I was wondering if anyone offered their services overnight, rather than during the day? I am just looking into becoming a certified doula and am hoping to offer services overnight to fit into our family schedule until my children are a bit older. Can it be done successfully?

I do it alot - it works fine. I sleep when baby sleeps, and usually just need a nap every couple of days.

Thanks!

I'm a postpartum doula and I'm currently doing nights only for your exact reason.

I occasionally close my eyes for a few minutes on the job but I don't normally sleep until towards the end when baby is ready to sleep through. With twins and triplets, chances are I won't even do that. I do some light, quiet housekeeping if the client prefers. Most of the houses I am in are fairly small, so I have to keep noise to a minimum. Being awake, I am aware of the "waking up" signs and am ready when baby wakes...to take him to the mommy or with a warm bottle. I don't let baby cry at all.

I go directly to sleep when I get home. I get four hours or so before the kids start getting up...it being summer. Later in the day, if I have to work again that night, I put the ten year old in charge and go nap for a couple of hours. When the older kids are in school, I stay up all day until they get home, then sleep until just before I have to leave for work...usually around 9:00 p.m.

I do overnights. I do sleep when the baby sleeps. I love working overnights.

Thanks, ladies! I have finally started the process of becoming certified and am just getting ready to start looking for work. I'm looking forward to this journey!