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This week, we sat down with the team at Carriage House Birth, a Brooklyn-based pregnancy care and support center. Carriage House Birth matches families with doulas, offers doula training, and offers a range of classes and resources for expecting and new parents. with Carriage House Birth here.

What exactly does a doula do, and how do they support families?

A doula provides non-medical, emotional, physical, and informational support to birthing people and their families during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. At , we believe that every birthing person deserves to feel supported and informed throughout their journey. Whether it’s offering guidance during pregnancy, hands-on comfort techniques during labor, or helping a family adjust to life with a newborn, doulas provide continuity of care and unwavering presence in an often-overwhelming process.

What are the benefits of working with a doula during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum?

Studies show that continuous labor support from a doula leads to better birth outcomes, including reduced interventions, shorter labors, and increased satisfaction with the birth experience. During pregnancy, a doula helps families prepare with education and emotional support. During birth, we provide advocacy, physical comfort, and reassurance. Postpartum, we help with newborn care, feeding support, and emotional recovery. At �䲹����������������dzܲ������������ٳ�, our doulas focus on meeting each family where they are, ensuring they feel empowered and supported every step of the way.

How early in pregnancy should you hire a doula?

You can hire a doula at any point in pregnancy, but we recommend reaching out early in the second trimester to allow time to build a relationship and prepare for birth. At �䲹����������������dzܲ������������ٳ�, we believe informed decision-making is key, and the earlier we connect with families, the more we can help them shape their birth experience with confidence and clarity.

What type of support does a doula provide during labor?

Doulas provide hands-on physical support, such as counterpressure, massage, and positioning assistance, as well as emotional reassurance and advocacy. We help create a calm and supportive environment, whether in a hospital, birth center, or at home. At �䲹����������������dzܲ������������ٳ�, our doulas work with each family’s unique needs, ensuring they feel seen, heard, and empowered throughout their labor.

How do doulas work alongside doctors/OBs/Midwives?

Doulas do not replace medical providers; instead, we complement their care by ensuring the birthing person feels informed and supported. We help facilitate communication between the birthing person and their care team, making sure their preferences are understood and respected. At �䲹����������������dzܲ������������ٳ�, we emphasize collaboration and advocacy, ensuring families feel like active participants in their own birth experience.

What are the main differences between a birth doula and a postpartum/night doula?

A birth doula provides support before and during labor, while a postpartum doula focuses on the recovery period and transition into parenthood. Postpartum doulas offer newborn care, lactation support, emotional guidance, and practical help around the home. Night doulas specifically support overnight needs, allowing parents to rest while ensuring their newborn is cared for. �䲹����������������dzܲ������������ٳ� offers connections to both birth and postpartum doulas, providing holistic support for families.

How do families find and hire doulas through �䲹����������������dzܲ������������ٳ�?

Families can connect with our network of experienced doulas through our  or by reaching out for a consultation. We help match families with a doula who aligns with their needs and values, ensuring a strong and supportive relationship.

What is the typical cost of hiring a doula?

Doula fees vary based on experience, location, and level of support. In NYC, birth doula packages typically range from $1,500 to $5,500, while postpartum doula services are often hourly, averaging $45-$75 per hour. At �䲹����������������dzܲ������������ٳ�, we believe doula support should be accessible, and we encourage families to explore payment plans, HSA/FSA options, and potential reimbursement through insurance or employer benefits.

You offer in-person childbirth education classes in Brooklyn, NY. What type of classes are coming up? What can you expect from taking these classes?

���ܰ��������Գ����ܻ����, Comfort Measures, and Newborn Care & Feeding. These are designed to equip families with practical knowledge, hands-on techniques, and confidence as they approach birth and the postpartum period. �䲹����������������dzܲ������������ٳ� classes are inclusive, evidence-based, and tailored to meet the needs of diverse birthing experiences.

What are some common misconceptions about working with a doula?

