I know that the Bees have a baby nurse. I want to know what exactly a baby nurse does. How do you find one? Anyone else have one? Are they with you 24/7?
-
Here is an FAQ I wrote about baby nurses!
- What is a baby nurse?
A certified baby nurse is a specially trained care provider of newborn babies. They typically work 24 hour shifts, helping parents with every aspect of infant care as soon as you come home from the hospital. Most people hire baby nurses anywhere from 2 weeks - 3 months.
- What are a baby nurse’s responsibilities?
A baby nurse's responsibilities include infant care, parental education, waking up at night with baby, playing with baby, diaper changing, bathing and grooming, feeding, bottle washing, baby laundry, keeping the nursery clean, and getting the baby on a schedule.
- Why would someone hire a baby nurse?
A baby nurse has years of experience working specifically with newborn babies. They can be there around the clock to attend to all your baby’s need, enabling parents to get some much needed support and rest (especially at night!).
- How much does a baby nurse cost?
Most baby nurses in the New York area charge $250/24 hours. Many are willing to travel anywhere in the United States.
- Where does the baby nurse sleep?
The baby nurse sleeps in the same room as the baby.
- How do I find a baby nurse?
Most baby nurses get their jobs via word of mouth. If you don't know anyone who has hired a baby nurse, you can try posting on a local messageboard or listserv for a referral. There are also agencies that specialize in baby nurses, but you will have to pay a fee.
Let me know if you have any questions!
-
Wow - that answered pretty much everything! My last question is how you find one? I know you said word of mouth but...Do these nurses have their regular shift jobs at a hospital? Or, do they have an office to book one? Is there an interview process? Hm, I guess I had more than one question.
My LO is 3 months old and I'm wondering if it's too late to hire one, just for a few days even to help me with the baby so that I can reorganize my life.
-
My friend referred me to her baby nurse. She was booked so that baby nurse referred a friend, who I ended up booking. All baby nurses have baby nurse friends. Is there a local messageboard or listserv you can post on to look for one?
They're not regular nurses -- they complete a certification course on newborn care/first aid/cpr. Usually they are on 24 hour jobs. There is definitely an interview process.
It's not too late to hire one. Some baby nurses prefer only working with newborns so that bad habits are not already instilled.
But a lot of baby nurses stay on jobs long term.
-
As an RN myself, I'd like to clarify, the term "baby nurse" does not mean the caregiver is a Registered Nurse or works in a clinic or hospital. I think you can find baby nurses through word of mouth, craigslist, and nanny agencies.
I don't think 3 months is too old to have a baby nurse.
You could also benefit from a "mother's helper". The terms sort of overlap, but that's someone who does nanny duties while the mom is at home too, but they typically don't stay overnight like baby nurses do.I think this all also depends on where you live. In NYC it's common to hear about baby nurses and mother's helpers and nannies... but in other cities, caregivers are usually just called nannies or babysitters. I guess get a baby nurse though of you prefer someone to really help out at night so you can sleep
-
Yeah, I was just about to say that I've never heard of baby nurses until I started reading mommy blogs and such (I live in Toronto). Even to have a live-in nanny is sort of rare (I only know of ONE person who has a live-in nanny and she is a friend of a friend of a friend!).
-
yah there are many childcare options here in ny. you could get a postpartum doula, who mostly concentrates on helping you. or a baby nurse who only focuses on the baby. or a nanny/babysitter. even an au pair. then there are the ethnic mother types who will cook, clean, and take care of baby. depends what you're looking for!
-
So, Mrs. Bee, how many 24 hours shifts does your baby nurse work? I can't imagine she works full-time from the way you put it.
But a lot of baby nurses stay on jobs long term.
Reply
Subscribe to our newsletter
- Google Plus
- Stumbleupon
- Twitter
- Facebook
- Pinterest
- Favorite0
7 comments