Welcoming a new baby into the world is a joyful and exhausting time. Getting enough sleep is key to maintaining a healthy mood and healing your body after giving birth.
If you need extra support during the night, a night nurse can help. Read on https://www.kansascitynewborncare.com/ to learn more about this important care provider.
Newborn care specialists, or baby nurses, have in-depth knowledge about infant sleep patterns and feeding schedules. They often work overnight, giving parents a chance to get some rest. Some night nurses also have experience working with other types of children, including toddlers and older siblings. In addition, they can help new parents understand what their newborns are communicating through their cries.
Unlike postpartum doulas, who support new moms as they recover from childbirth and adjust to parenthood, or baby nannies, who remain with the family long-term, newborn care specialists are typically independent contractors. This makes it easier for them to fit into busy schedules. Parents can usually find one through referrals from friends, family or neighbors, or through a newborn care specialist agency. Before hiring a newborn care specialist, it’s a good idea to ask for references and check out their credentials. Some baby nurses are certified in CPR and first aid, while others have formal training in childcare.
The main reason new parents hire a baby nurse is to help them get more sleep during the night. Newborns need frequent feedings, which can be disruptive to their sleep patterns. A night nurse can monitor the baby’s vital signs and comfort them while they sleep. They can also change diapers and provide pumping assistance. Other responsibilities include preparing formula, sterilizing equipment and washing laundry.
While a baby nurse is an invaluable asset for many new parents, she’s not a substitute for medical assistance. In case of a medical emergency, you’ll want to consult with your doctor or midwife immediately. If you’re planning to have a baby, it’s helpful to start looking for a night nurse during the second trimester of pregnancy. This gives you plenty of time to interview candidates and arrange their services before your due date.
If you know a new parent who’s struggling to get enough sleep, consider giving them a gift certificate for a night nurse from Babies RN. It’s sure to be one of their most treasured gifts. Contact us today to learn more about our services.
Routine Maintenance
A night nurse is responsible for ensuring that infants get the proper nutrition and care that they require during their overnight stays. This includes feedings, diaper changes, rocking the baby to sleep, and soothing them when they are fussy. The nurse may also help with baby sleep training and establishing a healthy sleep schedule. In addition, a night nurse will help parents with breastfeeding or formula preparation and set up and clean breast pumps as needed.
A nursing career can be stressful, and night shift nurses are especially susceptible to fatigue and burnout. To avoid these issues, it’s important for these RNs to prioritize rest and self-care as much as possible. This may include sleeping in late, taking naps, or using relaxation techniques to combat fatigue. It’s also helpful for them to maintain a regular exercise routine, as this can stimulate the brain and boost energy levels.
It’s also important for a night nurse to eat nutritious meals and stay hydrated during their shift. This can be difficult when they are drowsy after their work day, so it’s helpful for them to plan ahead by preparing food or having snacks on hand. Keeping a water bottle on hand and choosing low-sugar, high-protein foods can help them combat fatigue.
Lastly, it’s important for a night nurse to establish a regular sleep schedule and stick to it. This can be hard for new nurses, who might have trouble adjusting to an entirely different sleep pattern. However, if they set their alarm clocks to wake up and go to bed at the same times every day, including on their days off, it can help regulate their body’s internal clock and improve sleep quality.
Finally, it’s helpful for a night shift nurse to connect with others who work the same schedule, as they can offer valuable support and advice. This may include online communities or finding friends who are able to relate. A good night nurse will take advantage of these resources and tips, so they can perform at their best on the job and keep their health in optimal condition.
Cleaning
A night nurse will typically clean soiled onesies, blankets, sheets, and bibs while the baby sleeps. She’ll also make sure essential supplies like wipes, formula, diapers, and pacifiers are on hand. She may even start a laundry load before she leaves. (Somenight nurses are also happy to do family laundry, dishes, pet care, and other chores. Ask about your nurse’s cleaning preferences and expectations before hiring her.
Night nurses often work in a fast-paced environment and are responsible for many patient-related tasks without the benefit of daytime support from coworkers or other nursing professionals. As a result, they tend to have higher stress levels than day shift nurses. They might also feel isolated from family and friends who don’t work night shifts, which can be tough to cope with.
In some cases, a night nurse will help new parents establish a sleep routine that can be replicated by the parent when they return home. She might suggest different rocking techniques to lull the baby back to sleep or share tips on how to best swaddle the newborn to promote comfort and safety.
A night nurse might also help a family bathe their baby, helping the parents perfect their technique and giving them expert tips on keeping the infant comfortable throughout. Afterward, the night nurse will put the baby back to bed in the bassinet.
A night nurse may also help a family with household chores such as washing dishes, running errands, or picking up kids from school. However, this is not a typical responsibility for all nurses and should be discussed with your chosen candidate before hiring her. If your night nurse is willing to take on these extra tasks, it’s a great way to get some extra rest while working nights.
Feeding
A newborn night nurse, sometimes called a new baby sleep specialist or night nanny, helps parents care for their infants at night. These professionals can be registered nurses (RNs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs) or certified newborn care specialists. Some newborn night nurses work both day and night, while others specialize in overnight newborn care only.
Newborns need to be fed every two to three hours in their first weeks of life to meet their caloric needs. Night nurses can feed babies breastmilk or formula provided by the parents and keep records of feedings so that they can ensure that the baby is getting enough food to thrive.
If a newborn is waking up to feed at the start of the night, the mother may need help from her night nurse in the beginning to learn how to latch properly and get comfortable nursing. She also may need assistance with pumping to build a solid milk supply, and the night nurse will be able to provide support in these early stages.
When the baby wakes up to a wet or dirty diaper, the night nurse will change the diaper and rock them back to sleep. She may also clean them up and apply a diaper rash cream, such as Mustela’s Diaper Rash Cream 1 2 3, if needed. The night nurse will then go back to bed and continue her own sleep routine so she can be awake for the next feeding.
Some newborn night nurses, such as postpartum doulas, provide comprehensive feeding support for the family. They can provide breastfeeding guidance, assist with bottle feeding and assess the baby’s eating patterns to identify any issues that need to be addressed. In addition, they can provide emotional and practical support for the entire family to help them cope with the demands of a newborn baby. This holistic approach can be a helpful alternative to traditional hospital-based nursery care. New moms who hire a night nurse often report that it was one of the best decisions they made for themselves and their child. This is especially true for families that have no family nearby who can help with the baby’s initial weeks of life.