One misconception is that doulas are only for unmedicated births. In reality, doulas support all birth choices, including medicated births, cesarean births, and births with medical interventions. Another myth is that doulas replace partners-on the contrary, we support both the birthing person and their partner, helping them feel more confident in their role. At Carriage House Birth, we emphasize that our goal is to create a team environment where all voices are heard and respected.

What is the process of becoming a doula (type of training, etc.)?

Becoming a doula involves comprehensive training in birth support, postpartum care, and lactation education. Many doulas pursue certification (click here for . Training includes workshops, hands-on experience, and continuing education to develop skills in advocacy, comfort measures, and trauma-informed care.

What does �䲹����������������dzܲ������������ٳ�’s doula program include?

�䲹����������������dzܲ������������ٳ� offers two comprehensive doula training programs to meet different learning styles and schedules: a 9-week virtual training and a 4-day in-person intensive.

Our , created in collaboration with Woven Bodies and Dorcas Davis Consulting, provides a deep foundation in birth work. Topics include the history of obstetrics and midwifery, anatomy and physiology of birth, high-risk pregnancies, comfort techniques, and postpartum support. We also explore antiracism, LGBTQIA+ inclusivity, and the impact of bias and privilege in birth work. Training sessions help trainees build their doula toolkit and business.

Our  intensive covers the same core foundations in a hands-on, immersive setting, offering real-time engagement with experienced mentors and fellow trainees.

Both programs are designed to be accessible and inclusive, ensuring that anyone called to this work has the opportunity to step into it with confidence.

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This week, we sat down with Samantha McCord, the founder and CEO of . Conscious Diapers’ mission has two main components: to support parents in selecting the best diaper for their child and to combat the huge amount of waste that comes with using disposable diapers. First and foremost, the company helps parents navigate the tricky world of diapers by scoring diaper brands based on a number of factors, including environmental impact, performance, ingredients, and human rights. On top of that, they plant a tree for every five diapers used – effectively offsetting a child’s CO2 emissions for life by the time they are out of diapers.

Our goal is to be a reliable and supportive partner to parents throughout the years that their babies are in diapers. Transforming the diapering process from a burdensome task to a convenient, conscious, toxic free and environmentally friendly experience. 

-Samantha McCord

What inspired you to start Conscious Diapers?  

I founded Conscious Diapers because of the messy situations I witnessed parents facing when searching for the perfect diaper. From the newborn days to the potty training phase, there is always a challenge from rashes and some not-so-pleasant messes (that often end up on the parents themselves!) and oftentimes running out of diapers all together. With limited government regulations protecting our little ones, I wanted to create a simple and welcoming space where parents could find safe diapers that cater to their unique needs and values without hours of research. To add an extra dose of convenience and prevent those “uh-oh” moments, our subscription service works on a regular schedule, ensuring that parents never run out of diapers. Whether it’s addressing skin sensitivities, avoiding toxins, embracing eco-friendly options, or ensuring the highest quality for their baby, we wanted to provide a transparent and reliable solution on their schedule.

How would you describe the company’s mission?

Our company’s mission at Conscious Diapers is to make baby diapering as convenient as possible in an eco-friendly way. We understand that parents often feel overwhelmed by the challenges that come with diapering their little ones. We wanted to change the narrative by transforming something that is, well, sh*tty, into a hassle-free and enjoyable process for parents. Our goal is to be a reliable and supportive partner to parents throughout the years that their babies are in diapers. Transforming the diapering process from a burdensome task to a convenient, conscious, toxic free and environmentally friendly experience.

What’s been the most challenging part of starting Conscious Diapers? The most rewarding?

Starting Conscious Diapers has come with its fair share of challenges, but it has been an incredibly rewarding journey. One of the most significant challenges we faced was developing a unique product from scratch, as there is nothing quite like it in the market. It required extensive brainstorming and customer interviews ensuring that our idea resonated with parents while addressing their specific needs.

On the other hand, the most rewarding aspect has been the positive impact we are making on the environment. Our tree planting initiative is actively countering the environmental impact that each new child has on our planet. With every five diapers used, we plant a tree, allowing our Conscious Babies to offset their carbon footprint for life. This approach has a profound effect on combating climate change and creating a sustainable future. Seeing how we can turn a typically wasteful product into a catalyst for environmental change is truly fulfilling.

