My Best course - Being there for newborns

Experienced nanny and childcarer Elena Amores has completed two placements with twins since undertaking Babyem's Postnatal Maternity Nurse course.

She loves the emotional engagement that is required of a maternity nurse and finds the role a fascinating one. 'It is interesting to see how different families respond to the demands of a new baby and it is very rewarding to support them,' she says.

By undertaking the Level 3 Postnatal Maternity Nurse qualification accredited by OCN, Ms Amores has had the opportunity to add another string to her bow and take her career in a new direction.

According to training agency Babyem, the course is proving a boon for families who can't afford a nanny or who do not have family living nearby.

Families themselves do not have to pay for their maternity nurse, beyond a one-off £50 administration cost and travel expenses.

More than 60 families in London have so far benefited in the first three months of having a baby from the support offered by these students, all of whom have to have at least three years experience of working in childcare. Babyem's director Emma Dewey reports that a number of families have subsequently taken on their maternity nurse in a paid position.

Ms Amores describes the two days of training as enjoyable and motivating. 'A lot of ground was covered, including the role of the maternity nurse, confidentiality, sudden infant death, meningitis, premature birth and breastfeeding,' she says.

Maternity nurses who have completed the Babyem course are equipped to provide support with bathing and changing newborns, providing support with breastfeeding, cleaning and sterilizing bottles, supporting parents with implementing a sleep routine if they wish, caring for mulitples and supporting parents to get out and about. The Postnatal Maternity Nurse qualification can be taken at Level 3 or 4.

- http://babyem.co.uk/ postnatal-maternity-award-accredited-through-ocn-level-3.