Understanding Postpartum Support: Postpartum Doulas, Newborn Care Specialists, Night Nurses & Night Nannies

Welcoming a new baby is an extraordinary milestone—but it also comes with big changes, sleepless nights, and a steep learning curve for even the most prepared families. Many parents seek overnight or postpartum support to help ease the transition, but the terminology can feel overwhelming. What’s the difference between a postpartum doula, a newborn care specialist, a night nurse, and a night nanny? And which one is right for your family?

At Flower City Nannies, we work with families across Rochester, Buffalo, Syracuse, and The Finger Lakes Regions in all stages of early parenthood, and we’re here to help you understand the role and scope of each type of professional so you can choose the support that works best for your family.

Postpartum Doula

A postpartum doula focuses on nurturing and supporting the birthing parent and the entire household during the weeks and months following delivery. Their approach is holistic: they offer emotional encouragement, evidence-based information, newborn-care support, guidance with feeding, and gentle help around the home so parents can rest and heal. Some postpartum doulas also bring knowledge of postpartum recovery practices, community resources, and family wellness.

Typical Rates: Rates vary by region and experience, but many postpartum doulas fall in the $30–$50+ per hour range.

Newborn Care Specialist (NCS)

A Newborn Care Specialist is a professional trained specifically in newborn and infant care. Their expertise includes feeding routines, sleep shaping foundations, soothing techniques, overnight support, developmental guidance, and care for twins or premature babies. Many families hire an NCS to help establish rhythms and structure in the early months, giving parents rest and peace of mind. Unlike doulas, whose role also includes emotional and postpartum support for parents, an NCS is primarily focused on the baby’s care, comfort, and healthy development. Our founder, Elaina, is a trained Newborn Care Specialist, and is happy to answer any questions you may have about the support these incredible professionals provide to families.

Typical Rates: NCS rates generally range from $30–$50+ per hour, depending on experience, schedule, and travel.

Night Nurse

A night nurse—in the true sense of the term—is typically a registered nurse or a provider with a medical or clinical background who offers overnight newborn care. Parents who want additional reassurance or who are navigating unique medical considerations may choose this option. A night nurse is equipped to monitor newborn health concerns, support feeding and sleep, and communicate any issues that arise overnight.

Important note: In some regions, the term “night nurse” is used casually by caregivers who do not hold nursing credentials. Always confirm training and licensure to ensure you’re hiring the type of provider you expect.

Typical Rates: Rates vary widely, and are typically higher due to advanced training and medical expertise.

Night Nanny

A night nanny provides practical overnight assistance such as feeding support, bottle cleaning, diapering, and soothing the baby so parents can rest. Night nannies may or may not have specialized training; their skills and backgrounds vary. They follow the family’s established routines and preferences, and their main role is hands-on newborn care and household support related to the baby.

Typical Rates: Average rates fall around $25–$35+ per hour, depending on experience and location.

Which Provider Is Right for Your Family?

The best choice depends on your needs, comfort level, and the kind of support you hope to have in the early postpartum period. A postpartum doula is ideal for parents wanting wraparound support for the whole household; a Newborn Care Specialist is perfect for families seeking structured newborn expertise; a night nurse may be ideal for families who want medical reassurance; and a night nanny is a wonderful option for dependable overnight help and rest.

At Flower City Nannies, we believe that informed families make confident decisions—and we’re here to help you navigate every step of the journey. If you’d like support choosing the right postpartum professional or are ready to begin your search, our team is always happy to guide you.

You don’t have to navigate the newborn stage alone—let us help you build the support system your family deserves.