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Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

Maternity nurse in London

14 replies

Happychick35 · 07/11/2013 11:33

Hello,

I have a question did you have a maternity nurse? My dh and me are thinking of getting a maternity nurse for the first few days as I have c-section looming and it is our first , so we would like some guidance in the beginning. Did any of you have one? Was it useful? If there any recommendations I would be very grateful for PM.

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Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
Christelle2207 · 07/11/2013 12:05

Hi, never heard of a maternity nurse to be honest though I have heard of people hiring Douglas or midwives privately to help with the birth mostly. Someone more helpful will be along soon I'm sure.

timeforgin · 07/11/2013 12:13

I haven't used one but know plenty who have - try (Google)

Eden Nannies
Night Nannies London
The Maternity Nurse Company

stinkingbishop · 07/11/2013 12:16

I had one for 5 weeks as I had twins and a C section and a DP working away from home and no rellies nearby. Fiona Houston, you can get her through Eden/Maternity Nurse. She was a godsend. Best present ever (PILs paid). She stayed Mon early am through to Fri pm.

Leopoldina · 07/11/2013 12:17

yes, we got one from Eden and absolutely adored her. She wasn't available 2nd time, so got one on personal recommendation and it was an utter disaster & I resented every penny she was paid.
Moral of the story - when you meet them for interview, imagine having them hanging round you at your very lowest ebb at 3.45am and work out how much they'll irritate you... Find one with a sense of humour if you can, I find it helped hugely. Can't PM you details as the sainted one is no longer in the UK.

BummyMummy77 · 07/11/2013 13:15

I was a maternity nurse for 18 years. I'd say we're great!

Eden have the best selection but can be a little flakey as they're such a large company.

Interview carefully and get somebody you LIKE. Avoid anyone that looks like they've been doing it too long and may be over bossy.

Also don't let the agency lead you or bully you into a candidate. They are there for one thing only - to make money.

Happychick35 · 07/11/2013 21:02

thank you everyone, sounds like it is not such a bad idea. I will give eden a call and will check fiona out. She sounds amazing! Bummymummy77 I would grateful for the tips on interview questions?

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BummyMummy77 · 07/11/2013 21:55

Well if you're going through Eden or another agency they (hopefully) will have vetted them throughly but things can slip through the cracks so you might want to ask when their last CRB (now known as DBS) check was done.

If you want to be a bit more formal or if the girl doesn't seem to have years of experience I'd ask what relevant qualifications or training they have. If she's an older duck with years of references it's not essential.

How many years newborn experience do you have? I'd not take anyone with under 5 to be honest. Again, coming from a good agency this shouldn't be a problem but some girls will say they've had newborn experience and when you dig a bit deeper it can sometimes be that they helped out Mum while looking after an older sibling.

How long have you been working as a maternity nurse?
Do you have paediatric first aid and when was it completed? (3 years ago is the longest you should accept)

Depending on your circumstances you should ask if she has the relevant experience. i.e., if you're planning or thinking you may have to have a c section ask her if she's had lots of experience with c section Mummies. Ask her also about working with jaundice, colic, reflux.

Depending on your feeding plans ask if she is willing to work with you through the night. She can help burp and change IF YOU WANT and can feed if you want to bottle feed. Check she's on the same page and supportive.

Most mat nurses love to swaddle. If you don't want to swaddle then this is something you should discuss at interview stage.

Routines. What are her/your feelings? Do you want to have a baby led routine, one of your choosing or leave it to her? If you want baby or you to lead, will she be ok with that?

Has she ever had an emergency and how did she deal with it? You can learn a lot with this question.

Will she be happy to do very light cleaning (if you want), make some simple meals for you and do baby laundry. Most will but a few snotty Marys might not be happy to. Best make sure first.

Make sure you're on the same page regarding going out. Most maternity nurses like to get out and get baby air every day.

Sleeping. Some like to sleep with baby, some like their own room. You may not even want an overnight but you'll be glad for it if you do!

What hours do you want her? Usually 24 hour slots although I've done just days and 24/7 also.

What happens if baby is late or early? What's her deposit? How and when does she want to be paid? Cancellation policy? You can ask about travel expenses. I know some expect them but I never did and it's always something they can bring up if they feel they want them.

Does she have her own contract? Most experienced mat nurses will.

Ask them why they choose to be a maternity nurse, what makes them a good mat nurse and what are their best and worse memories.

It looks daunting but the difference between an ok nurse that you sort of get on with or a wonderful nurse that you really gel with can make it a wonderful experience for you.

In quite a few of my positions I stayed on longer as asked, the longest one I was there for 5 years as I'd stay on for a year then they'd have another! Another I stayed in for two years. Most of the families I'm still in contact with to one degree or another, it's funny seeing their teenagers on my Facebook!

Happychick35 · 08/11/2013 12:15

BummyMummy77 that is so helpful! Thank you so much ! please wish me luck everyone in finding the right one!

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BummyMummy77 · 08/11/2013 14:14

You're welcome. Good luck! :)

fgr · 08/11/2013 19:02

I really urge you to call Deearnas. Eden sent me a disaster and did not care once they took your money. Deearna and one of her lovely nurses stepped in at a moments notice and were wonderful.

Happychick35 · 11/11/2013 17:28

FGR thank you, I will check them out as well

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Shellywelly1973 · 11/11/2013 19:03

I know this might seem like a silly question but what does a maternity nurse do?

If you bf is there much point as you will be up at night anyway.
Is there much difference between a maternity nurse/ doula or Nanny?

Happychick35 · 12/11/2013 20:42

Shellywelly1973 I do not have any experience yet, but most of people I know who did it say it is great because she helps you with a baby when you scared to do anything with them in the beginning. They should help with any issues with the baby and bf as well. I want her just for a first week, just to get a bit into grips with things. That is what I heard.

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ale17 · 02/02/2020 13:51

My wife just had a baby and we are having a tough time. We would like a maternity nurse for a week or a night nanny. How much would do you think a good agency will charge for a week and how much would the agency fee be?

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