“My Partner Will Help”.. But Will They Really? Who Will Help Them?
Before the baby arrives, many parents assume their partner will split nighttime duties. Maybe you’ve heard something like:
“We’ll take shifts! I’ll handle diapers, you handle feeding.”
“I don’t have work for two weeks! I’ve got this.”
The reality? Sleep deprivation hits harder than expected. Even the most well-intentioned partners struggle when running on fumes, especially if they have to return to work quickly.
Instead of turning on each other at 2 AM, an overnight postpartum doula can step in, so both of you get the rest you need without resentment building up.
“My Mom Is Staying With Us” .. But What’s Realistic?
Many new parents assume that if a relative (mom, mother-in-law, aunt, etc.) is coming to “help,” they’ll be up at night with the baby.
But here’s what usually happens:
They cook meals, fold laundry, and offer much-needed snuggles to the baby during the day.
They’re in their retirement phase, which means they need sleep too.
They’re a huge emotional support, but waking up every two hours just isn’t sustainable for them.
Rather than relying on someone who’s also adjusting, an overnight doula provides specialized newborn care so your family can fully enjoy their time with the baby, without exhaustion.
The Realities of Sleep Deprivation
You might think:
“I’ll just power through! Parents have been doing this forever.”
But studies show that chronic sleep deprivation can lead to:
Increased postpartum anxiety & depression
Difficulty recovering from birth
Higher risk of breastfeeding struggles & supply issues
Decreased ability to bond with your baby
There’s no payoff in the end for surviving on no sleep, but you do get to enjoy your baby more when you’re rested.
So, What Does an Overnight Doula Do?
A postpartum doula doesn’t just hold the baby while you sleep. They make your nights easier and more manageable:
Feedings: If bottle-feeding, they handle it. If breastfeeding, they bring the baby to you, help with the latch, and handle burping, diaper changes, and settling afterward.
Diapering & soothing: They do the work so you don’t have to wake up fully.
Sleep conditioning: Helping your baby adjust to nighttime rhythms (not sleep training, just gentle conditioning).
Postpartum recovery: Checking in on your physical & emotional well-being.
Instead of struggling through exhaustion, you wake up feeling human again.
When Should You Hire an Overnight Doula?
Some parents hire an overnight doula for just the first 2-4 weeks, while others book for the first 3-4 months. You can start with a few nights a week or go for full-time overnight support.
Bonus: Some families use Carrot Fertility benefits to cover the cost for the first 6 weeks! They get expert postpartum care without the financial stress.
Who Hires an Overnight Doula?
Many parents choose an overnight doula for different reasons:
Working parents who need to function during the day.
Families without local support who need extra hands.
Parents recovering from C-sections or difficult births.
Those welcoming twins or multiples who need more help overnight.
I provide overnight newborn care across Los Angeles, including West LA, Culver City, Santa Monica, Venice, Beverly Hills, and surrounding areas. Whether you're in a quiet suburb or the heart of the city, professional newborn care lets you enjoy this time without exhaustion.
Final Thoughts: Should You Just Wait and See?
Many parents think, “Let’s see how it goes,” but by the time they realize they need help, doulas are fully booked.
If you’re unsure, consider this:
If you don’t hire a doula and don’t need one, great!
If you don’t hire a doula and end up needing one, you might be stuck without help.
Newborn nights are hard, but you don’t have to do it alone.
I have one remaining spot in my own calendar, and that’s for Summer 2025.