Welcoming a newborn into the family is joyful and exciting—but it also brings sleepless nights. Many new parents find themselves running on empty, struggling to balance the demands of caring for a baby with their own need for rest. That’s where night doulas come in. Also known as overnight postpartum doulas or night nannies, these trained professionals provide support through the night so parents can get the sleep they desperately need.
A night doula is a caregiver trained in infant care and postpartum support who stays with your family overnight. Their main role is to tend to the baby’s needs—feeding, burping, diaper changes, soothing, and monitoring—while parents rest. Some night doulas are also lactation consultants or trained in newborn sleep education, offering additional guidance to help families establish healthy routines.
More Rest for Parents
The most obvious benefit: uninterrupted sleep. Instead of waking up multiple times a night, parents can rely on a night doula to handle feedings (or bring the baby to the parent if breastfeeding), giving them longer stretches of rest.
Reduced Stress and Anxiety
Knowing a trained professional is caring for the baby can ease the worries many new parents feel. This peace of mind helps them relax enough to fall asleep more easily.
Support for Breastfeeding and Bottle Feeding
Night doulas can help with latching, positioning, or preparing bottles safely. They also track feeding times and amounts, which can be especially reassuring in the first weeks when every ounce matters.
Help with Infant Soothing
Crying in the middle of the night can leave parents exhausted and frustrated. Night doulas are skilled in soothing techniques—rocking, swaddling, and calming strategies—that not only settle the baby but also teach parents new methods for the daytime.
Smoother Recovery for Mothers
For mothers recovering from birth, whether vaginal or cesarean, uninterrupted rest supports healing. Night doulas provide essential relief during a period when physical recovery and emotional adjustment are already demanding.
Healthier Sleep Routines for the Whole Family
By guiding parents on infant sleep patterns, night doulas can help babies transition into longer stretches of sleep sooner, improving rest for everyone in the household.
Hiring a night doula can be especially helpful for:
Parents with multiples (twins, triplets)
Families without nearby relatives for support
Mothers recovering from a difficult birth
Parents returning to work soon after delivery
Anyone who values extra rest and hands-on newborn guidance
The saying “sleep when the baby sleeps” is easier said than done. With a night doula, parents don’t have to sacrifice their health and well-being during the newborn stage. By offering expert overnight care, night doulas help families get the rest they need to thrive—turning exhausting nights into a more peaceful, restorative experience.
If you or someone you know struggles with sleep, please click the orange button below to take a free online sleep test and talk with one of our sleep health professionals.