What does a maternity nurse actually do?

Many expecting parents arrange maternity care simply because "that's just how it's done", without knowing exactly what happens during the first days after birth. That's a shame, because a clear picture beforehand helps set the right expectations — and helps you ask the right questions during the introductory conversation.

Medical checks

A maternity nurse closely monitors the health of both mother and baby: blood pressure, temperature and pulse for the mother, and for the baby things like weight, temperature, colour and the umbilical cord. If anything seems off, she contacts the midwife or GP — which is exactly why these checks are done by a trained professional, not by the parents themselves.

Help with feeding

Whether it's breastfeeding or bottle feeding, the first days often bring questions and uncertainty. A maternity nurse helps with latching, spots problems early (such as an incorrect position or too little feeding), and gives practical tips that never quite land the same way from a book as they do from someone standing right next to you.

Household support — with a clear boundary

Maternity care also includes light household tasks directly related to the maternity period: changing the bed, washing baby clothes, keeping the maternity room tidy, preparing a simple meal. It's not a general cleaning service for the whole house — the maternity nurse is there primarily for mother and baby, with household tasks alongside that.

Guidance and reassurance

Perhaps the most underrated task: a maternity nurse answers the hundred-and-one questions that come with a newborn, from "is this crying normal?" to "how do I give her first bath?". For new parents, that reassurance is often just as valuable as the practical help.

How many days does she come by?

That's decided, together with the number of hours per day, during the intake interview — usually around the 34th week of pregnancy. It's common for the first days to be more intensive, with the number of hours decreasing as mother and baby recover. Still looking for a provider? On Kraamplein you can find and compare maternity nurses and maternity care agencies near you.