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"Melinda has exceptional skills as a maternity nurse. She supported my family after the birth of my second child in April 2012, working with us 3-5 nights a week. I had previously engaged two different highly experienced and sought-after maternity nurses when my first baby was a newborn (in New York City), so am able to say with confidence and direct comparison that Melinda is amazing and without equal!"
I think as parents living in Hong Kong, we would collectively agree the immense benefits in being able to procure home help in the form of maids and helpers.
Our helpers, in many cases become part of the family and interwoven into our busy lives. They are indeed embedded within the Hong Kong culture for which many of us are forever grateful.
However sometimes families require more specialised help and expertise when a new baby/babies arrive. In particular, expats living away from precious family members want that extra reassurance and support.
Having a baby can be stressful for the whole family unit and even the helpers get frazzled! It is in this particular situation where a trained Post Natal Carer otherwise known as a Maternity nurse, maybe the answer.
A Post Natal Carer/Maternity Nurse is a non-medical nurse trained in many facets of Post Natal care for both Mother and baby. They are Post Natal educators. They can advise on sleep routines, soothing and settling methods, breastfeeding, formula feeding, nutrition, hygiene, safety proofing and give general advice on baby care and looking after yourself post birth.
The role could also involve training new parents and helpers in baby care within the home. Sometimes parents want a Maternity Nurse only for the night feeds so as they can catch up on sleep and get into a good routine. In many cases its a matter of establishing a routine before Mum goes back to work.
In some scenarios, new Mothers are simply not coping with their new role. Often this is due to hormonal changes, extreme exhaustion and other family responsibilities (siblings). A Maternity Nurse can step in and take the pressure off.
As a Maternity Nurse, it is vital to look for signs of Post Natal Depression and address it without delay. According to Murcoff’s “What to expect the first year”, 60-80% of women suffer from baby blues within the first week. Asking for help or planning ahead to employ a Maternity Nurse can alleviate a lot of pressures.
Without a doubt, having a baby whether its your first or fifth is often overwhelming. Each pregnancy and birth experience is different and we need to recognize this. Many of us, myself included are tempted to view ourselves as superwoman and are reluctant to seek help. If you think you are not coping with the new arrival or know in advance you want some specialised help please contact me at melindamaternity@gmail.com.
In essence a Maternity Nurse is there to make your life easier, offer support, instil knowledge and empower parents by providing a stable support system and knowledge base to draw from. The basic tools in Post Natal care.
As a Maternity Nurse I expect my role to encompass that of a breastfeeding advisor, formula feeding advisor, sleep trainer, routine facilitator, baby care educator, time manager, social worker and friend! While we can’t wave a magic wand and make all problems disappear, we can make a difference. A Maternity Nurse may well be an invaluable resource you want to consider in the future.
Melinda Hunt.
Melinda Hunt
BA (Monash) , DPNC (Nest UK), IAIM certified instructor.
My name is Melinda Hunt and I am a qualified postnatal carer/night nurse. I also offer a Hong Kong based baby prepping and concierge service. I have lived in Hong Kong for the past 9 years after moving from Melbourne, Australia. I have 5 children (including identical twins) ranging in age from 10-21 years old. I have worked as a Post Natal Carer in private homes across Hong Kong, where I have helped new parents with night feeds, advised on breast feeding and formula feeding, sleep routines, soothing and settling methods and general baby care education and support.
I am both a trained instructor in 'The Happiest Baby on the Block' method and an IAIM trained baby massage instructor.