Newborn Know-How

Our postnatal expert MELINDA HUNT answers some common questions

The role of a maternity nurse

When a new baby is on the horizon in Hong Kong, many expats will rely on their helper for assistance or call in their family from overseas, pronto! Yet even the most seasoned helpers and grandparents can get frazzled when a newborn arrives. They may also lack up-to-date experience and training.

This is where a maternity nurse or postnatal carer enters the equation. A maternity nurse can play a pivotal role in helping you prepare for the postnatal period via newborn education before and after the birth. Often, parents will get caught up focussing on the birth itself; in my experience, it’s imperative to focus on birth and beyond!

A maternity nurse supports and educates parents and caregivers in basic newborn care, advises on breastfeeding and formula feeding, sterilising, SIDS, sleep and how to handle your cherub lovingly and safely. Other roles include allowing you to sleep and recover, and learning how to settle and soothe your little one with confidence. Ensuring a mum’s mental and physical wellbeing is of the utmost importance too.

Maternity nurses can also be the anchors for women returning to work. The support system they provide can be crucial in enabling new mums to re-establish ther roles, careers and positions within a competitive work force.

Note: You’ll need to book a maternity nurse in advance, as many are contracted months in advance.