Can I choose to pay over time even if I'm already a client?

Yes! Let Mommy Sleep makes it easy for current clients to select pay-over-time options.

What other payment options are there for night nanny or night doula care?

In addition to Affirm financing, families can use baby registry funds, employer wellness benefits, or some insurance plans with documentation from a healthcare provider. Learn more in How to Pay for a Postpartum Doula.

Let Mommy Sleep Blog - Overnight Infant Care + Resources

Q: What foods support postpartum recovery?

Protein, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats help maintain stable energy. Foods rich in iron, vitamin D, and omega-3s—like oats, eggs, berries, leafy greens, and nut butters—are especially beneficial.

Q: What’s a good quick breakfast for breastfeeding moms?

Meals that balance protein and carbs—such as oatmeal with nut butter, smoothies with oats, or protein toast—help maintain milk supply and stabilize blood sugar.

Q: What should I bring a family with newborn twins?

Double-friendly meals like egg muffins, smoothie packs, or a ready-made frittata are lifesavers. Anything reheatable and one-handed is ideal.

7 Power Breakfasts for New Parents

October 19, 2024

updated Nov 16, 2025– Everyone has a favorite dinner they like to bring when a new baby is born, but breakfast sets a healthy tone for the whole day. Here are 7 power breakfasts perfect for postpartum parents, families with twins or anyone in need of a healthy morning meal.

Coffee (Yes, Even If Breastfeeding)
Caffeine is safe during breastfeeding in moderate amounts. Most medical sources, including La Leche League, agree that up to 200 mg/day (about 2 cups) is fine for most nursing parents.

Besides coffee, these breakfasts will keep energy up:

Protein Pancakes

Why they help: Protein is so important for energy and recuperation, especially if you’re breastfeeding!

12 egg whites or 1 ½ c liquid egg whites (do the liquid egg whites, much easier)
A Cup of rolled oats, pulsed until ground
1 banana, mushed
1 tsp cinnamon
Mix ingredients together in a bowl. Cook like a regular pancake. Top with almond butter, greek yogurt, fresh fruit

Double the batch, freeze some and then microwave as needed

Egg Muffins

Why they help: As postpartum doulas and night nannies, we bring these meals often because parents can eat them one-handed while holding baby.

3 packages Crescent Rolls
1 package of sausage (the kind that is in a tube, not in a roll)
8 eggs
Veggies
Cheese (I use a cheese blend)
Salsa (optional)

Preheat oven to 375

Cook sausage according to directions. Put half aside and freeze for another time. Whisk the eggs together, add salt and pepper to taste. Saute the vegetables for a few minutes until soft. Add eggs, stirring constantly. Add in sausage and cheese, finish cooking. Set aside egg mixture.

Take the crescent rolls and open them. Take two triangles and press them in a muffin tin. Add 2 spoonfuls of the veggie/egg/sausage mixture, add the salsa on top, if using. Close up the roll and repeat 12 times. Brush with one egg white and bake for 12 min at 375 until golden brown. You can wrap them individually in plastic wrap, keep in the freezer, and microwave as needed

Protein Toast

Why this helps: This combo delivers complex carbs, healthy fats and potassium, giving new parents steady energy without a sugar crash. The fiber and protein also help keep you full.

Ezekiel Bread
Almond Butter
1 banana
Toast one piece of Ezekiel bread. Spread with almond butter and 1 banana. You can add chia seeds, if you want.

Mixed Berry Protein Smoothie

Why this helps: These are a staple among parents of newborn twins! Berries deliver antioxidants and vitamin C, yogurt or milk adds protein and the natural carbs provide steady energy. Smoothies are hydrating, filling and gentle on a tired stomach, ideal for early mornings or late-night feeds.

1 cup frozen berries
1 c mixed berries
½ c rolled oats
1 tsp vanilla
½ c nut butter (almond, etc)
1 ½ c Almond Milk

Blend smoothie together. You can put together some smoothie bags ahead of time so all you have to do is empty the smoothie into the blender and add your liquid.

7 Power Breakfasts for New Parents – Tropical Smoothie

1 cup frozen tropical fruit blend
1 C frozen peaches
Cup of spinach
2 t unsweetened shredded coconut
1 t chia seeds
8 oz coconut water
Ice (optional)

Mix ingredients together and then top with some unsweetened coconut. You can put together some smoothie bags ahead of time so all you have to do is empty the smoothie into the blender and add your liquid.

