Everyone talks about the newborn phase, but no one really talks about what happens at 2 a.m. when you’re exhausted, overwhelmed, and wondering how you’re possibly going to do it all again tomorrow. In this episode, I’m sitting down with Marianella Mendoza, founder of Laguna Baby Collective, to pull back the curtain on what a night doula actually does and why so many families consider overnight postpartum support one of the most valuable investments they make during those early weeks with a new baby. Before we dive in, I want to acknowledge that hiring a night doula is a luxury and something that isn’t financially accessible for every family. This episode isn’t meant to suggest that anyone needs a night doula to be a great parent or survive the newborn stage. I wanted to have this conversation because I think every mom deserves to know what support options are available when building her village—especially if you don’t live near family or have extra hands to help. Whether your support comes from a partner, friend, family member, postpartum doula, or night doula, my hope is that this episode helps you feel less alone and more informed. Marianella walks us through exactly what overnight support looks like, from feeding and diaper changes to sleep shaping, tracking routines, and helping parents get the rest they desperately need. We talk about how support differs for breastfeeding, pumping, and formula-feeding families, what a typical night actually looks like, and the small things that can make a huge difference when you’re running on very little sleep. We also discuss dream feeds, newborn sleep, safe sleep practices, how to know if a night doula is the right fit for your family, and the questions every parent should ask before inviting someone into their home. Whether you’re currently pregnant, deep in the newborn trenches, or simply curious about what postpartum support can look like, this episode offers an honest, practical look at one of the most talked-about—but often misunderstood—forms of help available to new parents. In this episode, we cover: • What a night doula does (and doesn’t do) • What overnight postpartum support actually looks like • How night doulas support breastfeeding, pumping, and formula-feeding families • The benefits of sleep shaping versus sleep training • Tracking feeds, diapers, and sleep patterns • Dream feeds: when they help and when they don’t • How overnight support benefits moms, partners, newborns, and older siblings • When to book a night doula and how long families typically use one • Budget-friendly ways to make overnight support work • Green flags, red flags, and questions to ask before hiring a night doula • Safe sleep practices and newborn care expectations • Building your postpartum village and asking for help If this episode resonates with you, please share it with a new or expecting parent and leave a review. Your support helps more moms find these conversations and feel empowered during one of the biggest transitions of their lives. MORE FROM MARIANELLA: Laguna Baby Collective Website: HERE Instagram: HERE Follow The Milk Podcast on all platforms for weekly episodes that remind you you're not alone, you're not crazy, and you're doing way better than you think. Follow & Subscribe For More: YouTube: @TheMilkPodcast Instagram: @TheMilkPodcast_@TaylaBurke TikTok: @TheMilkPodcast @Tayla_Burke
