Nanny vs. Maternity Nurse, What are the Differences?

Maternity nurses are becoming increasingly popular now, even though this childcare role has been around for many decades. And, how is a maternity nurse different from a nanny?

Many families consider hiring external and expert help straight after the delivery of their newborn, and this is where a maternity nurse comes in. 

What is a Maternity Nurse?

A maternity nurse is a nursing professional who provides care to expectant mothers before, during and after childbirth. Not only do they support new parents, but also families that have already gone through childbirth before. Maternity nurses are able to guide families through the process of post birth and help build confidence with the new baby. They support new mothers with everything from breastfeeding and nappy changing to cleanliness and home routines. Besides, a maternity nurse can help with breastfeeding, birth or C-section wounds and guide with sleep routines.

A maternity listens to the mother’s needs and offers a tailored service aimed at supporting the mum and the newborn. Some maternity nurses are also able to detect post-natal depression and provide support and guidance in such situations. A maternity nurse usually works with newborn babies on a temporary basis, which can be from around two weeks to four months and on a 24/6 weekly basis The maternity nurse placement is temporary and shorter than a nanny’s assignment.

Maternity nurses are highly qualified professionals, so they have extensive training in tasks such as breast and bottle feeding, bathing, setting routines and baby comforting techniques, some may even be sleep coaches and are able to help with sleep training.

Main Differences between a Maternity Nurse and a Nanny

• A maternity nurse cares for babies and mothers immediately after delivery. Nannies oftentimes care for babies that are 3 months and above.
• Maternity nurses are highly qualified professionals and experienced with newborns, while some nannies do not have any formal qualifications.
• Maternity nurses are able to support and help with more complex baby needs and are knowledgeable of premature baby care and other delicate health-related conditions. Nannies take on a more general supportive role and usually work with older babies or children.
• A maternity nurse is typically hired for a short period of time (2 weeks to 4 months).
• A maternity nurse usually works 24 hours or nights and gets a daily fee.
• A nanny works longer term, up to 50 hours per week and the salary is paid on a weekly or monthly basis.
• Nannies are typically hired for a longer term.
• A nanny can also be hired to help with older children, e.g. toddlers and teens, while maternity nurses will mainly support the mother and newborns.