Maternity Nurse
A maternity nurse is an experienced infant care provider. They are also skilled in supporting, caring for and providing invaluable information to parents on how to care for their new born baby or babies. They also allow parents the time to rest and recover from the birth of their baby or babies.
Maternity nurses usually work 24 hours a day for 5 to 6 days a week or daily for 8-10 hours working 5-6 days a week.
Maternity nurses may sleep in the same room as the baby at night so that they can deal with the night feeds ensuring minimal disturbance to the rest of the family.
ROLE OF A MATERNITY NURSE
- Feeding the baby.
- Sterilising, cleaning, preparing bottles and breast pump equipment.
- Laundering the baby's clothing.
- Keeping the nursery and playroom tidy.
- Keeping a daily journal for the baby's schedule, medication and development.
- Reassuring the parents and making your transition to parenthood relaxed and enjoyable.
- Settle your baby into a good routine and learn vital techniques to get him/her to sleep through the night as soon as possible.
- Bath your baby.
- Swaddle your baby.
POINTS TO NOTE
It is normal practice for a maternity nurse to request for a holding fee, should your baby arrive after the agreed start date. The holding fee is usually equal to 50% of their wages from the agreed start date. On commencement of employment ( on baby's arrival) this will increase to the agreed rate. In the event of premature birth your booked maternity nurse may not be available, however we will do what we can to replace her and find another maternity nurse to fill in until your booked maternity nurse can start.
Maternity nurses are self employed, placements usually start from 4 weeks to 12 weeks. Rates vary according to the maternity nurse's age, experience and whether she is responsible for a single baby, twins or triplets. These rates are a guideline only.