FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

A nanny cares for children of all ages and works primarily during the day time or over vacations. There is no specific training and they are usually hired long-term to help with the children while both parents work, sometimes for several years.

A Postpartum Doula is trained specifically to help support the mother and baby (or babies) right after delivery and into the first year of life. At Gold Coast, our doulas are required to be trained and certified or working toward certification. Doulas are not meant to be hired long-term, but instead as highly specialized care givers that help parents transition into their new roles with confidence, helping with newborn care, breastfeeding, physical and emotional support, systems, and scheduling.

A night nanny provides overnight service only under the guidance and supervision of the parents. An overnight doula has a plan and offers guidance and support to the parents.

Night nannies usually do not have specific newborn or sleep methodology training. A night nanny will come into a home and follow the instructions the parents give them. An overnight doula will offer advice, scheduling and feeding suggestions, as well as physical and emotional support.

Greater Grand Rapids, Saugatuck, South Haven, Holland, Zeeland, Grand Haven, Muskegon, Fremont, Hastings, St. Joseph, Three Rivers, Niles, Benton Harbor, Ludington, Pentwater, Manistee, Traverse City, Petoskey, Charlevoix, Suttons Bay, Harbor Springs and Bay Harbor.

At Gold Coast we offer Sleep consultations from a Certified Postpartum Doula, Newborn Care Specialist, and Certified Infant & Child Sleep Consultant. This means our sleep consultant listens to the needs of your family and creates a sleep solution that works for everyone. Plans are based on your family values and goals, not anyone else’s.

The newborn care specialist is focused more on caring for the newborn where the postpartum doula cares for the entire family. An NCS may often work around the clock and they tend to specialize in overnight support. Many newborn care specialists travel with families.