What is a Newborn Care Specialist?
Newborn Care Specialists are often referred to as baby nurses, while some may have had some medical or formal nursery nurse training, most have not. You may have also heard the terms newborn nannies, baby nurse, babynurse, postpartum nannies, maternity nannies, night nanny. nightnanny, night nurse, night baby nurse, nursery nurse. These terms are often used interchangeably. Newborn Specialists that are not Registered Nurses or Licensed Practical Nurses cannot legally refer to themselves as "baby nurses" in most states. They are, however, professionals with years of experience who have made careers out of caring for newborns.
A Newborn Specialist is hired on a temporary basis to nurture and manage the care of your newborn while you recover from from childbirth and provide emotional and educational support to the new parents. They should provide a calming presence and teach by example so that parents will have the necessary skills to take over baby's care when they are ready.
An Overnight Newborn Care Specialists responsibilities are primarily infant care, but also to offer, if needed ,educational and emotional support to the new parents. Her duties include:
Support of breast feeding or bottle feeding
Burping
Changing
Cord and Circumcision care
Soothing
Attending to monitors (if applicable)
Preparing and Cleaning bottles.
Keeping a log of baby's patterns, including eating,sleeping, elimination,and moods.
An Overnight Newborn Care Specialist who is experienced in scheduling and sleep training will make it their top priority to transition your baby into a regular routine and to get your newborn to sleep through the night as soon as it is able. This usually occurs between 12-16 weeks of age or 12-16 lbs. Every baby is unique and we do our best to nurture healthy sleep habits as soon a possible.
The Overnight Newborn Care Specialist usually stays in the nursery with the baby and will need to be provided with a bed or comfortable chair and ottoman. A reading lamp is also welcome as many of us read during this time.Access to WIFI is also helpful.
