What’s the difference between Doulas, Night Nannies, and Newborn Care Specialists?

Apr 8

Welcoming a newborn is an exciting yet exhausting experience, and many parents seek extra support to ease the transition. One of the most common questions I get when I describe my job is, “what is the difference between a doula, night nanny, and newborn care specialist (NCS, often referred to as “night nurses”). While all three provide valuable assistance, their roles, training, and expertise vary significantly. Whether you need emotional and physical recovery support, overnight help for better sleep, or expert guidance on newborn care and sleep training, choosing the right professional can make all the difference. In this blog, we’ll break down the key distinctions between these roles to help you find the best fit for your family's needs.

1. Overview of Roles & Responsibilities

Primary Focus

Doula: Emotional, physical, and informational support for parents

Night Nanny: Provides overnight newborn care so parents can rest

Newborn Care Specialist (NCS)Specializes in newborn care, sleep training, and developmental support

When They Help

Doula: During pregnancy, labor, and postpartum

Night Nanny: Primarily overnight for the first few months

Newborn Care Specialist (NCS)Both overnight and daytime

Duties

Doula: Emotional and physical support during birth & postpartum. Depending on the kind of doula, they can clean homes and prepare meals.

Night Nanny: Handling night wakings

Newborn Care Specialist (NCS): Parental education, breastfeeding guidance, recovery support, feeding support, monitor newborn health, managing night wakings

2. Training & Certifications

Formal Training

Doula: Yes, training in birth and/or postpartum care

Night Nanny: No formal training required; experience with babies is the main qualification (usually harder to find one with specifically newborn experience)

Newborn Care Specialist (NCS): Formal training in newborn care, often certified

Certifications

Doula: DONA, CAPPA, or ICEA (for birth/postpartum doulas)

Night Nanny: May have CPR/First Aid. No certifications, usually just experience with babies.

Newborn Care Specialist (NCS): No standardized certification. Usually certified by organizations.

Lactation training may be included. Sleep training and lactation support training possible

3. Cost & Duration of Service

Cost

Doula: Birth doulas: $1,00–$3,000 per birth. Depending on the package

Night Nanny: Roughly $25/hr

Newborn Care Specialist (NCS): $28-$55/hr

Keep in mind these are DFW estimated rates in 2025

Another thing to consider is how you are sourcing these services. If you are going through an agency, expect some extra fees.
Lots of these professionals have additional certifications that play a role in their rate.

4. Which One Should You Choose?

Choose a Doula if you need emotional and physical support during birth or postpartum recovery. They are great for helping with breastfeeding, postpartum adjustment, and emotional well-being.
Choose a Night Nanny if you primarily need overnight help so you can sleep while someone takes care of your baby.
Choose a Newborn Care Specialist (NCS) if you want expert guidance on all things newborn care, sleep training, feeding, and developmental milestones.
Note that there are usually Newborn Care Specialists (NCS) who are also Doulas, it just might depend on what kind (birth or postpartum)

Things to Consider:

1. What Kind of Support Do You Need?

Emotional & Recovery Support: A Postpartum Doula is best if you need help adjusting to parenthood, recovering from birth, or getting breastfeeding guidance.
Overnight Help to Get More Sleep: A Night Nanny is ideal if you mainly need someone to care for your baby overnight so you can rest.
Expert Help with Newborn Care & Sleep Training: A Newborn Care Specialist (NCS) is the best choice if you want structured guidance on feeding, sleeping, and developmental milestones.

2. When Do You Need Support?

Before, During, or Right After Birth? → A Doula can help during labor and postpartum.
First Few Weeks for Rest? → A Night Nanny will take over nighttime baby care.
Longer-Term Education & Sleep Support? → A Newborn Care Specialist offers expertise over a longer period.

3. Budget Considerations

More Affordable: Night Nannies tend to be the most budget-friendly.
Mid-Range: Postpartum Doulas offer flexible support but cost more than night nannies.
Higher Cost for Specialized Care: NCS tend to be the most expensive but offers expert newborn guidance.
Check your insurance benefits. Some insurance covers these services! Harmony can help navigate!

Concluding thoughts

Understanding the differences between night nannies, doulas, and newborn care specialists can help you make the best decision for your family's needs. Each professional brings unique skills—doulas focus on emotional and physical recovery, night nannies provide overnight relief so parents can rest, and newborn care specialists (NCS) offer expert guidance on sleep training, feeding, and newborn development. The right choice depends on your priorities, whether it’s recovering from childbirth, getting much-needed sleep, or ensuring your baby develops healthy habits from the start. No matter which option you choose, having extra support during the newborn stage can make the transition into parenthood smoother and more enjoyable. Reach out to Harmony to ease the burden of vetting and interviewing experts!

Harmony Baby Concierge is a full service Newborn Care + Postpartum Support Agency based in Dallas, Austin and Houston, Texas.. We have a well-rounded team of Newborn Care Specialists, Night Nurses, Postpartum Doulas, Newborn Night Nannies and Baby Nurses. We provide lactation support, newborn care, night nursing, gentle sleep training and parent education to families of newborns. We serve all families with love, warmth and care. Serving: Dallas, Austin, Houston, Highland Park, University Park, Kessler Park, Lake Highlands, Lakewood, Plano, Frisco, Celina, Prosper, Fort Worth, Southlake, Westlake, Irving, Preston Hollow, Park Cities, Grand Prairie, Carrollton, Houston, Manvel, Galveston, West University, Austin, Barton Creek, Round Rock, Houston, Denver, New York City, Greenwich CT, Manhattan, Brooklyn, Englewood Colorado, Cherry Hills Village CO, and Surrounding Areas.