Doula? Baby Nurse? How Do I Choose?

What’s the difference between a Baby Nurse and a Postpartum Doula? If you’re considering professional help for your family, how do you choose? Let’s compare the two so you can better understand the type of help each professional can provide: Baby Nurse: this is someone who has been trained in newborn care and primarily takes care of the baby. Their knowledge base usually includes sleep, feeding, diapering, bathing, comfort, infant CPR, etc. Nurses often move in with a family and can provide round-the-clock care for the first week or two postpartum. Some nurses have other specialized training in multiple care and lactation counseling. Doula: this provider comes with a similar skill set as a baby nurse but is trained with a slightly different approach: “to mother the mother so that she can mother her baby.”  Traditionally, postpartum doulas worked during daytime hours, helping a mom build her confidence as she learned to care for her little one. Nowadays, many doulas offer overnight services as well. Doulas are also trained to help with sibling care, prep meals, ensure a mother is staying hydrated, is adequately fed and getting enough rest. There is a lot of cross-over between the two, so it’s best to keep the following in mind when making a decision about who will best meet your preferences: Make sure to check references. Some nurses and doulas are self-employed; others are affiliated with agencies. Anyone you interview should agree to a background check. Ask a...
Source: Cord Blood News - Category: Perinatology & Neonatology Authors: Tags: babies Education parents pregnancy baby nurse doula postpartum Source Type: blogs