What is a ‘Night Nurse’ or ‘Baby Nurse’?

“Newborn care specialist” and “postpartum doula” – vs – “night nurse” or “baby nurse”

Referring to a newborn care specialist or a postpartum doula as a “night nurse” or “baby nurse” can be misleading and inaccurate. Here’s why it’s not recommended:

• Role and scope of practice: A newborn care specialist or postpartum doula and a nurse have different roles and responsibilities. A newborn care specialist or postpartum doula provides non-medical support and assistance to new parents during the postpartum period, offering emotional, physical, and informational support. On the other hand, a nurse typically has medical training and works under specific licensure to provide healthcare services, including monitoring the mother and baby’s health, administering medications, and performing clinical tasks. Using the term “night nurse” to refer to a newborn care specialist or postpartum doula can create confusion about their actual role and expertise.
  
  
• Professional recognition: Newborn care specialists and postpartum doulas have their own recognized professional designation and certification. They have undergone specialized training to provide support during the postpartum period. Using the term “night nurse” to describe a newborn care specialist or postpartum doula can undermine their professional recognition and diminish the value of their unique skills and expertise.
  
  
• Misrepresentation: Calling a newborn care specialist or doula a “night nurse” can give the impression that they provide medical care or have nursing qualifications when, in fact, they do not. This misrepresentation can lead to unrealistic expectations from clients and may result in misunderstandings regarding the newborn care specialist or postpartum doula’s role and limitations.

It is important to use accurate and respectful terminology when referring to professionals, as it helps to maintain clarity, avoid confusion, and properly recognize the diverse roles and expertise within the healthcare field. In the case of a newborn care specialist or postpartum doula, it is more appropriate to use their specific professional title to accurately represent their role and the services they provide.

What’s the difference between a newborn care specialist and postpartum doula?

Despite their similarities there are many difference. If you’d like to find out, check out our article that explains a the difference between a postpartum doula vs newborn care specialist.