Maternity Duties

Outline of Maternity Duties

1. Hours of work in the average Maternity post are generally 24 hours per day (on call) six days per week, with a full 24 hours free. Maternity bookings are for as little as two weeks and as much as three months. Bookings are made on the assumption that a baby will arrive roughly on time; if a baby is late you will be compensated by the prospective parent for each week that you are without work at 50% of the agreed salary. If a maternity assignment is cancelled within four weeks of its scheduled commencement, the client will be responsible for one week's salary (unless specified differently in your own contract if you have one).
   
   Do be sure to leave adequate time between your bookings to allow yourself a rest period and an overlap, in case of extended bookings or early arrivals.
   
   The local authority will send a community midwife to visit as usual.
   
   
2. Bottle Fed Babies
   You must prepare all milk feeds, sterilize all equipment, feed the baby day and night, and eventually establish a good feeding and sleeping routine. Be certain that before you leave, Mother is confident and capable of carrying out these duties herself.
   
   Breast Fed Babies
   Observe Mother while she is feeding day and night, advise as necessary and take the baby after feeds and re-settle.
   
   
3. Your other duties will include washing (and ironing) of all baby’s clothes, nappies, bed/cot linen, bathing baby, changing nappies and daily tidying of all nursery areas. Be sure that Mother knows how to undertake all these tasks before you leave.
   
   
4. Sleep! Catch up with it whenever you can – always within earshot of the baby, of course. If working 24 hours you are entitled to taking a break at the mothers convenience during the day. You must be sure to get all the rest that you can.
   
   

Our maternity positions are mainly in the Central London however we do have positions all over the UK, Europe and other far flung interesting places.

All salaries are quoted gross. Current salaries vary according to age and experience/singles/multiples.

Maternity Nurses are generally self-employed; therefore it is essential to have professional indemnity insurance. We also recommend having your own contract.