Newborn help

Maternity Nurses & Night Nannies

A trusted maternity nurse or night nanny will give you and your baby the best possible start, so that you can fully enjoy the most precious early moments of parenthood.

Find a Maternity Nurse Talk to us

FEATURED IN

Why get a Maternity Nurse or Night Nanny?

Often at your most vulnerable, tired and insecure, getting extra support in the early days of your newborn’s life will benefit you, your baby, and everyone around you.

Rest

Rest

They help you and your baby rest and sleep properly, for a stronger immune system, increased milk production and better brain development.

Routines

Routines

They assist you with any form of baby feeding and help establish a routine that works for you and your family.

Support

Support

They ensure you are feeling refreshed to enjoy hands on time with your baby, as well as having time for the rest of the family, work or social commitments.

Types of support

Maternity nurses

Maternity nurses

They look after your baby during the days or on a 24-hour basis and will typically live in.

Night nannies

Night nannies

They look after your baby during the nights only and will typically live out.

Virtual Support

Virtual Support

Enjoy the support remotely!
We connect you with newborn and sleep consultants wherever you are. Convenient, empowering and affordable.

How it works

Let’s find your ideal nanny or maternity nurse. 

1

Let’s get to know each other

After signing up, book a phone call with one of our matching specialists and complete our online questionnaire to ensure that we find your ideal matches.

2

Connect with your bespoke, personalised matches

Once we’ve found your perfect candidates, get in touch with your favourite nannies or maternity nurses to arrange interviews and trials.

3

Enjoy ongoing support

Our Parentcare specialists are with you, whatever you need, until you find the right match, and beyond

Don't take our word for it

Lina Chan

Yda Bouvier

Georgia Pastos

Dawn Tame

Kemdi Ebi

Tanya de Sousa Grimaldi

Sareeka Sohal

X
Loading...

Lina Chan

X
Loading...

Yda Bouvier

X
Loading...

Georgia Pastos

X
Loading...

Dawn Tame

X
Loading...

Kemdi Ebi

X
Loading...

Tanya de Sousa Grimaldi

X
Loading...

Sareeka Sohal

Started by parents, created for families.

myTamarin are now London’s leading Nanny and Maternity Nurse provider, working with only the very best nannies and experts. 

We're not like a traditional nanny agency - our in-house childcare experts, psychologists and dedicated matching specialists ensure you’re matched only with the very best nannies for you and your family - whether you’re looking for a temporary maternity nurse, a full-time nanny, or anything in between.

Started by parents, created for families.

We call this

Parentcare

You might wonder... Our newborn support

What exactly do maternity nurses and night nannies do?

They build your confidence as parents and help you enjoy early parenting...

They build your confidence as parents and help you enjoy early parenting fully! Maternity nurses and night nannies are trained specifically to care for newborn babies and mums, and can help families learn how to care for their new arrival and establish routines and feeding schedules that fit your family dynamic.

A maternity nurse or night nanny will teach your baby how to sleep through the night which is a challenge faced by most parents. But please be realistic, most babies won’t sleep through the night for several weeks or even months after they are born. With the help of a maternity nurse or night nanny, they will accomplish this important milestone much faster though.

Do babies benefit from maternity nurses and night nannies?

Yes. Maternity nurses and night nannies aren’t meant to benefit just the...

Yes. Maternity nurses and night nannies aren’t meant to benefit just the parents, but also the babies. In fact, your baby can benefit tremendously, as they can aid their healthy development and teach them good sleeping habits for life:

