What is the Difference Between a Nanny, Baby Nurse, Babysitter, Postpartum Doula?
What is the difference between a nanny, baby nurse, babysitter and a postpartum doula?
Nanny: Usually hired to stay or live with a family for a long-term period of time to take care of babies or small children. Occasionally, a nanny will also help with household duties. Nannies work daytime and overnight shifts and stay with a family for 6 months up to a few years. Parents that have to go back to work full-time often use the services of a nanny.
Baby Nurse: In some parts of the country, a baby nurse must be a registered/certified nurse and in other parts of the country, this is not a requirement. Either way, a baby nurse is usually a trained and experienced newborn care specialist who is hired specifically to help with care of newborn babies and infants for a limited amount of time. A baby nurse that is an RN has medical training and expertise.
Babysitter: A babysitter is hired for a temporary or short amount of time to take care of babies or children while parents are unavailable. They usually do not have any formal training, but may be certified in CPR.
Postpartum Doula: A postpartum doula is trained, certified and experienced in caring for the whole family after the arrival of a new baby. Her primary role is to support the new parents in whatever capacity they need. She is there to make their lives easier. She is not only an expert at caring for newborns in every way including: feeding, sleep, soothing, bathing, diapering and more – but she is also an expert at caring for new parents. She can recognize the signs and symptoms of postpartum mood and anxiety conditions and provide emotional support and encouragement when it is needed most. Additional duties may include: overnight newborn care, babysitting, household management, light housekeeping, sibling care, breastfeeding support and running errands. She adjusts to the needs of the family and her focus is on the well-being of the parents. Families usually hire a postpartum doula when they want more than just infant care, they want guidance and compassionate support from an expert.
At Buddha Belly Doulas, we are happy to offer the services of our fantastic postpartum doulas who are highly trained with years of experience in caring for new families. Each of our postpartum doulas are CPR certified, background checked and are many are also certified lactation counsellors.
You may also be interested in this post: Bethenny’s Baby Nurse
Christie Rinder is the founder of Buddha Belly Doulas, Tampa Bay's original and largest doula agency. Supporting families since 2009, she's passionate about ensuring every family has the support they need during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. She believes in helping women recognize their own inner wisdom, strength and power.
Having served as President of the Tampa Bay Birth Network for six years and 17 years serving families as a doula and agency owner, she has a reputation for leadership, dedication and compassion. A childbirth educator, certified lactation counselor as well as a certified doula, she makes a point of ensuring mothers and their partners understand all their birthing options and what to expect on their journey. > learn more about Christie
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