Egg muffins are a postpartum Power Breakfasts for New Parents

Postpartum doulas make power Breakfasts for New Parents

Mixed berry smoothies are Power Breakfasts for New Parents

Frittata are night doula picks for power breakfasts for parents

vegan postpartum breakfast for new parents

Overnight Oats

Why it helps: Overnight oats deliver slow-release carbs and fiber, which keep energy steady through those unpredictable newborn mornings. The chia and nut butter add protein and healthy fats, making this a balanced, grab-and-go meal you can eat even if you only have one hand available.

Fill a mason jar with the following:

½ c rolled oats
1 c almond milk
2 tsp chia seeds
1 t almond butter
1 t cinnamon

Put lid on the jar, shake, and place in the fridge overnight. Take out in the morning, top with fruit, and enjoy

Egg Frittata

Why it helps: A frittata packs protein, veggies, and healthy fats into one pan, giving parents steady energy and keeping hunger in check longer than sugary breakfasts. It reheats beautifully, which means zero morning prep—just slice, warm, and eat while the baby naps (or doesn’t).

6 eggs, beaten
⅓ c milk
Vegetables you have in the fridge (we like sweet potatoes and goat cheese // ham, spinach, and cheese// red peppers and bacon// but use whatever you have!)
Salt and pepper

Preheat oven to Broil

Whisk together eggs, milks, salt and pepper and then set aside. In an ovenproof nonstick skillet add your veggies, saute for a few minutes until softened. Reduce skillet to medium heat. Pour egg mixture into pan, let cook for 2-3 min. Transfer to oven and let broil for 3-5 minutes, until the top is slightly brown. This saves well in the fridge.

Vegan Sweet Potato & Chickpea Hash

Why it helps: This hash is loaded with complex carbs, plant-based protein, and iron-rich veggies, giving parents long-lasting energy without a crash. The sweet potatoes and chickpeas keep you full, while the veggies add nutrients new parents often miss when meals get chaotic. It’s also naturally dairy-free and reheats well, making it a flexible, nutrient-dense option for busy mornings.

1 medium sweet potato, peeled and diced
1/2 cup cooked chickpeas (canned is fine, just drain and rinse)
1/4 red onion, finely chopped
1/2 bell pepper, diced
2 large handfuls of spinach
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil for cooking

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium. Add the sweet potatoes, stirring occasionally til they start to soften about 5 minutes.
Stir in the veggies, chickpeas and spices. Cook an additional 5-7 minutes until the sweet potatoes are tender and everything is slightly caramelized.

Add the spinach to the skillet, stirring until wilted.
If using eggs, make small wells in the hash and crack an egg
into each well. Cover & cook until the eggs are set.

FAQ’s

What are the best easy breakfasts for new parents? High-protein, easy-to-eat meals like egg muffins, protein toast, smoothies, and overnight oats are ideal. They boost energy, can be prepped ahead, and work well for one-handed eating while holding a newborn.”

Is coffee safe while breastfeeding? Yes. Most experts, including La Leche League, say up to 200 mg of caffeine per day (about 1–2 cups of coffee) is safe when you’re breastfeeding.

What food should a postpartum doula or night nanny bring? Portable, reheatable breakfasts such as egg muffins, protein pancakes and smoothie kits are perfect. Meals that require no utensils and stay fresh overnight are especially helpful.

What foods support postpartum recovery? Protein, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats support healing and stable energy. Foods rich in iron, vitamin D and omega-3s—like oats, eggs, leafy greens, berries, and nut butters—are especially beneficial.

What’s a good quick breakfast for breastfeeding moms? Meals with balanced protein and carbs—such as oatmeal with nut butter, a smoothie with oats, or protein toast—help stabilize blood sugar and maintain milk supply.

What should I bring a family with newborn twins? Double-friendly meals like egg muffins, smoothie packs or a ready-made frittata are lifesavers. Anything that can be eaten hot, cold or one-handed is a win.

Bringing brand new parents a homemade meal, or having a healthy meal delivered is a wonderful way to support them and be part of their village!

