Difference between Postpartum Doula & Baby Nurse

What is the difference between a Baby Nurse and a Postpartum Doula?  A Baby Nurse cares for your baby while a Postpartum Doula cares for your whole family.

A Baby Nurse is a "non-clinical newborn care specialist with extensive hands-on baby infant experience." A Baby Nurse will change diapers, feed your baby or bring baby to you for feedings, organize your nursery, bathe and care for your baby.  A Baby Nurse will also do the baby's laundry. 

A Postpartum Doula cares for the whole family.  (The mother is the primary focus because that is the best way to insure baby's optimal health and development.)  A Postpartum Doula does all the baby care things a Baby Nurse does...And, she'll do YOUR laundry, make meals for your whole family, spend time with your other children, do your dishes, help you heal more quickly and be a source of positive support.  Whether you are a first time parent, recovering from birth trauma, facing feeding challenges, or just wanting an objective third party to help without emotional politicking every parenting choice you're making, a Postpartum Doula will help.  

The Postpartum Doula strives to help you master baby care with confidence, rather than taking it over for you.  However, she'll also care for your baby so you can rest, nap, shower, or have a break.  Most Postpartum Doulas do not stay alone with your baby.  If this is an important factor for you, be sure to ask ahead of time!  

Baby Nurses and Postpartum Doulas are both fields without consistent regulation.  It is important to ask about individual training, experience and CPR certification.  

Have questions?  Please ask!  Feel free to comment with your Postpartum Doula or Baby Nurse experience.