Baby Nurse vs. Postpartum Doula

 Baby Nurse vs. Postpartum Doula


A question we get all the time... " What is the difference between a baby nurse and postpartum doula? I noticed in the Philadelphia area there a few different options for help after having a baby."


I thought I would answer this question today!

A baby nurse(also called a newborn care specialist, NCS) is a non-medically trained person, who is hired by the family to care for the needs of the newborn after birth. They feed baby, bathe baby, change diapers, do the baby's laundry and care for the baby's room.Often they do overnights or live with the family.

A postpartum doula is hired to care for the entire family and is specifically trained in being able to attend to the needs of the mother, as well as the baby, nurturing the the entire family and helping them through the transition their bodies are going through as well as the needs of a new baby. They focus on educating and encouraging as well as the more practical side of things. They encourage the mother, providing emotional support which enables her to more easily care for her baby. They are trained in breastfeeding support, pumping and bottle feeding.They help create a relaxing atmosphere by making delicious meals and tending to light house work including both the baby and entire family's home. They also do overnights or live with the family, as well as work day time hours.