Baby Safety Month: 3 Things to Know About Nursery Furniture

September 20, 2024

September is Baby Safety Month! While parents typically focus on baby gear like car seats and strollers, it’s also vital to be sure furniture and nursery items are safely made, tested and installed. Bookmark these 3 Things to Know about Nursery Furniture.

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1. You Don’t Have to Give Up Style for Safety

Companies such as Oxford Baby & Kids specialize in creative design, but their main focus is safe furniture that grows with the child, transitioning from cribs to toddler beds, daybeds, and full-size beds. Continuity of safety through all of these transitions is not only practical but gives parents peace of mind.

2. How a Product is Made is Just as Important as How It’s Used

While there are plenty of guidelines and certifications regarding infant sleep products, parents should know that products are put on the market every day that do not follow these guidelines. These products are eventually recalled, but many are sold before they can be pulled off of store shelves and large online storefronts.

With nursery furniture, look for cribs that are GREENGUARD Gold Certified, ensuring that your nursery is a healthy space for your little one. This Certification means the furniture has:

Screened for 10,000 chemical compounds and VOC’s
Rigorously Tested & Approved
Cleaner Indoor Air
Promotes healthier breathing environment

3. Installation Matters, Anchor All Furniture!

Anchor all furniture and heavy items to the walls to make sure they don’t tip over. Anchor these items before baby arrives, because we just don’t know the exact age or date babies will begin pulling themselves up or grabbing at heavy items. Be sure to anchor into wall studs.

The last thing to remember about furniture and baby safety is safe sleep. Babies should always be placed in the crib alone on a firm, flat mattress with a fitted sheet. There should be no stuffed animals or other items in the crib and breathable crib bumpers. American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines show you how.

This blog was written with the help of our friends and 25 year industry veterans, M Design Village

Surgeon General’s Advisory: Parenting is a Health Issue

September 3, 2024

updated: Sept 2, 2025

In 2024, the Surgeon General issued a warning that parenting is a health issue and it sounded like a turning point. Finally, the government acknowledged what parents live every day. But here we are over a year later and little has changed. No new advisories, no sweeping legislation and federal family leave remains unpaid. A few states have expanded their programs, but the reality is most of us are still on our own.

Meanwhile, studies show maternal mental health has dropped sharply, one in three families are still dealing with post-pandemic stress, and nearly 30% of parents in the State of Parenting 2025 survey admitted they’d considered self-harm because the pressure feels unbearable. The system hasn’t caught up, so it’s up to us to protect our health.

That doesn’t mean “self-care” in the Instagram sense, it means doing the things research shows actually work:

Building a small but reliable support network—neighbors, a parent group, or even one trusted friend—helps buffer against burnout.
Protecting your sleep and taking real recovery time, whether that’s a nap, a walk, or even zoning out with a hobby, has been shown to make us more patient and nurturing with our kids.
If you have a partner, getting clear about roles and responsibilities.

These strategies aren’t flashy, but they’re evidence-based and they work. Until policy catches up, the best thing we can do is take our own health seriously and try to put real supports in place.

Parenting is a Health Issue: Quick Stats

In 2023, 33% of parents reported high levels of stress in the past month compared to 20% of other adults.
41% of parents say that most days they are so stressed they cannot function
66% of parents report feeling consumed by worries regarding money compared to 39% of other adults in 2023.

U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy whose also a Dad of 2 notes that parents experience unique pressures as shown in the numbers above. Stressors related to raising children, such as financial strain, time demands, concerns about children’s health and safety, isolation, and challenges with technology and social media ae very real.

Additionally, some parents and caregivers are disproportionately affected by mental health conditions, especially those dealing with family or community violence, poverty, or discrimination. Supporting parents is crucial for the well-being of both children and society, and requires policy changes and expanded community programs to provide paid leave, affordable childcare, and other essential resources.

We know the problem, what’s the Answer?

In response to these pressures, the Surgeon General’s Advisory urges a cultural, policy, and programmatic shift to support the well-being of parents and caregivers. It emphasizes the need to change societal norms to value and empower them, addressing the stressors impacting their mental health. This means:

companies expanding paid family leave
improving early childhood education
investing in mental health care and access
providing recommendations for governments, employers, and communities to reduce stress and better support parents and caregivers

Achieving each of these 4 goals will be an ongoing effort within our communities, health systems and the private sector. FOr now the Advisory serves as a call to action. As the website states, Surgeon General’s Advisories are public statements that call the American people’s attention to a critical public health issue.