  • Your baby will be sleeping better and longer. As a result, your baby will be stronger and healthier. Sleep is the second most important factor for baby development, after food, but is often neglected.
  • Your baby will be in a better routine. Like adults, babies benefit from a predictable schedule. (Note: The exact routine should match the family needs and preferences. Maternity nurses and night nannies can easily adjust the routine so that it works for the parents and the babies.)
  • Due to better rest and better routine, your baby will be in a better mood during the days, more active and happier.
  • Your baby will feed fewer times a night. Night nannies and maternity nurses have the experience to more easily read baby cues than parents. More often than not, babies wake up because they have a tummy pain or simply because they don’t know how to fall back asleep. When this is the case, a night nanny or maternity nurse can resettle baby back to sleep.
  • Your baby will learn how to self-settle and fall asleep on their own, not needing much comforting or a sleep aid. Babies actually need to be taught how to sleep; night nannies and maternity nurses can teach them this important skill.
How do parents benefit from hiring a night nanny or maternity nurse?

The main benefit of hiring a maternity nurse or night nanny is the abili...

The main benefit of hiring a maternity nurse or night nanny is the ability for mum (and dad) to rest and recuperate after the birth, as well as to teach them how to take care of their newborn baby, especially if they are first time parents. Specifically:

  • You will gain confidence as a parent!
  • You will wake up feeling refreshed and energetic.
  • More rested and relaxed, you will enjoy time with your baby much more.
  • You will have more quality time for the rest of the family, work or social commitments.
  • You will be assured that your baby is getting enough quality sleep which is so important for their development.
  • Your immune system will be stronger, and hence your baby’s if you are breastfeeding.
  • If you’re breastfeeding, your milk supply will improve. The more you rest, the more (quality) milk your body can produce.

Additionally, your maternity nurse or night nanny can also keep everything related to your baby clean, tidy, and washed, and also assist with preparing feeds and sterilising equipment, allowing mum to spend quality time with her baby or resting. She can typically also provide one-on-one support with breastfeeding.

What is the difference between a full-time and a daily maternity nurse?

A full-time maternity nurse works on a 24-hour basis and lives with you....

A full-time maternity nurse works on a 24-hour basis and lives with you. If you don’t wish to have someone living in your home, but still want support with your newborn, a daily maternity nurse is the ideal solution. A daily maternity nurse typically works 12 hours a day (or as you agree).

What is the difference between a maternity nurse and a maternity nanny?

The terms maternity nanny and maternity nurse are more or less interchan...

The terms maternity nanny and maternity nurse are more or less interchangeable. However, sometimes a maternity nanny designation will be used to designate a less experienced or newly qualified maternity nurse.

Who are night nannies and what do they do?

A night nanny or a night nurse is a childcare professional who is specia...

A night nanny or a night nurse is a childcare professional who is specialised in helping parents with newborn and young babies during the nights. Nothing prepares parents for the incredible fatigue and drop in energy following lack of sleep. However, hiring a night nanny may be the answer – not just as a short-term fix, but also as a longer-term investment in family well-being.

They are of a similar if not the same profile as maternity nurses, just that they choose to work nights only.   

What is the difference between a maternity nurse and a night nanny?

A maternity nurse provides support on an almost 24-hour basis (with some...

A maternity nurse provides support on an almost 24-hour basis (with some time during the day to rest) and is there to help establish routines and enable mum to rest and recuperate.

A night nanny provides support from evening until morning and enables parents to rest while teaching baby good sleeping habits. If you’re breast-feeding, your night nanny can bring the baby to mum for a feed and then settle the baby back to sleep.

Often, first time-parents will hire a maternity nurse, and for any later babies, they will hire a night nanny.

What hours do maternity nurses work?

Typically, maternity nurses work on a 24-hour basis, 4-6 days a week. Th...

Typically, maternity nurses work on a 24-hour basis, 4-6 days a week. They are considered full-time maternity nurses and are therefore a “live-in”. A daily maternity nurse will work during the day only, typically 12 hours a day, or as agreed with you.

Do maternity nurses work around the clock or do they get a break?

It’s only human to need a little bit of break when working with newborns...

It’s only human to need a little bit of break when working with newborns and young babies. Typically, full-time maternity nurses will need a couple of hours a day for themselves.

What hours do night nannies work?

