The Benefits Of Overnight Help For Parents Of Newborns

Sleep deprivation is probably one of the most talked about issues when it comes to thinking about having a new baby. There are thousands of memes online, and all over the media you can find countless hilarious examples of parents turning into zombies, washing bottles in the middle of the night and falling asleep mid-diaper change. While getting good rest and figuring out a newborn’s needs can be really tricky in the early days of new parenthood, I wish the media portrayed some of the really helpful services and professionals who can help make this transition feel a little easier and less zombie-like. 

 

 

For some, it’s asking your sister or favorite aunt to come help you manage feedings, changing, bottle washing and anything else during the overnight hours. We love when new moms have family and friends who are willing to help and are available, but it’s 2024, and most people have jobs that they can’t take time off from, or perform well without getting a good night of sleep. That’s where hiring a professional comes into play. 

 

 

An overnight postpartum doula is a trained professional who offers support to new parents during the nighttime hours. They help with newborn care, breastfeeding support, emotional support and more. An overnight postpartum doula takes care of anything the new family needs help with. It might be focused on the baby or, the care might be focused on the new mom (ie– making her a sandwich at 2 a.m. while she’s nursing her baby).

 

 

A night nanny is a childcare professional who specializes in caring for newborns during the night. Their training includes: infant care, CPR, and basic first aid. They help with feeding, diapering and creating gentle sleep patterns for the baby which in turn, help the rest of the family get better sleep. A night nanny is more focused on the baby’s well-being and needs, so that the mom can spend her energy on healing.

 

 

Similar to a night nanny, a baby nurse specializes in caring for newborns. The main difference between a baby nurse and a night nanny is that typically their background is in healthcare of some sort, so their training may be a bit more robust. Baby nurses provide comprehensive care for the newborn, including feeding, changing, bathing and monitoring the baby’s health and development. Baby nurses are also qualified to administer medication or manage special health conditions. They are a great resource to help parents transition into parenthood while providing peace of mind that their baby is well cared for and that they have an in-home professional to address questions and concerns.

 

 

The most obvious benefit is improved sleep for the parents. Sleep deprivation can lead to a host of problems and difficulties from irritability to cognitive dysfunction. Having a professional take care of the baby during the night means parents get more uninterrupted, quality hours of sleep, which is crucial for the overall health and well-being of the entire family. Getting extra hours of sleep is especially helpful if one (or both) parent needs to return to work, and if there are other children or pets in the home that need care and attention during the day.

 

 

Even when there’s not a newborn in the mix, mental health and sleep are closely linked. When there’s a new baby to care for, an influx of hormones, physical healing and so many changes– the effects of sleepless nights can increase tenfold. Knowing that a trained professional is caring for their baby during the night can significantly reduce parents' stress and anxiety levels. This peace of mind allows them to relax and focus on their own recovery and well-being, knowing their baby is in capable hands. (To learn more about mental health resources, check out this blog post)

 

 

Even if new parents aren’t getting sleep, they’ll likely do a great job of bonding with their baby– but getting consistent, good sleep can make it easier to feel more present and energized throughout the day in order to bond with your baby. When your main feeling is overwhelming exhaustion, it can be a challenge to engage and find joy in the early, slow and mundane moments of new parenthood. Overnight support makes it possible for you to get the rest you need at night to connect more during the day.

 

 

Overnight help can be a major benefit to moms who choose to breastfeed. In the early weeks postpartum while you and your baby are still figuring out how to breastfeed, and doing so every couple of hours– having an extra person who can provide knowledge and support can be a game changer. Whether it’s an overnight doula, night nanny, or a baby nurse, having hands-on support means you have someone to help you with the logistics of breastfeeding. It might look like them bringing your baby to you in the middle of the night and then letting you go back to sleep while they burp and change the baby and settle them back to sleep. It also might look like having your postpartum doula make you a snack and sit up with you for emotional support at midnight while you nurse and burp your baby. Overnight support is meant to be as flexible as you need it to be and to help you where you need it so you can reach your breastfeeding goals.

 

 

With overnight help, you won’t have to spend your late night hours Googling whether or not things are “normal”. You will have a trained professional in your home who understands you, your lifestyle, and your baby—they will be able to give you specific advice tailored to your questions and needs. Whether you need help with a sleep routine, want advice on giving a bath, or anything else, having an overnight professional can help you care for your baby the way you want to, helping you feel more confident and at ease.

 

 

For parents of multiples, the challenges are even greater. Overnight help can be especially beneficial in these situations, providing the extra hands needed to manage the care of more than one baby during the night. This support ensures that all babies receive the attention they need while parents get the rest they need to care for themselves and their family.

 

 

Depending on who you hire, some overnight professionals will help with basic household tasks. How nice would it be to go to bed with your newborn and wake up to all of your laundry folded or all of your bottles washed? Hiring overnight help to aid in the care of your baby and your home will help you recover, rest and connect in a deep way with yourself and your new baby. Not having to worry about household chores means more time snuggling your baby.

 

 

Whether you hire an overnight postpartum doula, a night nanny, or a baby nurse, you’re doing yourself a big favor. The benefits of having extra help, a trained professional, and someone to help you feel confident in your innate skills as a new parent will last long past those first few weeks postpartum. From improved sleep and mental health to better bonding with your baby, the support of a trained professional can make the transition into parenthood more manageable and even enjoyable.

 

Our registry guide is full of overnight professionals who are ready to help you! Add them to your registry so your family and friends can give you the gift of sleep, confidence and peace of mind!