Night nurse vs postpartum doula
Different training,
different nights.
Both can help you through the newborn weeks. They train differently, focus on different things overnight, and only one of them holds a nursing license. Here is how to tell which one fits your family.
The short answer
A night nurse is a registered nurse (RN) or licensed practical nurse (LPN) who cares for your newborn overnight so you can sleep. A postpartum doula is a trained, non-medical support person whose focus is you and your baby together: your recovery, your feeding goals and your confidence. Doulas are not nurses.
Who a night nurse is
A night nurse has finished nursing school, passed the national licensing exam, and holds an active RN or LPN license in your state. You can look that license up yourself, and we check it before you ever see their profile. Many night nurses have worked in postpartum, labor and delivery, NICU or pediatric units. At your house, they are not there to give medical treatment. They bring a trained eye to ordinary newborn nights.
Who a postpartum doula is
A postpartum doula has completed doula training, often through an organization such as DONA International or CAPPA, and may hold a certification from one. The training covers newborn care basics, feeding support, the parent's recovery after birth, and when to refer you to a professional. Some states now register or certify doulas, often so Medicaid can cover their services. None of these is a nursing license.
What each one does overnight
Side by side.
| LicensedNight nurse (RN or LPN) | Not licensedPostpartum doula | |
|---|---|---|
| State license | Yes, an RN or LPN license you can look up | No. Doula training, often with a certification |
| Can be called a nurse | Yes | Never |
| Main focus overnight | Your baby: feeds, settling, diapers and safe sleep, so you can sleep | You and your baby: rest, recovery and feeding support, with baby care in between |
| Feeding | Gives bottles, or brings the baby to you to nurse and then takes over | Often supports breastfeeding, pumping and bottles, and helps you build confidence |
| Around the house | Bottles, pump parts and the baby's laundry | Often light household help, such as a simple meal or tidying |
| In the morning | A written log of feeds, sleep and diapers | Varies. Many talk the night through with you |
| Typical shift | Overnight, often 8 to 10 hours | Daytime visits are common, and some work overnight |
Every caregiver works a little differently. Agree on what the night includes before the first shift.
What each one costs
Night nurses set their own rates, commonly $45 to $85 or more an hour depending on city and experience. Postpartum doula rates are often cited somewhere around $30 to $60 or more an hour, and some doulas sell packages of hours instead. Both vary widely by city, experience and whether the shift is overnight, so treat any range you read online, including ours, as a starting point.
What you pay us
Browsing is free, and you see each caregiver's hourly rate before you pay anything. A $250 deposit unlocks up to three caregivers and starts their vetting. If you hire a licensed night nurse, our flat placement fee is $1,500, with your deposit credited. You pay your caregiver directly, and they keep their whole rate.
How to choose
Start with what you need most.
A night nurse may fit if
- Your main goal is sleep, several nights a week.
- You would feel calmer with a licensed nurse watching your baby overnight.
- You are bottle feeding, pumping or combining, and want the night feeds handled.
- You are expecting twins or more.
A postpartum doula may fit if
- You want support for your own recovery and how you are feeling.
- You want hands-on help learning to feed and care for your baby yourself.
- You mostly want help during the day.
- You would like someone to help around the house while you rest.
You do not have to pick only one. Some families have a doula during the day in the first weeks and a night nurse for sleep. If feeding is hard, a lactation consultant can help with that specifically.
Neither a night nurse nor a doula replaces your care team. If you are worried about your own bleeding, pain, fever or mood after birth, call your doctor or midwife. If you are worried about your baby, call your baby's doctor. For support with how you are feeling, you can call or text the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-852-6262. In an emergency, call 911.
Questions families ask
Is a postpartum doula a nurse?
No. A postpartum doula has doula training, not a nursing license, so they are never called a nurse. Some nurses also train as doulas. In that case it is the RN or LPN license that makes them a nurse, not the doula training.
Can a postpartum doula work overnight?
Yes. Many postpartum doulas offer overnight shifts, and their nights can look a lot like a night nurse's. The difference is the training behind them and the license.
Is a night nurse more expensive than a postpartum doula?
Often, but not always. The ranges overlap, and both vary widely by city and experience. Ask each caregiver for their rate and compare the people, not just the titles.
Does a night nurse give medical care?
No. A night nurse provides overnight newborn care, not medical treatment, and does not replace your pediatrician. For medical questions, call your baby's doctor.
Find a licensed night nurse.
Browse RNs and LPNs near you for free, with their rates.
Rather not browse? Send a free request and our nurse picks for you, or get a call from a nurse.