Do you think that parents can make an informed decision about the diapers they buy based on the information that’s out there?

The world of baby diapers is like a fascinating enigma. It’s a whole adventure for parents to figure out what’s best for their little ones. If you want to make an informed decision about your baby’s diaper you’d practically need to become a detective, ready to spend hours and hours digging for information. It’s like going on a quest for the holy grail of diapers! After you dig you’ll notice, there are almost no regulations that require diaper companies to disclose what ingredients they’re using, and they don’t have to list them on their labels. The only ingredient they are required to be free from is lead, gee thanks US Consumer Product Safety Commission. It’s like a wild west out there! If you have the time, you can find the answers, but who has the time?

But here’s the jaw-dropping part: independent testing has uncovered some eyebrow-raising secrets about certain diaper brands. They’ve found ingredients like formaldehyde, phthalates, and other harmful toxins lurking in those diapers. In turn, poor little munchkins can suffer from things like eczema, nasty rashes, developmental issues, and major discomfort because of these harmful substances.

Babies deserve better, and so do parents. That’s why we’re on a mission to bridge the gap between diaper brands and parents. We want to help these brands who have set a new standard, conducting third party tests, to show off their commitment to safe and reliable products. Because, no parent should have to spend hours searching only to be kept in the dark when it comes to their child’s well-being.

We love the education component of your mission and learned so much from . What’s one of the most surprising things you’ve learned since starting this business? 

When I dove headfirst into diapers, I realized there is no way I was alone in my confusion. I’d come across terms or ingredients that left me scratching my head, going, “What on earth does that mean?!” And you know what happened next? I embarked on a wild research adventure, spending hours untangling the mysteries of those cryptic words and regulations. It’s like falling down a rabbit hole of diaper knowledge! What is this regulation? What does this regulation actually cover? 

That’s precisely why we created , for curious parents! We wanted to create a sanctuary where you can visit our site, click on any underlined and bolded word, and voilà! You’re transported to a world of enlightenment. We even have a dedicated area for all those WTF terms. You can leisurely scroll through it and uncover the secrets behind ingredients, the various regulatory bodies overseeing baby diapers, and the awe-inspiring groups that go above and beyond what the government requires to ensure your baby’s safety.

The most shocking thing we’ve learned about baby diapers is that they are not regulated like they should be. I think that we all figured that they were, but come to find out that diapers brands are not held to any specific standard.  For us It’s not just about this knowledge. It’s also about empowering parents to make informed decisions for your precious little ones. We want you to know which brands are putting their best foot forward, taking those extra steps to keep your children safe because, let’s face it, the government isn’t doing that for you.

How do you offset CO2 emissions?

Did you know that a baby diaper takes a whopping 500 years to decompose in a landfill? Yeah, we were pretty shocked too! But here’s another mind-blowing fact: the average American emits a staggering 14 metric tons of CO2 emissions each year, while the global average is just 4 metric tons per person. In an American lifetime their emissions make the same impact as consuming 400,000 gallons of gasoline. Talk about leaving a mark, right? When we understood these jaw-dropping statistics, we knew we had to take action. We couldn’t sit idly by while our planet suffered the consequences, especially when it comes to our children’s future. Every little one we bring into this world has an impact, and we wanted to make sure it’s a positive one.

So, we embarked on a mission to find a powerful solution, one that would make a real difference. After extensive research, we discovered the incredible power of tree planting. It’s not just about reducing CO2 emissions; it’s about so much more. Planting trees brings a host of additional benefits, like releasing precious oxygen into the air we breathe and combating deforestation, revitalizing delicate ecosystems. Trees are nature’s superheroes. They act as natural carbon vaults, absorbing and storing CO2, and working their magic to create a greener, healthier planet for our children’s future. After all, what’s the point of bringing them into this world if we don’t have a beautiful planet for them to thrive on?

