With little or no experience of the emotional and physical demands
of their new roles, first time mothers and fathers often find their
parental responsibilities to be a considerable challenge.
Maternity nurse helps to make the transition into
parenthood much smoother and has a positive impact on the way that
mothers feel. They are also known as post-natal carers or newborn care
specialists work within the field of newborn baby. Maternity nurse
helps the mother from the time she leaves hospital until both mother
and baby are settled into a routine at home - a period of around four
to eight weeks, most of the times, but it not unusual that she stays
with the family 6 - 12 months. Her main role is to guide and reassure both parents. She settles
the mother at home, building her confidence in handling the newborn
and integrating the baby into the family circle. Some specialise in
multiple births and occasionally the role involves coping with
distressed parents, depressed mothers or sick babies. The maternity nurse will establish a routine for the baby, support
the mother with breastfeeding or using formula, ensure she gets a
good night's sleep by feeding the baby at night or taking baby to the
mother for night feeds, change and settle the baby after feeds,
monitor the baby's weight gain, growth and sleeping patterns, and
advise on safety, hygiene, use of equipment and the products
available.
Qualifications and training
Some maternity nurses were formerly paediatric nurses or midwives
while others have a background in early years care and education.
Ideally, all should have at least three years experience of working
with babies and in particular newborns and their mothers. Accredited
specialist training is provided by two UK organisations - Newborn
Education Services and Training (NEST) and MNT Training. There are many similarities and some differences in the stated
content of these courses. The main areas covered are: health and care
of newborns, colic and reflux, sudden infant death syndrome, sleep in
newborns, routines, health and care of post-natal mothers,
breastfeeding, portfolio management, assertiveness, self employment,
contracts, professionalism, interviews, CVs and finding employment.
Main responsibilities
- set up and organise nursery
- ensure that the environment is safe
- help parents adjust very quickly to life with a newborn and ease the family into a comfortable routine
- provide all basic newborn care, including feeding, diapering, bathing, etc
- keep a detailed feeding and sleeping log that will assist in the establishment of a healthy schedule for baby
- provide appropriate developmental activities for the baby
- take baby for walks and accompany family on outings/travel.
Maternity nurses work, in effect, for 24 hours a day, five to six days a
week, although they are expected to have time off each day to get some rest. Because of the strenuous schedule,
they are advised to take a week off before and after each job. They
are responsible for their own tax and national insurance but families
must pay agency fees. If the baby arrives late, you still have to
pay the maternity nurse for the days you booked. A cheaper option is
the 'nights only' service offered by some agencies. Mum still benefits from full night sleep, fully rested as her baby is in the safe hands!
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