Postpartum Doula or Nanny?
While both postpartum doulas and nannies support families with newborns, they differ significantly in focus, training, and added value. Here are a few of the added-value services provided by a postpartum doula compared to a nanny:
General differences between a Postpartum Doula and a Nanny
Main Focus: Support the whole family’s transition after birth (emotional, physical, practical) Vs Provide childcare, often with a focus on routine and supervision
Specialized Training: Trained in postpartum recovery, breastfeeding/lactation, infant soothing, and maternal mental health Vs May have childcare experience or early childhood education, but not necessarily postpartum or maternal health expertise
Emotional Support: Offers emotional support to the birthing parent (e.g. baby blues, trauma, identity transition) Vs Generally not trained in emotional or psychological support
Breastfeeding & Feeding Support: Supports breastfeeding, pumping, and bottle feeding techniques; may spot early lactation issues Vs May feed bottles or prep meals, but typically not trained in feeding challenges or lactation
Maternal Recovery Support: Assists with physical recovery from childbirth (e.g. cesarean care, pelvic rest support, hydration) Vs Not trained to support maternal physical recovery
Infant Education: Teaches infant care to parents (e.g. diapering, sleep cues, swaddling, bathing) Vs Focus is usually on doing the care, not teaching or empowering parents
Household Tasks: Light duties related to newborn and recovery: laundry, meal prep, tidying, sibling support Vs May include general house help depending on the role, but not recovery-focused
Parent Empowerment: Helps build confidence and skills in new parents (nonjudgmental support, evidence-based answers) Vs Less likely to take an educational or empowerment role
Short-Term & Transitional Role: Typically hired for first 6–12 weeks postpartum, with the goal of helping parents gain independence Vs Often long-term childcare, ongoing presence in family life
Mental Health Awareness: Trained to recognize signs of postpartum depression and anxiety, and refer appropriately Vs Typically not trained in recognizing or addressing maternal mental health issues
In summary, a postpartum doula is a short-term, holistic support professional who helps the entire family, particularly the birthing person, recover and transition into life with a new baby, whereas a nanny is a childcare provider, usually hired long-term, focused on the baby or children’s direct care rather than maternal health or emotional support.