Typically, night nannies work from 9pm to 7am. However, you can agree to...

Typically, night nannies work from 9pm to 7am. However, you can agree to a later start, and possibly an earlier or later finish. Eight hours is often the minimum they will do a night.

When should I start the process of hiring a maternity nurse or night nanny?

For the peace of mind, a lot of parents start the process during the pre...

For the peace of mind, a lot of parents start the process during the pregnancy, typically after the first trimester. We have many clients who book toward the end of their pregnancy, as well as those who book after birth.

Can I find a good maternity nurse or night nanny on a very short notice?

Absolutely. We do our best to match you with exactly the right person, w...

Absolutely. We do our best to match you with exactly the right person, whether you’re hiring months in advance, or for tonight! (It goes without saying though, that there will likely be fewer candidates to choose from if you’re looking for help on a short notice.)

How much will a maternity nurse or night nanny cost?

Maternity nurses and night nannies are self-employed. Therefore, they ar...

Maternity nurses and night nannies are self-employed. Therefore, they are responsible for their own tax and national insurance contributions. Rates vary depending on experience and specifics of the job. For single babies, a full time maternity nurse will usually cost between £230 and £270 per 24 hours. Night nannies and day maternity nurses are paid by the hour, generally between £16 and £20. For twins rates are higher.

How long should I hire a maternity nurse or night nanny for?

It depends! Some parents know they will need help for longer, so they bo...

It depends! Some parents know they will need help for longer, so they book them for several months, up to when their baby turns six months (at which point they hope the baby will sleep through the night), and some will book them for the full first year. At the same time, we have many clients who book just for a few weeks, which is absolutely fine. On average, parents book maternity nurses for 4-10 weeks, and night nannies for the first three months, or after they’ve already had a maternity nurse.

How many days per week should I hire a maternity nurse for?

Maternity nurses typically work 4-6 days and nights a week. If they live...

Maternity nurses typically work 4-6 days and nights a week. If they live nearby, they may be more flexible and may agree to fewer days / nights a week. It is rare for them to work 7 days a week, but that too can be arranged. If you need coverage around the clock, we suggest hiring two maternity nurses, one for weekdays and one for weekends.

How many nights per week should I hire a night nanny for?

It’s really up to you. Some parents do one to two nights a week, so they...

It’s really up to you. Some parents do one to two nights a week, so they can catch up on sleep. If you’d like your baby to get into a good sleeping routine, we suggest doing four to six nights a week, for the first few weeks or months. Whenever possible, we suggest you book a block of nights (i.e. consecutive nights) as it helps babies recognise and internalise new sleeping patterns.

How old should my baby be for a maternity nurse or night nanny to start working with us?

As soon as possible, really. The earlier you start, the sooner you can t...

As soon as possible, really. The earlier you start, the sooner you can teach your baby good habits, and the more you will benefit from help. That said, you can hire them at any point later too as we know parenting is hard, and sleep deprivation can accumulate!

What kind of accommodation do maternity nurses need?

Maternity nurses are typically ‘live-in’ and will normally need a separa...

Maternity nurses are typically ‘live-in’ and will normally need a separate room and a bathroom (that can be shared with the family if needed). Often, they stay in the baby's nursery, your guest room, or an office with a comfortable sofa. Depending on how far away they live, they may go home on their days off.

What kind of accommodation do night nannies need?

They need a bed, or a comfortable sofa, typically in the same room as yo...

They need a bed, or a comfortable sofa, typically in the same room as your baby. If space is tight, they can also be accommodated in your living room.

Does my baby stay with the maternity nurse / night nanny, or me?

Your baby can be with you as much as you want! We recommend, however, th...

Your baby can be with you as much as you want! We recommend, however, that your baby sleeps in their nursery, which is often where the maternity nurse / night nanny will sleep as well. When babies sleep in their parents’ bedrooms, the benefit of having a maternity nurse or night nanny is much smaller. That said, if you have any concerns, your nurse can talk you through various other options.

