If you are searching for support for your baby for the night shift there are a variety of types of providers available. We have all options within the Piocare network. The biggest things to think about is WHY do you need them and what can you afford.
If you’d like to sign up for help please fill out the form on the reocurring services page: Reoccurring Services – PioCare
Night Nanny
Who they are:
A night nanny is a caregiving professional who specializes in overnight infant care. They focus on helping babies sleep, feeding (bottle or breastfeeding support as directed), soothing, diaper changes, and establishing routines while parents sleep. Night nannies are experienced caregivers but are not medically licensed nurses. The term “night nurse” is often used interchangeably in the market, but most professionals working overnight care are night nannies rather than medically trained nurses.
Typical duties include:
- Feeding, settling, soothing, diaper changes
- Sleep support and routine assistance
- Light infant-related tasks (e.g., bottle prep, soothing techniques)
- Helping parents get restorative sleep
Training/Certification:
No medical qualification is required, though many have newborn care experience, first-aid/CPR, and may hold newborn care specialist credentials.
Cost (Colorado):
- ~$25–$35+ per hour on average for a night nanny role.
Night Nurse (Traditional Term)
Who they are:
“Night nurse” is an older term originally implying a licensed nurse providing overnight infant care. In today’s newborn support world, many people use it loosely — but unless someone is a registered nurse (RN) or licensed practical nurse (LPN), most professionals described this way are actually night nannies or newborn care specialists, not true nurses.
If truly a licensed nurse:
A night nurse who is clinically licensed can offer more medically oriented care — including monitoring medical concerns, managing feeding complications, understanding clinical basics of newborn health, and responding to emergency situations.
Cost: $35-50+/hr
True licensed night nurse care (when available) tends to be higher, often reflecting clinical training. Nationally, the conceptual range for licensed nursing support around newborn care can be $35–$50+ per hour depending on credentials and responsibilities.
Doula (Postpartum or Night Doula)
Who they are:
A doula provides emotional, physical, and educational support — traditionally centered around birth and postpartum transition rather than being a sole overnight caregiver. Postpartum doulas help parents adjust after birth, offer breastfeeding/lactation support, share newborn care education, and can assist with comfort and recovery.
Night Doulas:
Some doulas offer overnight support — combining emotional support with practical help during the night. These providers may assist with soothing, feeding cues, and gentle guidance but typically are not trained to provide medical care unless they also hold clinical nursing credentials.
Typical duties include:
- Breastfeeding/lactation support
- New parent support and coaching
- Light newborn care and helping establish routines
- Emotional support and recovery guidance
Training/Certification:
Doulas often complete formal training and certification through recognized organizations (e.g., DONA or CAPPA).
Cost: $45-90/hr
Doula services vary widely. While birth doulas and full postpartum doula packages often have package pricing (e.g., $800–$3,000+ for birth and postpartum services), postpartum/night doula support is often higher than a standard night nanny hourly rate due to the depth of support provided. Hourly rates will be $45-90/hr
How to Choose What’s Right
- Need primarily overnight infant care so parents can rest? → Night nanny is typically the best fit.
- Looking for clinical support or medical expertise at night? → Seek out a licensed night nurse if available.
- Want broader postpartum support, emotional coaching, and recovery guidance? → Postpartum doula or night doula is a strong choice.