Like many in the maternal health sector, Let Mommy Sleep continues to advocate for new parents and their health. Our 501c3 Mission Sleep provides free newborn care to parents whose partners are deployed, wounded or deceased. We will also continue to strive for sensible health insurance and postpartum visits. In the meantime these resources might be a help your family:

Crisis Text Line for mental health support: text BRAVE to 741741

Medicaid’s Paid Caregiver Program: If someone with a disability already receives Medicaid, their state may allow a family member or friend to become a paid caregiver.

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) – Monthly cash assistance payments to low-income families with children, as well as additional services.

Introducing the National NAPS Registry for Night Doulas

August 20, 2024

There are so many highly skilled newborn nannies, infant-room daycare providers and postpartum doulas. These caregivers bring invaluable hands-on expertise to newborn care but may not have credentialed licensure or certification. To elevate infant caregivers, and ensure they have access to evidence-based safety and newborn care training, we created the National NAPS Registry for Night Doulas, a credentialing and verification system for qualified overnight doulas and newborn and postpartum caregivers.

What are Night Nannies, Postpartum Doulas and Newborn Care Specialists?

To understand what a night nanny or other postpartum provider does, we first need to define the overlapping but distinct roles of postpartum doula, night nanny, and newborn care specialist (NCS). While titles vary, all of these professionals assist families in the weeks after a baby is born. Their core job is to combine hands-on infant care with parent support. To understand the broader role these caregivers play, see our full guide: What’s a Night Nanny?.

Typical responsibilities include:

Diapering, feeding, soothing, and swaddling the newborn (or multiples).
Light household tasks directly related to the baby (bottle prep, pump part cleaning, organizing baby’s space).
Breastfeeding support and recovery care for the birth mother and partner.
Family support such as meal prep and sibling care (often part of a postpartum doula’s role).

It’s important to know these titles are not legally protected. Outside of licensed daycare centers or registered nursing care, newborn care providers are not governed by standardized regulations. That means anyone can call themselves a postpartum doula or newborn care specialist. While many are highly skilled, training and credentials can vary widely. For families, this makes verification and transparency essential showing a need for the NAPS Registry for Night Doulas.

What is the National NAPS Registry for Night Doulas?

Licensed professionals such as RNs are accountable to their state Board of Nursing. Until now, overnight newborn care providers had no equivalent system of accountability.

The Newborn and Postpartum Support (NAPS) Registry was created to fill that gap. It is:

A national database that verifies education, training, and evidence-based practice for overnight caregivers.
A public listing of individuals who have successfully completed the Night Doula Certificate curriculum.
A quality assurance tool for families, employers and benefit providers who want verified, consistent standards of care.

Parents and employers can verify a caregiver’s credentials directly on the NAPS Registry for Night Doulas. While the Registry emphasizes overnight caregivers, postpartum doulas who work daytime shifts can also be included. The NAPS Curriculum is based on the government-award winning contract Let Mommy Sleep held from 2015-2021 (ending during covid). Further, it is approved and overseen by a thir d-party Advisory Board of clinicians and subject matter experts.

What training does the Night Doula Certificate include?

Caregivers listed on the NAPS Registry have completed coursework and verifications that meet national best practices in newborn and postpartum care, including:

Newborn & Postpartum Care (core curriculum)
Breastfeeding Basics
Cribs for Kids® Safe Sleep Course
Bereavement Doula Training
Vaccine Attestation
Attestation of Age & Caregiving Experience
Infant CPR & First Aid Certification
Current Background Check

This curriculum ensures that every caregiver on the Registry has both knowledge and accountability, allowing them to provide safe and consistent overnight baby care. You can find all of the classes and continuing education, on NewbornCareCertified.com, the educational division of Let Mommy Sleep, LLC

What the NAPS Registry is Not

The Newborn and Postpartum Support coursework does not include the study of labor and delivery. Therefore this certificate is not appropriate if you’re an aspiring labor doulas or those who wish to attend births as professional support staff.

