What’s a Newborn Care Specialist

Hint: They’re Magic

Starling Agency works closely with the most highly respected Newborn Care Specialists in Seattle! To help families and nannies learn more about newborn care, we reached out to our trusted colleague, and expert Newborn Care Specialist, Malia Jane, to answer your FAQs.

For Families

What is a Newborn Care Specialist?

A Newborn Care Specialist (NCS) is an individual who has great experience and specialized training in newborn care. An NCS comes into the home shortly after baby is born to care for the baby and inform the parents on best practices in newborn care. It is expected that an NCS be knowledgeable in a variety of methods pertaining to soothing, newborn well-being, abnormalities/sickness, and sleep conditioning (not to be confused with the cry-it-out method).

What are the scope of responsibilities an NCS covers?

The scope of an NCS includes care of the newborn, support, and education for the parents. The NCS may oversee the cleanliness of the nursery, keep it stocked, and do the baby’s laundry. Throughout the shift, the NCS will keep a log of feeds, diaper changes, medications, etc. If bottles, feeding devices, or pump parts are used, the NCS will wash them and prep bottles at the beginning of the shift. If the baby has medications or supplements, with signed permission from the parents, the NCS will administer the baby’s medication at the appropriate time. I could make a long list of what an NCS may do for a family! In general, an NCS tries to be as helpful as possible in many aspects of newborn care and parent education.

*An NCS can inform parents of signs and symptoms that are worrisome, and refer the parents to their health care provider or other professional, but the NCS cannot make a diagnosis.

What are the benefits of hiring an NCS?

Peace of mind knowing that your little one is receiving excellent care and that you are learning how to create a safe environment for your little one. Having a non-judgmental care provider who is eager to help you become the parent you want to be is invaluable! If you need sleep or time to leave the house, parents can rest easy knowing the NCS will care for the baby and go about the “chores” independently. One of the greatest benefits is the NCS giving the gift sleep to parents and their baby! An NCS is knowledgeable of different sleep conditioning methods, and is skilled in gently encouraging (healthy) babies to sleep long stretches, and more often, sleeping 10-12 hours per night around 12-16 weeks of age. Whether you are a first-time parent, or a third-time parent, having an NCS will take a load of stress out of acclimating to life in the 4th trimester, in addition to lowering the risk of postpartum depression.

What is the typical schedule for an NCS?

Typically an NCS works nights, with shifts varying 8-12 hours in length. Alternatively, an NCS can work daytime shifts, or round-the-clock, in which the NCS would live with the family for the duration of the contract.

How do I know if my NCS is highly qualified? What certifications should I look for?

When interviewing, look for professional newborn training. Ask the NCS about them. Not all trainings are created equally! Also, look for more than a singular NCS training. Does the NCS have training as a doula, lactation educator, lactation counselor, IBCLC, infant massage, sleep conditioning & training, or other certifications relating to newborn care? Multiple trainings show that the NCS is dedicated to learning and staying up to date on best practices. Look for trainings and an adequate amount of experience, as the two go hand in hand.

How does an NCS differ from a newborn nanny or postpartum doula?

While there are similarities between an NCS, postpartum doula, and newborn nanny, there are some notable differences. NCS’s take trainings that specialize in newborn care, going in-depth about topics including sleep, digestion, overall health, and multiples. While postpartum doulas often care for newborns, their main goal tends to be nurturing new parents and providing services that pertain to the family’s overall well-being. Newborn nannies follow the instruction of the parents, whereas an NCS assess the parent’s goals and creates a plan to meet those goals.

What is your best piece of advice for a newborn mom?

In the midst of falling in love with your newborn, remember to nourish your body. Eat! Even if it’s just a handful of whatever is easiest to grab from the fridge or pantry. Hydrate! It is so important to stay hydrated after birth, especially for those who are breastfeeding. Rest when you can. This one is the hardest because babies often sleep in small increments for weeks before you see longer stretches. Sometimes the best you can do is snuggle and adore your baby while laying in bed. Do what you can.

For Nannies

I want to take my skills to the next level. How do I know if becoming an NCS is right for me?

If you have an interest in working with newborns, you will definitely benefit from NCS training. If you plan to be a nanny long-term and stay with a family who plans on having multiple children, the training will still be excellent for you! When a new baby arrives, you will have the skills to provide excellent care and be a wealth of knowledge to your employers.

Why is training and certification necessary?

Training is important so that you are receiving relevant, science-based information on newborn care. Trainers have decades of experience and research under their belts, and it is a privilege to learn from them. You may have the best intentions, but without proper training, you may actually be putting the baby at risk. At this time there is no certification or license available for an NCS that is recognized by any boards of higher learning or government. The NCSA offers certification, but it is not required to be an excellent NCS.

Where can I find training courses?

Newborn Care Solutions and Gibson Newborn Services offer excellent NCS trainings, the NCSA has a list of their approved trainings, and other trainings can be found by doing a search online.

What are the benefits and challenges of a career as an NCS?

The greatest benefit is working with precious newborns and parents! Other benefits of being an NCS include having full control over how much or how little you want to work. There are opportunities for domestic and international travel, top-notch educational opportunities, and a great income. Challenges include the responsibility of running a business, stressful work situations, the effects of working nights long-term, and often the lack of sleep that can occur in jobs that are more physically, mentally, and emotionally demanding.

What advice can you give to a caregiver just starting out?

Start with solid training. From there, network with experienced NCS’s who can give you advice while you are getting your start. Get yourself set up as a business first, so you don’t have to worry about it down the road. Be creative! There are many ways to get your foot in the door and start working with families who will find your services invaluable.

In Conclusion

As you can see, Newborn Care Specialists are basically magical unicorns. Starling highly recommends you hire an NCS to help navigate the 4th trimester. 

Important Tip

Start the hiring process early, as NCS tend to be booked as early as 7.5 months in advance. Contact Starling for more info!

Starling is a stellar nanny placement agency proudly serving Greater Seattle and the Eastside. Starling nannies are passionate about education and child development! We represent professional nannies, private teachers, newborn care specialists, household managers, family assistants, personal assistants, and more. Learn more about Starling’s core values.