Key Responsibilities of a Maternity Nurse

A Maternity Nurse specializes in providing support to parents and newborns during the first weeks or months after birth. They help with recovery, infant care, and establishing routines, offering both practical assistance and emotional support.

1.    Infant Care:

• Feeding (bottle-feeding or breastfeeding support).
• Diaper changes, bathing, and general hygiene for the baby.
• Soothing techniques to calm the baby during crying episodes.
• Monitoring the baby’s health and behavior (e.g., signs of colic, reflux, or other concerns).

2.    Routine Establishment:

• Helps establish feeding, sleeping, and waking routines based on the baby’s natural rhythms.
• Offers guidance on sleep training and creating a structured day/night cycle.

3.    Parental Support:

• Assists with breastfeeding (positioning, latch correction, and troubleshooting common challenges).
• Provides education on newborn care, safety, and developmental milestones.
• Encourages confidence and independence in new parents.

4.    Household Assistance:

• Organizes and sterilizes feeding equipment.
• Maintains the baby’s laundry and tidies the nursery.
• Prepares meals or snacks for the mother to support her postpartum recovery (if included in their role).

5.    Postnatal Care for the Mother:

• Monitors the mother’s physical recovery, including wound care if needed (e.g., after a C-section).
• Offers emotional support to help navigate postpartum mood changes or baby blues.
• Advises on diet and hydration for breastfeeding mothers.

Working Hours

• Maternity Nurse  can work live-in (24-hour care with breaks) or live-out (set daily or night shifts).
• Typical shifts may range from 12 to 24 hours, depending on the family's needs.

Duration of Service

• Usually hired for the first 6-12 weeks after birth but can be extended depending on family preference.
• Some families hire them for shorter periods to address specific challenges (e.g., sleep training, feeding issues).

Why Hire a Maternity Nurse?

• To ensure a smooth transition home after birth, especially for first-time parents.
• To receive professional guidance on newborn care.
• To ease the physical and emotional demands of postpartum recovery.
• For tailored support in managing twins, triplets, or premature babies.