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Overnight doulas — newborn night care while you sleep

1,425 doulas in this directory offer overnight care — the night shift of new parenthood, handled by a professional so you can actually sleep. An overnight doula (you'll also see “night doula” or “newborn care specialist”) typically arrives around 9–10pm and stays until morning: feeding the baby or bringing them to you to nurse, changing, settling them back down, and leaving you a note about how the night went. Every listing marked Overnight care offers night shifts.

What to know before hiring an overnight doula

What does an overnight doula actually do?
They take the night: bottle feeds (or bringing the baby to you for nursing and handling everything after), diaper changes, soothing and resettling, and gentle sleep shaping as the baby grows. Many also fold in light newborn chores — washing bottles and pump parts, baby laundry. Their other job is you: a rested parent is the whole point, and good night doulas also keep an eye out for postpartum mood struggles. A doula's support is non-medical — they don't replace your pediatrician or a nurse.
What does overnight care cost?
Typically $35–65 per hour, and nearly everyone books in 8–10 hour shifts — so plan on roughly $300–600 per night. Rates run higher in big metros, for twins, and for certified newborn care specialists. Most families book 2–3 nights a week for the first several weeks rather than every night, which keeps it survivable financially while still breaking the sleep-deprivation cycle.
How do I vet one?
Ask five things: Is your infant CPR certification current? Do you follow safe-sleep guidelines (baby on their back, bare crib) with no exceptions? Do you stay awake the entire shift? Can I speak to two or three recent families? Who covers if you're sick? A professional will have crisp answers to all five and a written agreement covering shift minimums and cancellations.
Overnight doula vs. newborn care specialist — what's the difference?
They overlap heavily and many providers are both. A postpartum doula's training centers on supporting the whole family — recovery, feeding, emotional adjustment — with the baby as part of that. A newborn care specialist (NCS) trains specifically on infant care and sleep conditioning. For typical night help the difference matters less than the person; for around-the-clock care of multiples or preemies, an NCS credential is worth seeking out.
When should I book?
Before the baby comes, if you can. Well-reviewed overnight doulas fill their calendars weeks or months out, and many families book in the second trimester. Booking after a rough first couple of weeks is completely normal too — just expect less choice, and start calling from a city list below.

Overnight doulas on the map

Cities with the most overnight doulas