From Midwife to Maternity Nurse: My Journey Supporting New Mothers in the UK

I always wanted to be in a caring and nurturing profession. I love my job as a private maternity nurse, night nanny and all- round supporter of the postnatal period, dedicating my time to supporting new parents, as they navigate the challenges of life with a newborn.

Growing up, my mum was a strong role-model for me; practical and pro-active, a single mum juggling 2 jobs, while raising me. I was a nurturing child and my mum needed my help. I felt like we made a strong team together and we’re still very close now. 

How My Career in Midwifery Began

When I left school, I worked in a nursery connected to the local hospital, maybe that’s where I first realised my wish to become a midwife. I trained and worked as a nanny for a few years, until I had my son. I returned to nannying later, but what I really wanted to be was a midwife. Back in 1992, I had to become a nurse before I could train in midwifery, but part way into my degree, my relationship with my son’s dad broke down. My plans had to be put on hold, so I then worked 9-5 in recruitment for 5 years. This was always going to be a temporary move, as I still had my heart set on being a midwife. 

Why I Chose to Become a Maternity Nurse

When I gained direct entry to a midwifery course, my dream looked set to become true and after my training, I worked as a midwife for a few years. The reality of the job was not at all what I’d expected. I was prepared for working long shifts, in a job that would be both physical and emotional. What I wasn’t prepared for, was the system, which was rigid, protocol-led and coercive and meant I couldn’t give the women & families in my care the time or quality of care I’d envisaged. Leaving midwifery was a difficult choice in many ways, as I’d worked so hard to get there, but staying wasn’t right for me either.  After a short spell as a doula and doing some bank midwifery, I found out about maternity nursing, which has been a game changer for me! 

What a Maternity Nurse Really Does

My role as a maternity nurse is everything that I thought midwifery would be, without the medical side of course. It enables me to focus exclusively on the needs of one parent or couple and to help them to adjust to life with their newborn. I can give them support, encouragement, time and space – without judgement or rush.

Supporting New Mothers at Home in the UK

I see parents at their most vulnerable, during an exciting and monumental time. Bringing home a new baby can be a wonderful feeling, but it’s also physically and emotionally exhausting and creates a huge adjustment for everyone. Having someone to turn to, with vast professional knowledge and experience, who can provide support and a listening ear, a bit of respite if needed and help them to consider their options, can be invaluable to parents of a newborn. I work with new parents, whether that be their first or subsequent child, to help them to feel more confident and empowered to care for their newborn and themselves, during those transitional days from being a couple or individual, to being a family, and beyond if further support is wanted. I’m not there to tell them what they should do, but to help them to make their own choices and decisions and to develop their own strategies for moving forwards as a new family, in a way that works for them. 

I’ve worked as a maternity nurse for over 35 years and supported around a hundred families during this time. Every family has been different and it’s been amazing to spend time with them and see them settling into family life together.

Final Thoughts on Motherhood Support

If you are currently expecting a baby and you’d like to know more about the support packages I offer as a maternity nurse, the link to my website is here: (link) You can also contact me here (contact details) if you have any other questions. I’d love to support you as you start your parenting journey.   

If you’re preparing for your baby and want calm, personalised support, you can book a free call here.