Everything You Should Know About Employing a Maternity Nurse

Thinking of hiring a maternity nurse? Here’s what to consider — from responsibilities and legalities to finding the right fit for your family.

Bringing home a new baby is one of the most joyful — and intense — moments in family life. Whether you're recovering from birth, adjusting to life with a newborn, or navigating sleepless nights, having experienced support can make all the difference.

Maternity nurses offer exactly that: professional, in-home care during the first weeks after birth. But what exactly do they do? How do you find someone trustworthy? And what should you expect legally and practically?

To help answer these questions, we turned to Sabina Borton, Norland Nanny, qualified maternity nurse, and co-founder of ESB Consulting, a family and education consultancy. Sabina has helped place exceptional maternity nurses with families across the UK and internationally, and shares her expert guidance here.

What Is a Maternity Nurse?

A maternity nurse is a trained professional who supports families during the first 6 to 12 weeks after birth. While most are not medical nurses, they have specialist knowledge in newborn care and early parenting. Their role is both practical and emotional — helping you settle into your new rhythm, safely care for your baby, and recover with reassurance.

A maternity nurse can help with:

• Breast and bottle feeding support

• Day and night baby care (nappies, bathing, winding, settling)

• Helping establish gentle routines

• Maternal rest and recovery

• Night feeds and sleep guidance

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Think of them as an experienced extra pair of hands — there to lighten the load, not take over.

Live-In vs Daily vs Night-Only: What Are Your Options?

Maternity nurses can work in different formats, depending on your needs and household setup:

👶 Live-in Support

Often the most common in the early weeks, a live-in maternity nurse works 24 hours a day, 5–6 days a week, and sleeps either with the baby or in a separate room. They usually take scheduled breaks during the day to rest.

🌙 Night Nurse

Night maternity nurses offer overnight-only care, helping with feeds and settling so parents can get consolidated sleep. This is often a more affordable option while still being incredibly effective.

☀️ Daily Support

A daily maternity nurse works for a set number of hours and goes home at the end of each shift. This suits families who prefer daytime help and have space or budget constraints.

How to Find a Maternity Nurse in the UK

Choosing the right person takes time, care, and due diligence. Here’s how to start:

✅ Use a Reputable Agency

Specialist maternity nurse or nanny agencies will thoroughly vet candidates (DBS checks, references, qualifications) and help match you with someone whose values and personality align with yours.

✅ Ask for Personal Recommendations

Word-of-mouth can be powerful. Friends or fellow parents can often refer someone they’ve had a positive experience with.

✅ Conduct a Proper Interview

Whether in-person or via video call, ask about:

• Experience with newborns and feeding

• Approach to routines and sleep

• Style of working with both first-time and experienced parentsIt’s also important to feel comfortable — you’ll be sharing your home and intimate moments with this person.

Legal and Practical Considerations

While most maternity nurses are self-employed, there are still important details to clarify up front:

• Contract: Always have a written agreement outlining hours, duties, pay, notice periods, and rest breaks.

• Rates: Expect to pay £200–£400+ per 24 hours, depending on experience and whether the role is daytime, overnight, or live-in.

• Tax: If the nurse is self-employed, they handle their own tax and National Insurance contributions.

• Accommodation: For live-in roles, a private room and meals are typically provided.

• Rest Time: Even 24-hour maternity nurses need scheduled breaks and uninterrupted sleep at certain points.

What Makes a Great Maternity Nurse?

Every family is different — but great maternity nurses often share a few key traits:

• Calm, kind, and clear communicators

• Respectful of your parenting choices

• Genuinely supportive and non-judgmental

• Experienced and adaptable to different needs and rhythms

• Professional yet warm — someone who feels like a teammate, not a guest

Above all, trust your instinct. A great maternity nurse should help you feel more confident and relaxed, not stressed or second-guessed.

Final Thoughts

Bringing a maternity nurse into your home is a personal decision — but for many families, it’s also one of the most impactful investments in their postpartum wellbeing.

Whether you’re a first-time parent or welcoming another baby into the mix, the right support can help you rest, recover, and bond with your baby in a calm, confident environment.

Contact FOUR MAMAS to learn more about trusted maternity nurse options and how to find the right fit for your family. We’re here to help you feel supported — every step of the way.