I’ve been a certified DONA postpartum doula for more than 25 years. This is a question I always receive from expecting parents. It’s a question I wish I knew to ask when I was pregnant: “What is the difference between Baby nurse and doula?”
From my experience as a mother, it was not hard to be drawn to doula work to help make the transition for other parents smoother and help them feel supported as they learn.
Some details about the different jobs: Let’s start with the philosophical differences and training between a doula and a baby nurse. A certified “Postpartum Doula” came about to support breastfeeding and the transition to parenthood. So, all certified postpartum doulas have the training to help families that want to breastfeed, unlike the baby nurse, which is not her job or her training (naturally, doulas are also supportive and great with helpful tips on bottle-feeding or pumping).
My agency’s postpartum doulas are supportive, non-judgmental, and knowledgeable professionals helping families find their voice and style of caring for their babies.
Parenthood is a significant life transition, and postpartum doulas are trained to notice if the adjustment period is more overwhelming than usual and be available to listen with an open heart and knowledgeable ear. We can address concerns and know all the community referrals for mental health resources or parent support groups.
The doula is different because we are there to promote the parent’s bonding with their baby, learning how to understand their baby’s cues for feeding and sleeping; this is done with the doula’s guidance through her knowledge and training in the developmental newborn milestones of newborns.
Doulas are there to address the whole family’s needs, so our role is one of mentors, assistants, teachers, and nurturers to help with the siblings and family transition. That is not the responsibility or job of a baby nurse, and this makes the difference when you’re feeling vulnerable and recovering from the birth and learning about your baby.
Doulas differ significantly from baby nurses as they are not there solely to tend to the baby’s needs but to support, encourage, and teach a family how to care for their newborn (yes, we adore babies and will care for your baby while you shower, take a nap or during the overnight shifts).
A postpartum doula is a quiet, practical, non-judgmental presence in your home, someone not there to take over physically, leaving parents empty-handed, longing to care for and understand their baby. A baby nurse’s job and role is to take care of the baby’s needs exclusively, and we care for the whole family.
A doula takes care of you so you can care for your baby!
Doula Care Postpartum doulas know how to care for parents, helping them learn to trust their instincts and teaching them how to independently meet their baby’s needs.
Postpartum Doulas have a saying, “We want to work our way out of a job.” That means our job as a doula has been done well with a family when we are not needed, and you’re feeling reassured as new parents and built up your confidence able to care for your own baby.
We understand new parenthood as experienced, seasoned parents and professionals ourselves.
Breastfeeding involves two people: the parent who gave birth and the baby.*
