7 Signs You Need a Night Nurse for Your Newborn Baby

The first few days and weeks with a newborn are times of happiness, filled with unforgettable moments.

However, there is a part of this phase that many parents find challenging, such as the lack of sleep during this physical recovery period after childbirth.

This is where most families find that the exhaustion due to lack of sleep is not only depleting, but it also makes functioning during the few hours of rest utterly impossible. Thus, finding the right support, such as a good night nurse for your newborn, can make a big difference.

When do you really need professional help? When do you decide to hire an overnight nurse for the baby?

In this blog, we will discuss the top seven signs that serve as a good indicator that you should consider hiring a nighttime nurse.

Let’s dive deeper!
 

What is a Night Nurse?

A night nurse is a certified and trained caregiver or a Registered Nurse (RN) who professionally provides overnight care for infants. She is trained to handle feeding, diaper changes, monitoring sleep, and newborn meal prep. Additionally, she ensures the baby’s safety throughout the night, providing parents with much-needed rest and peace of mind.
 

What Does a Night Nurse Do?

Primarily, a night nurse handles the following tasks:

●  She assists with feeding the baby by preparing the bottles or bringing the baby to the mother who is breastfeeding.

●  After the feeding, she burps and changes the baby’s clothes, and soothes the baby back to sleep.

●  She pays close attention to the baby’s overall health and records any changes in breathing and feeding.
 

Why Hire a Night Nurse?

While the choice of hiring help during the night is personal, for many families, the cost is a very important factor and can also be a drawback.

If you are in the healing or nursing phase, a night nurse for the infant does become important.

Some parents also hire a night nurse for their newborn, because they live far away from their family and want to ensure their baby is well cared for.

And for parents with a newborn, when both are working professionals, the ability to work during the day, especially after a night of undisturbed rest, can feel like a gift from god.
 

7 Signs It’s Time to Consider a Night Nurse
 

1. You’re getting less than three hours of uninterrupted sleep.

If you are taking short naps intermittently or the length of your sleep is insufficient to restore your energy, then you need an extra hand. As exhaustion creeps in, overnight care can help with the much-needed rest.

2. Feeding difficulties leave you feeling drained.

Breastfeeding difficulties and the bottle prep routines are challenges that assistance from a night nurse can alleviate, making feeding more efficient and a whole lot easier.

3. Recovering from a C-Section and/or complex delivery.

Post-surgery recovery is tough. Letting a professional handle the night shift could help your body get the proper recovery time it needs.

4. You’re a parent of twins.

If you are one of the blessed parents who have twins and are struggling to manage both, an infant night nurse is guaranteed to help relieve the overwhelming amount of stress.

5. With a new baby, are you struggling to get through the day with the rest of the world?

If you are going to return to work soon, you can’t negotiate on sleep. Resting & recovering during the early days is essential, and in this case, hiring professional overnight care is ideal.

6. You are always stressed that the baby is going to cry.

Sometimes it is the baby that is keeping you awake at night, while at other times it is the overwhelming amount of stress. Having an expert on hand can relieve some of the tension and make it easier for you to sleep.

7. You are more inclined to have set sleep times rather than just randomly sleep.

If your family values proper sleep and consistent routines, then a night nurse will help your baby adapt to healthy sleeping habits and routines at a young age.
 

How Much Does a Night Nurse Cost?

In most cases, the average hourly wage of a nurse falls in the range of $30 to $55, depending on their level of training and expertise, as well as the city or region.

For families who prefer a flat rate for overnight services, you can expect to pay anywhere from $250 to $400 per night.

Despite the costs, night nurses provide a level of comfort and assurance that many families appreciate, especially those with mothers recovering from childbirth or families with multiples.
 

Alternatives to a Night Nurse

Not all families opt to work with a night nurse. Some families choose to have a daytime nanny extend their shift to include a few evening hours.

Other families opt to work with a postpartum doula who can provide both day and night services with an emphasis on the mother’s wellness.
 

Conclusion

Having a night nurse for newborns is not a sign of weakness. Hiring the right help can be reassuring and valuable during the initial stages of parenthood. It does not replace parental involvement, but it can facilitate sleep, rest, bonding, and a more flowing equilibrium in the household.

Through her presence and support, a night nurse can help you get optimal rest, better quality sleep and and healing opportunities. If you are stressed and are considering options, hiring a night nurse can be a decision that can change your life for the better.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How does a night nanny differ from a night nurse?
   A night nanny does not require proper qualifications and is generally not certified, but a night nurse is certified with more knowledge and skills in the postpartum and health area.
2. How important is a night nurse for newborns?
   A night nurse for newborns is important if you need an extra hand to get the right support during postpartum, while your infant gets the right care.
3. How much does a night nurse cost per night?
   It usually ranges from $250 to $400 for a whole night, which is about $30-$55 an hour.
4. Do postpartum nurses assist mothers with breastfeeding?
   Yes, a lot of them offer support and guidance with latching, breastfeeding, bottle preparation, and help mothers with care and encouragement.
5. When should I hire a night nurse - immediately after birth or later?
   Each family chooses a different point in time, but many parents seem to gain the most by hiring a night nurse in the first weeks, as recovery and poor sleep can be most stressful.