I'm breastfeeding. Does it make sense to hire a night nanny or maternity nurse?

Breastfeeding mums can benefit tremendously from hiring a night nanny or...

Breastfeeding mums can benefit tremendously from hiring a night nanny or maternity nurse. First, it's incredibly important to get a good rest especially for mothers who are nursing, so that their bodies can produce enough milk for their babies. Second, a well-rested mum (or at least, a less tired mum!) will have a better time looking after her baby and enjoying precious time with them. Finally, night nannies and maternity nurses can often help troubleshooting breastfeeding challenges.

How should I work with a night nanny or maternity nurse if I'm breastfeeding?

There are several arrangements you could agree: Your night nanny o...

There are several arrangements you could agree:

  • Your night nanny or maternity nurse will bring your baby to you whenever they are due for a feed. The big benefit of a night nannies and maternity nurses is that they will settle the baby afterwards, which often can take as long as the feed, while you can tuck in and relax until the next feed. Perhaps even more importantly, night nannies and maternity nurses are trained to differentiate between true hunger and any other reason that may wake a baby. And if your baby needs just a bit of soothing, or to pass gas, you won't even know it.
  • You can express milk beforehand (or during the night), and they will feed the baby your milk with a bottle. What's really nice about this arrangement is that you may not even have to wake up during the night, or if you do have to express during the night, the time awake for you will typically be shorter and/or less frequent than if the baby was feeding from your breast.
  • You can use formula milk during the nights. Many mothers opt for the combination of breastfeeding during the days and formula feeding during the nights. Not only does that allow them a good and uninterrupted rest, but also makes it much easier to involve fathers and other members of the family, who can help with night feeds when a night nanny or maternity nurse is not around.
  • Eventually, your baby won't need to feed during the night at all. They may still wake up, but night nannies and maternity nurses know when they are not hungry and can soothe them back into sleep without any milk.
What exactly do doulas do?

Doulas support the whole family to have a positive experience of pregnan...

Doulas support the whole family to have a positive experience of pregnancy, birth and the early weeks with a new baby. There are two types of doulas, birth doulas, and postnatal doulas. Some doulas work as both birth and postnatal doulas.

How do birth doulas work?

Birth doulas support women and families who are planning any kind of bir...

Birth doulas support women and families who are planning any kind of birth, from planned caesarean birth or early epidural to home water birth.

A birth doula will usually meet with the mother-to-be (and her partner if applicable) at least twice before birth, and be available for phone or email support as questions or concerns arise.

A birth doula will then go ‘on call’ towards the end of pregnancy (typically around 38 weeks) and will then be available 24/7. The doula will then go to their client(s) when they ask during labour, typically before they transfer to a place of birth.

During labour a doula provides emotional, practical and informational support to their client(s). Her most important role is to provide nurturing, continuous support and reassurance. She will stay with their client(s) until after the baby is born and the new family is settled and happy.

Birth doulas do at least one postnatal visit with their client(s), to support them as they settle in life with a new baby, help with infant feeding as needed and allow them an opportunity to talk over the birth.

How do postnatal doulas work?

Postnatal doulas typically start working with a family in the first few...

Postnatal doulas typically start working with a family in the first few days or weeks after birth, but some doulas do work with families with older babies too.

Just as when supporting birth clients, postnatally doulas provide emotional, practical and informational support.

The actual tasks in the practical support postnatal doulas provide varies enormously, and one of the big benefits of having a postnatal doula is that they are there to support the family, not carry out a specific task, so they do what is needed (within reason!). This can be any help around the house, looking after the baby while mum (and her partner) nap, helping with older siblings, making meals, helping with dinner time or the school run, helping overnight so the parents get more sleep.

Postnatal doulas will usually work shorter hours than maternity nurses and night nannies (4-8 hours a day). However, shorter hours usually command a higher hourly rate.

Close