jkat276

klone, how much do you charge hourly for being an overnight baby nurse? i've also considered this. Sunnyyazgirl, this is what postpartum doulas do, no, its not covered by insurance for your clients. Good luck! I'm in the same situation, depending on where you are located, there may be more of a demand for a baby nurse than for a postpartum doula...

apply, watch for jobs like a hawk. Make connections with people working on those units. Get further training (breastfeeding counselor, doula training) that gives you an edge! Volunteer with Women's Health organizations/fundraisers/projects. It helps to show your interest and investment, that will give you an edge over other applicants.

as a Labor & Delivery nurse, and a mama who had a midwife attended natural-childbirth at a birth center, I say, If you are "low risk" go to a birth center. Find a place with providers who are going to support the type of birth you want. and/ OR, take a prenatal class, have a doula, and read and practice your techniques for coping with contraction intensity. SOOOO many who come in saying "i want to try to go natural" end up just laying in bed, holding their breath, and kind of freaking out, and their families don't really offer a lot of help. then they break down and are screaming for an epidural. Its sad. And for providers to tell women that they should not have a birth plan, that they are just "setting themselves up for dissapointment" is really disempowering for women who are trying to prepare for what will be one of the most important, life-changing experiences of their life. Yes, prepare yourself. Know that birth is unpredictable, but know what your preferences are. Know your options, gather your tools and practice some positions, breathing techniques, etc. There is very little support for women in the hospital in coping with the intensity of natural childbirth, and honestly, most nurses just are pulled in too many directions to sit with you and provide labor support. Read books! take a class! teach your partner! hire a doula! don't go in unprepared with your fingers crossed and hoping for the best. Invest in your birth, and good luck to you!

This is what labor and postpartum Doulas do. Check out the national doula organization Doulas of North America (DONA) I think that show "pregnant in high heels" created this buzz about "maternity concierge" but really, this is what Doulas have been doing for a long long time, check it out. I am a Doula and a Labor & Delivery Nurse. Both roles are very separate and different. Doulas do not provide medical care or advice, but do provide physical and emotional support, as well as breastfeeding teaching and support, and postpartum care. A great career choice! but doesnt pay as well as nursing :-(