Overnight Newborn Care

As a NCS - Newborn Care Specialists (a.k.a baby nurse or night nurse) we are trained individuals and knowledgeable in all aspects of infant care from birth to 16 weeks. An NCS's primary focus is on the newborn, but they can also provide other support based on additional training/experience. Here are some of the primary responsibilities and services provided by a newborn care specialist:

Infant Care Guidance

NCSs assist with all aspects of newborn care, including feeding (whether breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, or formula feeding), diapering, bathing, and dressing the baby. We will also help with washing/sterilizing bottles and pump parts, bathing and preparing bottles for the next day. They also help with establishing healthy sleep routines and comforting techniques.

Sleep Training and Sleep Support

One of the key aspects of an NCS's role is helping establish a sleep routine for the baby. This includes teaching parents how to recognize sleep cues, encouraging safe sleep practices, and offering strategies to help the baby sleep longer stretches, which can be a huge relief for exhausted parents.

Feeding Support

NCSs often provide guidance and assistance with feeding, including breastfeeding support, bottle-feeding, and managing any feeding issues that may arise, such as reflux, colic, or tongue tie.

Soothing Techniques

Newborns can experience fussiness or discomfort, and a newborn care specialist offers expertise in soothing techniques. This may involve swaddling, rocking, gentle massage, and other calming practices to help a baby feel more settled.

Breastfeeding and Lactation Support

While NCSs are not lactation consultants (IBCLCs), many have experience with breastfeeding and can help troubleshoot issues like latch problems, nipple pain, or supply concerns.

Health Monitoring

NCSs monitor the baby’s overall well-being, such as tracking weight gain, ensuring the baby is feeding enough, observing for signs of illness, and helping parents understand developmental milestones.

It’s important to note that a newborn care specialist is not a medical professional, so while they have a wealth of knowledge about baby care, they do not provide medical advice or perform medical care.

Postpartum Support

While their primary focus is on the baby, NCSs may also offer some light postpartum support for the parents, such as helping them adjust to the demands of newborn care, offering advice on self-care, and guiding them through emotional challenges.

Creating Routines

Newborn care specialists can assist parents in establishing consistent routines for the baby, which can help create structure and predictability for both the baby and the parents.

Services provided from 9pm - 7am

2-7 nights a week

Here's a general idea of what you can expect overnight:

Before the Parents Go to Sleep:

o We will check in with the parents to discuss the baby's day, any concerns, and the parents' preferences for the night.

o Tidy the nursery, restock supplies, and ensure everything is ready for the night.

During the Night:

o Closely monitor the baby's vital signs, sleep patterns, and overall well-being throughout the night.

o Handle all feedings, whether it's bringing the baby to the mother for breastfeeding, preparing bottles of formula or breastmilk, or feeding the baby expressed breastmilk.

o Change diapers as needed and maintain proper hygiene.

o Use our expertise to soothe and comfort the baby, employing techniques like swaddling, rocking, and white noise.

o Gently guide the baby towards establishing healthy sleep patterns, which may include implementing age-appropriate sleep conditioning techniques with the parents' consent.

o Keep a detailed log of the baby's feedings, diaper changes, sleep patterns, and any other relevant information.

In the Morning:

o We will provide a detailed report to the parents about the baby's night, including any concerns or observations.

o Tidy up the nursery and prepare for the day ahead.