based Luxe Baby Custom Newborn Care. Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at AzOpinions@iniusa.org.