So, here’s our ultimate goal: to create a generation of CO2-free kids. Through our tree planting program, we’re on a mission to offset the carbon emissions generated by each child throughout their lifetime. By the time these little guys are out of diapers, we will have offset their carbon footprint for life and planted about 1500 trees per child at no extra cost to the parents. We believe this is one lasting positive impact!

You are in the process of creating an app. Can you tell us a little more about the features of the app? 

Absolutely! We are currently developing an app that addresses two major challenges with baby diapers: sizing and cost. Let me give you a sneak peek into some of its exciting features. With cutting-edge AI computer vision technology, you can scan your baby with your phone and the app will recommend the perfect fit from our selection of 300+ diaper variations. No more guesswork or trial and error. You can also filter and customize your search based on preferences like vegan options, fragrance-free, or specific materials. It’s all about finding the right diaper that aligns with your values and meets your expectations, conveniently in one place.

Now, let’s talk about the cost. What would you rather buy than diapers? Literally anything else! Diapers are expensive, but we have a solution. Think of it as a personalized diaper funding platform, similar to a GoFundMe page. Create your dedicated diaper fund and invite loved ones to contribute directly. Instead of receiving random diapers as gifts, you have control over choosing the diapers you want. Whether it’s for a baby shower, birthday, or holiday, you can raise funds specifically for your diaper needs.

And here’s the exciting part – as your diaper fund grows, we’ll reward you with discounts on diaper purchases through our marketplace. We believe in incentivizing your fundraising efforts and easing the financial burden. The more you raise, the greater the discounts you’ll receive. It’s a win-win situation that ensures your baby gets the best diapers while involving your loved ones in your journey.

If you’re interested in collaborating with �ٻ���Ƶ, contact us here. 

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Whether you’re hiring childcare for the first time, seeking a nanny better suited for older children as your little ones grow, or are rethinking your current staffing situation, we can help.

There is no one right solution for all families. There are so many factors to consider when deciding what type of childcare is best for your home – from lifestyle and schedule to children’s ages and personalities to budget and travel requirements, it can be overwhelming to begin your childcare search. We have together a list of the most common types of childcare to help guide your search.

Career Nanny

A career nanny will have years of experience in childcare and will often hold a degree in education or psychology. They will typically be familiar with the various early childhood parenting and education methods, such as Montessori, RIE, and Waldorf methods, and be able to support the parent’s preference. In addition to childcare, a full-time career nanny will be comfortable working with other household staff, planning activities for the children, preparing food for the children, and keeping all of the children’s areas neat and tidy. A career nanny is appropriate for all age groups.

Nanny/Family Assistant

A nanny/family assistant is a great choice for busy families, especially those whose children are older and in school, or when there is additional childcare support in the home. Typically, the candidate’s first and foremost responsibility is childcare, but they can assist with personal assistant tasks during downtime (when children are in school or other activities) – these types of tasks include running errands, home organization, calendar management, and booking travel.

Travel Nanny

If travel is a big part of your family’s life, consider a specialized travel nanny. Not only will these nannies be ready, willing, and able to travel with your family as needed, and often on short notice, but they will be well versed in packing for the children, managing young ones while in transit, and will excel at keeping calm and solving problems in unfamiliar places. These nannies can plan children’s itineraries for new cities, come up with creative travel activities, and be flexible in terms of scheduling.

Second Language Nanny

�ٻ���Ƶ can assist in finding a bilingual (or trilingual) nanny to support your child in their language education. We have nannies on our roster who speak French, Spanish, Italian, Hebrew, Mandarin, Hindi, and more. These nannies will be comfortable speaking the language with the children, creating educational language-based activities, and support them in reading and writing.

Educator

Typically, an in-home educator will have a teaching background and specialise in a particular age range. Our in-home teachers have taught in either private or public schools and are able to create and implement curriculums specific to the children’s current school or school the children are planning to attend.  In-home teachers for high school are able to help children prepare for the SATs and other standardized tests.

Governess

A governess is often thought of as a hybrid of a career nanny and an educator or second language nanny. Governesses are typically charged with caring for school-age children, with a special emphasis on educational instruction. It is common for experienced governesses to be able to speak and teach a second or third language. Governesses will be well versed in the structure of a formal home, able to work comfortably with other staff, and will often travel with the family as needed.

