What is the difference between a postpartum doula and a baby nanny?

A baby nanny focuses mainly on baby care and baby-related tasks such as baby’s laundry, restocking diapers/wipes, cleaning bottles. Postpartum doulas preform these tasks, along with taking care of the postpartum parent by cooking, light cleaning/tidying, providing breast and bottle feeding support, emotional support, and more!

What does a typical postpartum day shift look like?

Day shifts for my postpartum clients are 4 hours (typically from 10AM to 2PM). When I arrive, I check in with the parent(s) to see how they are doing, if they have any pressing needs/priorities for the day, and we establish how I can best help while I’m there that day. From there, I jump in where needed! I make the family some breakfast, take over baby care, wash bottles and pump parts, do baby and family’s laundry, clean the kitchen counter, wash any dirty dishes, restock baby items, change and wash sheets, tidy common rooms and the nursery, talk with parents about any questions they have or areas they would like education in, and I make lunch for the family before I go home! While I’m doing tasks, parents usually eat, nap, shower, have some time to themselves, or even hang out with me and baby! Each shift looks a little different depending on the family’s needs for that day. 

What does a typical overnight shift look like?

Overnight shifts are 8 hours (from 10PM to 6AM). When I arrive, I take over baby care. If baby is awake, I get them down for bed. I sleep when baby is asleep (typically in the same room). When they wake, I will either bottle feed them or bring them to mom to breastfeed (depending on the family’s needs). Then I burp them, change their diaper, and get them back to sleep. This continues until the shift is complete. Before I go, I make my bed and wash any bottle or pump parts that were used during the night. I then give an overview of how the night went.

What does a typical postpartum prep shift look like?

Postpartum prep shifts are scheduled in 2-hour increments (available from 10AM to 2PM). Typically, I help families fulfill their list of to-do’s before baby comes. We plan enough shifts so that we can focus on each task individually. I assist with practical things such as registry help, assembling nursery items, decorating/setting up the nursery, monitor set up, meal prep, home organization, washing and sorting baby items, and more.

What is the hiring process?

You’ll start by reaching out and giving me an idea of what you’re looking for. Include info such as what services you’re interested in learning more about and your estimated due date. Next, we set up a time for your free consultation. These typically take place in person (either in the family’s home or at a coffee shop), but I can also accommodate those who wish to meet virtually (phone call, FaceTime, Zoom). Most people come away from the consultation with a solid idea of what services they want and the frequency of shifts that will work best for them. 

I send a follow up email overviewing what we talked about and I send over some paperwork (an intake sheet and my contract).

When families are sure of their needed shifts, we sign the contract for the services purchased. You’ll pay the deposit which allows me to hold your spot. By that point, I’m hired!

Before we start your first shift, you’ll pay the remaining balance.

I’ve hired you, now what?

As you await the arrival of your sweet baby, I will check in here and there, increasingly as your estimated due date begins approaching (but I won’t bug you, I promise!). When we get closer to your EDD, we will discuss what your schedule will look like based on the shifts purchased and which days/nights I am available. From that, we will build your weekly schedule.

Once you have your baby, let me know ASAP so I can schedule accordingly. I typically start within the first or second week after birth. (If you need a delayed start due to family visiting or other circumstances, please notify me of this during your consultation).

The remaining balance is due at least 48 hours before the first scheduled shift, but you are free to make your payment at any time before then as well.

How can I contact you?

I am most easily and quickly reached by text at (901)487-6516

Other forms of communication can be via phone call (same number) or via email at Katherine.Pace901@gmail.com

What is your availability?

While my immediate availability changes constantly, my general availability is as follows:

Postpartum Day Shifts: (4 hour increments) 10am-2pm, Monday - Friday.

Baby Nanny Day Shifts: (3-6 hour increments) 10am-4pm, Monday - Friday.

Overnight Shifts: (8 hour increments) 10pm-6am, Sunday - Thursday.

For the most up to date information on my availability, follow me on Instagram!

What is your experience?

I have worked in child and baby care since 2012 through various babysitting and childcare center jobs. From there, I transitioned into nannying. I began with my first nanny family in 2018 as I worked to finish my degree in Child Development with a specialization in ages 0-3 years. I graduated cum laude with that degree in 2019. Immediately after graduation, I began working full time as a baby nanny. In 2020, I trained through Embodied Doula Training (EDT) to become a postpartum doula. I began working as a doula upon finishing my training. In 2022, I completed an optional certification program through EDT. I have served over 25 families as a doula and can’t wait to work with many more Memphis families.