Maternity Nurses: Professional Support for the First Months of Your Baby👶🏻
Welcoming a baby into your family is a beautiful and life-changing experience — but it can also feel overwhelming, especially during the first weeks. Many parents wonder how to find the right support during this delicate period. This is where a Maternity Nurse can make a real difference.
In this guide, we explain what a maternity nurse is, what they do, when to hire one, how long families usually work with them, and why their support is invaluable during the so-called fourth trimester.
What Is a Maternity Nurse?
A Maternity Nurse is a highly experienced professional specialising in newborn care and postnatal family support during the first weeks or months after birth.
Their role is to:
Support families as they adjust to life with a newborn
Assist with feeding, sleep, and daily routines
Provide reassurance, structure, and expert guidance
Unlike a long-term nanny, a maternity nurse focuses specifically on the newborn and early postnatal period.
What Does a Maternity Nurse Do?
Duties vary depending on the family’s needs, but commonly include:
Full newborn care
Support with feeding (breastfeeding, bottle feeding, or combination feeding)
Helping establish healthy sleep routines from the start
Night support (for night maternity nurse roles)
Guidance and reassurance for first-time parents
Monitoring the baby’s wellbeing
Emotional and practical support for the mother during recovery
Many maternity nurses work alongside hands-on parents, offering expert support without replacing the parental bond.
Maternity Nurse vs Night Nanny: What’s the Difference?
These roles are often confused, but they are not the same:
Maternity Nurse
Specialist in newborn care
Provides holistic day and/or night support
Focuses on routines, education, and family transition
Night Nanny
Primarily offers overnight support
Focused on allowing parents to rest
Less emphasis on long-term routine building
Both roles are valuable — the right choice depends on your family’s needs.
When Is the Best Time to Hire a Maternity Nurse?
Families often hire a maternity nurse:
Before the baby is born (to secure availability)
From the first day home from hospital
During the first 6–12 weeks
There is no “right” moment — some families prefer immediate support, while others decide once fatigue sets in.
How Long Do Families Usually Work With a Maternity Nurse?
The most common duration is:
4 to 12 weeks
However, some families choose to:
Extend the support for several months
Transition from a maternity nurse to a nanny
Combine maternity nurse support with sleep consultancy
Flexibility is key, and support can be adapted over time.
How Can a Maternity Nurse Help With Baby Sleep?
A maternity nurse does not “sleep train” a newborn, but instead:
Explains normal newborn sleep patterns
Introduces gentle, age-appropriate routines
Encourages healthy sleep habits from day one
Helps reduce parental anxiety around sleep
This creates a strong foundation for long-term family wellbeing.
Supporting Mum’s Recovery and Emotional Wellbeing
Beyond caring for the baby, a maternity nurse also:
Supports the mother’s physical and emotional recovery
Provides reassurance and companionship
Reduces feelings of isolation and overwhelm
Helps prevent exhaustion and burnout
Professional support during this stage can be truly transformative.
Are Maternity Nurses Suitable for International or Expat Families?
Absolutely.
Many international families value:
Clear communication
Cultural sensitivity
Extensive experience
Language skills (such as Spanish-speaking maternity nurses)
In cities like London, maternity nurses are particularly sought after by expat and international families.
How Much Does a Maternity Nurse Cost in London?
Costs vary depending on:
Experience level
Hours required (day, night, or 24-hour support)
Length of the placement
Live-in or live-out arrangements
For most families, hiring a maternity nurse is seen as an investment in rest, confidence, and family wellbeing.
Why Choose a Boutique Agency to Hire a Maternity Nurse?
Working with a specialist agency ensures:
A personalised and thoughtful matching process
Thorough vetting of experience and references
DBS checks and right-to-work verification
Ongoing guidance and support
At Nest & Kin, we focus on quality, trust, and long-term relationships — not volume placements.
Combining Maternity Nurse Support With Other Services
Many families combine maternity nurse support with:
Sleep consultancy
Longer-term nanny placements
Household support
This allows for continuity of care and a smoother transition as your baby grows.
In Summary
A maternity nurse:
Brings calm, experience, and structure
Supports both baby and parents
Helps families navigate the early months with confidence
Every family is different, and the right support can make all the difference.
Considering a Maternity Nurse for Your Family?
At Nest & Kin, we would be delighted to advise you and help you find the right professional for this special stage of life.
📩 Get in touch or book a call to discuss your needs.