Nanny/Housekeeper

A nanny/housekeeper will help around the home more than a regular nanny. They may do adult laundry, change linens, unpack groceries, and handle family dishes. If the children are in school, they may take on deeper cleaning tasks, if time permits. These candidates are less likely to have an education background but will have years working in private homes. Reversely, there are also candidates whose primary responsibility is housekeeping but are able to comfortably take on occasional childcare as needed – these candidates will typically have worked in homes with children before but may not have direct nanny experience. These candidates would usually be supplemental care to a full-time nanny and able to step in to help with childcare on the primary nanny’s days off etc.

Live-In Nanny

Top quality candidates tend to prefer live-out positions. If you feel live-in is right for your family, we suggest making the overall package as appealing as possible – salary, schedule, benefits, and living quarters should all be taken into consideration to attract the best candidates. Note that most top candidates prefer to return home on their two days off.

Newborn Care Specialist

Newborn Care Specialists (NCS) are often referred to as baby nurses or maternity nurses. Most NCSs will hold a Newborn Care Certification and extensive training in topics including breastfeeding, alternate feeding methods, sleep training, bonding, lactation, psychological development, and more. NCSs provide care for infants from newborn up to one year. They will work to establish a sleeping and feeding pattern with the infant, typically working 24-hour or 12-hour shifts. They can help ease the transition for new parents by offering support, guidance, and allowing for much needed rest. It’s best to book your baby nurse as soon as you know your due date as many of the top candidates book up months in advance.

Relocation

If you live outside a major city, you may choose to consider out of state candidates to widen your search. �ٻ���Ƶ can assist with this –  we have experienced nannies all over the country, many ready and willing to move immediately. It’s best to offer private living quarters and an appealing salary and schedule to attract the best candidates when relocating staff.

Please reach out to BAHS to discuss your specific needs in detail; our placement specialists can help you ascertain what is best for your family.

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Before the pandemic, it would have been so awkward — a staff member blundering into a bedroom and interrupting his employer on a video call with her psychologist. In a COVID-19 world, though, it was no big deal. The employer wasn’t angry, and instead waved him over to introduce him: “Come say hi to my therapist!”

In fact, it didn’t surprise the doctor at the other end of the call, Dr Judy Ho, at all. LA-based Ho specializes in ultra high net worth patients. She had been working in complete discretion with this woman for more than two years, long before lockdowns and quarantines.

“But that was such a big gesture of trust,” she told Business Insider of the recent incident. “At this point, many of my patients are having family-like activities with their household staff because that’s who they have to talk to every day. So they’ve decided to fold their staff into their home to some degree, and it’s led to a shift in the interpersonal dynamics.”

Ho said she’s seen that change in many patients, like another who is quarantining with her kids while her partner is stuck overseas. The only other adults the patient encounters are staff: a housekeeper, security guards, tutors, and contractors working on remodeling the estate. Keen for human connection, she’s initiated a family-style dinner with her kids and staff each night, where they sit down to eat, drink, and get to know each other better. Such an event, Ho said, would have been unthinkable before the pandemic.

Redefining the boundaries between employer and employee

Neither of these women is an outlier. As the logistics of the pandemic have brought life to a standstill in so many ways, the relationship between wealthy individuals and the staff who cater to their needs has been radically reconfigured.

“I think the boundaries that one would associate with work are just not there now,” says Laura Glendenning, of Tiger Recruitment. “The pandemic has exaggerated the need for contact and closeness that clients crave. The line, whatever that is, is crossed a lot now.”

See how strictly defined roles are blurring. One of Ho’s patients has deployed her 50-something housekeeper as a social media assistant for the first time during lockdown, tasking her with looking up hashtags and managing postings. Another patient, Ho says, has repurposed her own housekeeper as a personal assistant for her job, tasking her with research online. Those same clients are also rediscovering the joy of handling some tasks themselves.

