Welcoming a newborn into the family is a time like no other. It’s joyous and exciting but also challenging and nerve-wracking. Just like that, life changes and suddenly you’re responsible for the care of a tiny, helpless human—no instructions included.
Since the demands of caring for a newborn can feel overwhelming—especially to an already exhausted parent—there’s no shame in enlisting some help. Newborn care specialists (once referred to as “night nurses”) and postpartum doulas can provide invaluable support when it comes to adjusting to—and making the most of—life with a newborn.
Do you need to hire newborn or postpartum support? “At the end of the day, you can do this, but it’s about setting yourself up for success,” says Alexis Courtney, a master newborn care specialist and founder and CEO at Harmony Baby Concierge, which provides overnight newborn care and daytime postpartum support to families in the Dallas area. “It’s that extra set of hands. You don’t have to do it alone.”
Read on for five more reasons you might want to consider a night nanny or postpartum doula.
1. It really does take a village.
It used to be that babies and their new parents came home to large family units—multi-generations who could support mom and help care for baby in those tough early days. But reality is much different for most families today, and sometimes that proverbial village is nonexistent. Here’s where hired help can fill in the gap. You shouldn’t feel guilty for wanting and needing support.
A newborn care specialist or postpartum doula can help with caring for the baby, supporting you and taking on some of those extra little tasks so you can bond with your baby—laundry, cleaning and sterilizing bottles and pump parts, etc. They also support the home as a whole, helping you joyfully transition into this new chapter by easing into a schedule and gentle routine.
2. They know babies.
Newborn care specialists are highly trained when it comes to infant care and development. They have expertise in areas such as feeding, sleeping and sleep training, changing, bathing, swaddling and general newborn health issues, like umbilical cord care or reflux. Every baby is different, and when it comes to infants, they’ve seen it all.
“When you first bring a baby home, you’re just getting to know them,” says Courtney. “There is going to be some trial and error. It’s so helpful to have someone in the home who knows babies, who can say ‘I’ve seen this before, let’s try this.’”
The skilled, warm staff at Harmony Baby Concierge help educate parents on all things baby during those first weeks at home, breathing confidence into new moms and dads.
3. Sleep is a necessity.
You probably expect some level of sleep deprivation as a new mom. But parents who don’t get enough shuteye can experience higher levels of stress, which then spills into the way they parent. Feeling rested can help you be the mom you want to be.
Harmony Baby Concierge’s team of newborn care specialists work within your home, handling all baby care overnight so you can get the sleep you need. And with customizable plans, you pick the frequency and hours that work for your family.
Along with getting parents a good night’s sleep, Harmony Baby Concierge can help infants sleep too. They are trained in gentle sleep training techniques and can brainstorm ideas that align with your parenting style to get your little one sleeping through the night and napping peacefully during the day.
4. Help meeting your breastfeeding goals.
A common misconception is that nursing moms wouldn’t benefit from nighttime newborn support. But this couldn’t be farther from the truth. In fact, breastfeeding moms are often more likely to meet their nursing goals when they have help overnight. A newborn care specialist will bring your baby to you to nurse through the night, maximizing your rest—and supporting heathy lactation.
Newborn care specialists and postpartum doulas also support your breastfeeding journey with evidence-based tips and suggestions. And if needed, Harmony Baby Concierge can refer you to a trusted local Board Certified Lactation Consultant to troubleshoot more complex issues.
5. Moms need care too.
Having a baby is hard work. You deserve some extra support as you recover from birth and transition into your new role. That’s where a postpartum doula comes in. Traditionally working during the day, they are there to “mother the mother,” ensuring her needs and the needs of the household are being met. This could include doing baby laundry, ensuring the nursery is tidy, or preparing a basket of snacks for Mom to keep at arm’s reach when she’s nursing. Along with practical help, they can be a trusted resource in baby care, as well as an emotional support as you learn about your baby and get acclimated to this new chapter of life.
Want to learn more about newborn care specialists, postpartum doulas and Harmony Baby Concierge? Visit harmonybabyconcierge.co find out more.
Sponsored content for Harmony Baby Concierge.
This sponsored content article was originally published in November 2023.
