I am not medically trained as a doctor, midwife, or registered nurse. My work is non-medical newborn care and postnatal support in private family homes. Newborn care in private homes is its own professional setting, and I am trained and insured specifically for non-medical postnatal care within a family home. I support parents with feeding, settling, sleep rhythm, newborn care, observation, confidence, and understanding what may be normal in the early weeks.

I follow recognised safe sleep guidance, including UK safe sleep guidance and The Lullaby Trust. Safe sleep is one of the reasons I prefer the baby to sleep in the same room as me during night support. I want the baby close enough that I can respond quickly, observe properly, and keep the night safe, peaceful, and sleep-focused.

If something does not feel right, I will wake the parents. I do not sit quietly with a worrying situation just because it is night-time and everyone is tired. Depending on what is happening, I may advise parents to contact their doctor, midwife, paediatrician, emergency service, or the medical professional already involved in the baby’s care. The baby’s safety always comes first.

If something is outside normal newborn care, I will say so. That may be feeding difficulty, poor milk transfer, dehydration concerns, temperature, breathing changes, unusual colour, repeated vomiting, worrying nappies, signs of pain, breast inflammation, or anything that makes the parents feel uneasy. Sometimes parents need reassurance. Sometimes they need a proper medical check. I would rather point parents in the right direction early than pretend everything is fine when it needs another pair of professional eyes.

I have a lot of experience with premature babies, including low birth weight babies, very early babies, single babies, and premature twins. My first newborn care role over 20 years ago was with a very premature baby who needed a high level of support in the first months of life. Premature babies often need a different level of understanding. Feeding, digestion, reflux, sleep, energy levels, and development can all look different from a full-term baby. I also understand that parents may come home from hospital still feeling alert, anxious, or exhausted after a stressful start. My job is to bring calm hands, practical experience, and confidence into the home.

I have Paediatric First Aid Level 3 training. For newborn work, first aid knowledge matters, but so does staying observant before things become an emergency. I pay attention to the baby’s breathing, colour, feeding, temperature, tone, alertness, and general behaviour, especially at night when parents are resting.