“It’s back to basics. Some of my patients didn’t realize how spoiled they were, to have people taking care of their every need,” Ho said. “They’re learning life skills – like, ‘Omigod, I never knew how good I would feel about myself after making my own bed!'”

Some staff are effectively kept hostage at their employer’s homes – or on their yachts

Glendenning also said that such line-crossing doesn’t always involve Instagram requests or raucous nightly dinner parties. She is currently trying to place a high-ranking staffer who’s keen to leave his current position after being stuck on a superyacht in the south of France since the middle of March.

“He’s very, very, very well paid but he literally hasn’t since his own children or wife for months,” Glendenning said. “He’s working crazy hours, providing a lot of emotional support and hand-holding. His employer keeps making excuses about him coming back, because she doesn’t want him to leave.”

Live-in staff like him had fallen from favor in recent years as privacy became a premium and technology enabled instant, remote connection. The pandemic, however, has brought the concept of live-in staff back into favor. Seth Norman Greenberg is VP of the Pavilion Agency, a staffing agency that has offices in New York City and Los Angeles; he says that some wealthy families are even reconfiguring their homes to re-accommodate onsite staff.

“Many classic buildings in New York have connecting staff quarters, which had been subsequently converted for other purposes, like wine storage,” Greenberg said. “Now they’re being renovated to accommodate staff again, to allow them to quarantine and sequester.” These so-called accessory apartments keep a nanny or housekeeper onsite, while affording both employer and employee a little autonomy.

If you need a new tutor, expect to pay a premium

While other sectors of the economy have contracted in spasms over the last few months, household staffing has been a resilient area — and even one that’s seen growth. All three recruiters Business Insider spoke to agree there’s been a surge in demand for staff: It’s a seller’s market for anyone with the right skillset.

“The candidates have a lot of power right now, and I’ve seen compensation go up on all fronts,” said Steven Laitmon of the Calendar Group, the foremost staffing agency for the Hamptons and other wealthy enclaves in the northeast. “I had someone turn down a family assistant job for $100,000 a year and tell me, ‘I’m going to keep looking.'”

Laitmon said Ivy League or Oxford-educated tutors, in particular, are fetching premiums, as families create at-home teaching pods with neighbors. One staffing firm recently even took on a vice principal, who’s looking to jettison his nine to five job in a public school for a better-paid position in private tutoring thanks to COVID-19. Staffers who can show they have antibodies to COVID-19 are especially in demand.

A looming boom for one position in particular

The hardest job openings to fill, though, are in homes with doctors, according to Anita Rogers, of British-American Household Staffing. Medical professionals like these are well paid, and easily able to afford, and hire, staff. That need grew more acute at the outset of the pandemic, with many doctors working longer hours and so looking for extra help at home.

Rogers said many would-be employees, though, were wary of joining a household where the employer worked in a hospital because of the increased potential to be exposed to COVID-19. Rogers problem-solved by focusing on candidates whose spouse or family member was a nurse – it usually rendered those concerns moot.

Now, though, she’s facing an entirely different conundrum: a shortage of nurses for a looming baby boom.

“We’re preparing for the January and February babies, the lockdown kids,” Rogers said. “There has been a huge uptick in newborn care requests for early next year.”

The post How The Pandemic Has Changed The Relationship Between The Ultra Wealthy and Their Hired Help, From Months Spent Isolating Together to a Surge in Demand For Nannies appeared first on �ٻ���Ƶ.

A newborn care specialist (NCS) is a non-medical professional who comes into the home when the baby comes home from the hospital. They generally assist parents from a few weeks up to several months in all aspects of newborn care and provide overnight, daytime, or 24-hour care.

How soon should I book my NCS?

We recommend booking as soon as possible, as schedules can fill up quickly. Best practice is to book when your doctor confirms your due date.

What if I already had my baby and have an immediate need?

No problem! We are generally able to fill emergency or last minute requests for families.

How long should I book my NCS for?

We recommend at least 2 weeks of care. However, some families will request services for up to one year. Once you no longer require a NCS and would like a nanny, please contact us about our nanny placement services.

