FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything families ask us before their first consultation.
What is a newborn night nurse, and how is it different from a postpartum doula?
A night nurse (or newborn care specialist) focuses on hands-on overnight infant care — feedings, soothing, and sleep — so parents can rest. A postpartum doula takes a broader view, supporting a parent's physical and emotional recovery, feeding guidance, and light household help, day or night. Many Nana's Nest families use both at different stages. See our full comparison in Night Nurse vs. Postpartum Doula.
What areas does Nana's Nest serve?
We serve families throughout Washington, DC, Montgomery County, Maryland (Bethesda, Chevy Chase, Potomac and nearby communities), and Northern Virginia (McLean, Great Falls, Arlington, Alexandria and nearby communities).
Why is Nana's Nest referral-based?
Working primarily by referral — from physicians, doulas, and past families — lets us keep our caregiver roster small, our matching process genuinely personal, and our families' privacy protected.
What if I wasn't referred by anyone?
You're still very welcome to reach out. Submit a private inquiry through our contact page and we'll follow up personally to learn about your family.
What are your night nurses' qualifications?
Every caregiver is a Registered Nurse or a certified Newborn Care Specialist, holds current CPR and infant-safety certification, and has passed a background check and reference review.
How much does a night nurse cost in the DC, Maryland & Virginia area?
Rates depend on your caregiver's credentials, the number of nights per week, and whether care is short-term or ongoing. We'll provide a personalized quote after a brief consultation — see our general guide to what a night nurse costs in the DMV.
How many nights per week can we book?
As few as one night a week or as many as seven, and you can adjust as your needs change — many families start with 5–6 nights and taper down over time.
When should we start sleep training our baby?
Most families begin structured sleep training between 4 and 6 months, once a baby is developmentally ready for longer independent stretches. Gentle sleep shaping can start from birth. See Sleep Training & Coaching for age-by-age guidance.
Do you use "cry it out," or is your approach gentler?
We favor gentle, responsive methods, and every plan is built around what you're comfortable with. Read Gentle Sleep Training Methods, Explained for an overview of common approaches.
Do you work with twins or multiples?
Yes — many of our caregivers and sleep consultants specialize in twins, triplets, and higher-order multiples, including coordinated sleep plans for shared rooms.
Can we combine night nursing with sleep training?
Absolutely. Many families start with overnight night nursing in the newborn weeks, then transition into a formal sleep training plan around 4–6 months with the same care team.
Do you offer virtual sleep consultations?
Yes. While night nursing is in-home only, sleep training and coaching is available virtually for families anywhere, in addition to in-home visits across the DMV.
How far in advance should we book night nursing?
We recommend reaching out as soon as you have a due date, ideally by your third trimester, since our roster is limited and popular weeks fill early.
Is my family's privacy protected?
Yes. Confidentiality agreements are standard on every engagement, and discretion is core to how we operate — not an add-on for select clients.
Can night nursing or sleep coaching be paid through an FSA or HSA?
Some newborn care and lactation-adjacent services can qualify with a Letter of Medical Necessity; eligibility depends on your specific plan. We're glad to provide documentation to support a reimbursement claim — please confirm coverage with your plan administrator first.