Why the NAPS Registry for Night Doulas Matters

Currently, the newborn care, night nanny, and postpartum doula industry in the U.S. is completely unregulated. There’s no state or federal oversight for in-home caregivers responsible for fewer than four children at a time. The NAPS Registry was formed to fill that gap by providing:

Evidence-based education – bringing consistency and professionalism to in-home newborn care.
Standards of care and transparency – every NAPS Night Doula is trained to the same high standards.
Peace of mind for families – parents know their caregiver is educated in safe, up-to-date practices and maintains current CPR, vaccination, and background checks.
Employer verification – employee benefit programs can easily confirm caregiver credentials. For example, HR reps can easily confirm eligibility with the online Night Doula registry.

And for families who don’t have access to corporate benefits, the Registry is still accessible and there are flexible ways to cover the cost of care, including payment plans and baby registries. Learn more about financing night nanny and night doula care here.

The future of newborn and postpartum care

By creating the National NAPS Registry, we’re setting a new standard for accountability and professionalism in an industry that touches families at their most vulnerable time. Families deserve safe, consistent, evidence-based support and newborn and postpartum caregivers deserve recognition for their specialized skills.

The NAPS Registry is how we bring both sides together. If you’re a night doula or postpartum nurse who would like to join our team, you can apply here.

Finance Night Nanny and Night Doula Care Now

August 14, 2024

The line from sleep deprivation to poor health, accidents and even postpartum depression is clear. Further, the demands of multiple children or working outside the home making this line even stronger! That’s why we’re thrilled to announce an innovative solution for new families: pay over time financing for overnight newborn care.

When families finance night nanny and night doula care, high-quality postpartum care becomes more accessible…and we all benefit!

Night Nanny entering home, you can Finance Night Nanny and Night Doula Care Now

Why Financing Matters

Sleep isn’t a luxury, it’s a health need. Professional overnight care helps prevent burnout, supports breastfeeding and protects parents’ physical and mental health during the most demanding weeks of newborn life. Let Mommy Sleep’s registered nurses and postpartum doulas have supported thousands of families since 2010 so we have personally seen the evidence between sleep and better health outcomes.

Our goal has always been to normalize postpartum care and, now with pay-over-time options, to make it attainable for more parents.

How Does it Work?

Let Mommy Sleep has partnered with Affirm to offer no interest/pay-over-time options for our night nanny and night nurse services. This means that every location can bring families more flexibility and access to postpartum care with packages of 7, 14 or 21 nights. Choose your Let Mommy Sleep location here. Pay over time options include 6-36 months of payments, in addition to 0% interest when you qualify. The financing process is very simple and you may already be familiar with it if you’ve used Klarna or Affirm to shop on Amazon, Wal-Mart or other major retailers. Here’s what happens:

Once you confirm night nanny care, you’ll receive a service agreement that includes payment options.
You can then click “Affirm” and choose how many nights of care you’d like.
Then click the Affirm payment option that works best for you. Checking Affirm does not affect your credit.
If you don’t see an option you like, or change your mind, that’s okay you can always hit the back button!

let mommy sleep and affirm pay over time financing

**Find your local Let Mommy Sleep to see finance options**

Finance Night Nanny and Night Doula Care FAQ’s

Does checking Affirm affect my credit? No it does not.

What happens if I don’t use all the nights in my package? As always, we’ll be happy to refund any unused nights. Affirm does require a 10% service fee on refunds, which we must include .in the return process.

Can I gift these packages? Sure, so long as they are in a Let Mommy Sleep service area. Overnight newborn care is a meaningful, practical gift for new parents.

Can I decide to pay over time even though I’m already a client? Sure! We are here to help you do what is easiest and most helpful for your family!

Besides financing, how else can families pay for night nanny or night doula care? Along with Affirm financing, families often use baby registry funds or employer wellness benefits to offset postpartum care costs. Some insurance plans will cover newborn or postpartum doula services with documentation from a healthcare provider. Learn more in How to Pay for a Postpartum Doula.

As the only nationwide service with an RN Advisory Board and certified postpartum doulas, Let Mommy Sleep remains committed to improving maternal health outcomes. We will never stop fighting to normalize postpartum care and making overnight newborn care accessible to as many people as possible.

If you’re expecting, visit our companion resource, Your First Week Home with Baby: Ultimate Q&A, newborn and postpartum support guide!

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