What if I don’t know how long I want to keep my NCS?

We suggest putting a range. We only require that you fulfill the minimum amount of time that you specify on the contract. In most cases, you are able to extend past what you’ve written on the contract, especially if you are able to give 1 to 2 weeks’ notice.

What type of screening process do your newborn care specialists go through?

All of our newborn care specialists are asked detailed questions regarding their knowledge about child development, infant safety issues, scheduling, and breastfeeding. They must pass a nationwide criminal background check that includes social security verification. We call their personal and professional references and make that information available to you. All of our specialists must have current CPR and a minimum of 3 years’ prior experience with infants. They also have various certifications and attend trainings that cover different aspects of newborn care.

Can I meet the NCS that you match me with before she starts the job?

Specialists are happy to meet if there is time between their assignments. However, if there is not an opportunity to meet her before she begins working, you can speak extensively with her over the phone or Skype and call her references before committing to that NCS and before being charged any application fee.

Do you have specialists who have experience with multiples?

Yes. Many NCSs will specialise in working with a particular populations, such as twins and triplets.

Does “Baby Nurse” mean they have an actual nursing license or degree in nursing?

You may see newborn care specialists referred to a “baby nurses” which denotes a background in nursing. While a specialist may be a CNA, LPN, or have experience working in a hospital’s infant care, it is not a requirement for the role. Newborn care specialists will have a certification from a professional newborn care or NCS organization. Their focus is to provide non-medical care for your baby.

How does a NCS benefit breastfeeding moms at night?

They will bring the baby to the mom for all feedings. When mom is done feeding, the NCS will take the baby and care for its needs until the next feeding, allowing mom much needed rest.

What is the NCS NOT required to take care of?

Your newborn care specialist will not cook, clean, or do household chores. She is only responsible for the baby’s complete care along with duties pertaining to the baby such as laundry, cleaning bottles/breastfeeding supplies, and keeping the nursery stocked and tidy.

Will my NCS help my older child adjust to the new baby?

While the NCS is not responsible for caring for any of your older children, she can help them adjust to having a new sibling in the home.

If my baby arrives on a different date than I wrote on the contract, how will I know my NCS is available for me?

We encourage all NCS placements to include the specialist being on call two weeks before and two weeks after the estimated due date.

How do I begin the process of booking a NCS?

Connect with your local office to speak with a recruiter that can answer any questions you have and begin assessing your needs to match with the right newborn care specialist.

How is the NCS paid?

The family is responsible for paying the NCS directly at the end of each week based on the number of hours she is there. This will be laid out in writing prior to the start date.

Do I need to pay taxes on my NCS?

A NCS is considered an independent contractor. Based on your own state’s rules she may be required to receive a 1099. Find more information about tax and labour laws for household staff.

What accommodations are required for the NCS?

For 24-hour care the NCS will sleep when the baby is sleeping. For overnight shifts, you can request the NCS to stay in the baby’s room or you can choose to provide the NCS with a separate living space with a baby monitor where she can read, work on the computer, or watch TV after her other duties are finished and the baby is sleeping.

Am I required to provide the NCS with meals?

With 24-hour care it is required to provide the NCS with food. For overnight care, it is not required, but if you would like, you can have snacks and drinks available.

Do I need to pay for my NCS’s travel expenses?

Finding the right newborn care specialist for you may mean hiring from out-of-state. The client is monetarily responsible for round trip transportation if the NCS is coming from another state. Some specialists will also travel to your home by taxi, metro, or ferry and will request reimbursement for these fares. Again, this will be laid out in writing and agreed upon by all parties prior to the start date.

Should I tip my NCS?

Yes, tipping your newborn care specialist or baby nurse is customary but not required. Between 10%-15% of the total job assignment is standard.

When I’m using 24-hour care when does the NCS sleep?

The NCS will sleep when the baby is sleeping. She will also be allowed a 4-5 hour break per each 24-hour period in which she can decide to sleep or leave the premises.

Will the NCS put my baby on a schedule?

The NCS will fit into the plan that you want for your baby. Specialists are trained to establish structure early on and adhere to an infant’s natural schedule. When we are in the process of matching you with a specialist, we will discuss the type of care that will be the best match for your family.

Can I have the NCS travel with our family on vacation?

Yes. All expenses for food, travel, etc are the responsibility of the family.

Can someone purchase services as a baby gift for me?

Yes. Family or friends can purchase gift certificates for you. However, the family using the services in their home is required to fill out the application.

When my NCS is finished and I have a nanny starting, can the NCS train my new nanny?

Yes, if schedules permit it is a good idea to have the newborn care specialist train any nannies coming on board as the NCS will know your child’s care best.

Does my NCS get any days off?

Yes. This varies depending on how many hours the NCS works each week and will be agreed upon before the start date. Please refer to the contract for more information.

If my NCS has a day off, can I have someone fill in for her?

Sometimes. This is not always guaranteed and depends on how many of our NCSs are working at the time you need a fill in.

Do NCSs work on holidays? 

Yes, some NCSs will work on holidays. If needed, this should be outlined in the initial conversations with your recruiter in order to focus on specialists that will be able to work the desired schedule.

When NCSs work on holidays, do they get paid time and a half?

Yes, the NCS should be paid time and a half for the following holidays:

Labor Day, Thanksgiving, the Friday after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, Memorial Day and July 4th.

Contact our office to speak with a recruiter and find the right newborn care specialist for you and your growing family.

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You have a baby on the way. You and your family are excited, exhilarated, over-the-moon. Most new mums and dads start organizing everything in preparation for the birth as soon as the pregnancy test is positive. The questions you ask yourselves are endless: What will the baby be like? Are we ready? Should we move? Should our parents or family come and stay with us for the first few months? Can I handle my family living with us for the first few months? Will I be able to leave the baby and exercise? Should I study more about sleep training? What about breastfeeding? Should I pump? What if I can’t? The questions continue. What many parents don’t know is how much a night nurse or newborn care specialist (often called a baby nurse) can help your new baby as well as the parent or parents.

A good night nurse or baby nurse will make sure you get enough sleep. Even more importantly, the night nurse or baby nurse will ensure the baby is on a schedule, feeds properly, regularly and correctly, helps the baby stay calm, reduces anxiety in the parents, which subsequently reduces anxiety in the newborn. An excellent baby nurse or newborn care specialist will understand how to make sure the baby rests but feeds enough to put on weight. They teach the parents how to structure their baby’s days and nights, resulting in a baby who enjoys the benefits of a sleep routine from very early on, which in return, will help them as a young-adults with sleep, structure and routine, invaluable for school age children, pre-teens, teens and later, adults. The baby nurse or newborn care specialist will keep your baby safe and teach you everything they know, giving you peace-of-mind when caring for your baby. The cherry on the top is that you, as parents, are able to be well-rested and enjoy the development of your baby without being sleep-deprived, anxious, and exhausted.

British American Newborn Care is known for only representing a select few of the best in the industry. Some are British but legal to work in the USA, many are educated in the USA and some do not hold degrees but have a resume, experience and references to match the more educated newborn care specialists or baby nurses on British American’s roster. All of our newborn care specialists or baby nurses are the most sought after in the industry and have numerous excellent references from our previous clients. All of our candidates are fully background checked, in all US states and internationally (when they have lived abroad), have had their SSN researched, their driving checked and credit checks are conducted in states we are legally allowed to do so.

If you are a new parent, expecting parent or parents-to-be again, do not hesitate to reach out to our educated childcare specialists at British American. We have childcare specialists in New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco. They all hold degrees in Childhood Eduction, have extensive nanny experience with newborns and understand the intricacies of newborn care development. We are newborn care and childhood development experts. We understand how to choose the highest quality and how to find the best newborn care specialist for new and expecting parents.

If you would like to speak to one of our in-house childcare specialists, contact us here or call (212) 966-2248.

The post Should I Hire A Night Nurse? Newborn Care Advice From British American Newborn Care appeared first on �ٻ���Ƶ.