- knowledge of neonatal health and medicine
- customer service skills
- sensitivity and understanding
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
- thinking and reasoning skills
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- the ability to use your initiative
- knowledge of psychology
- to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
As part of your day-to-day duties, you might:
- share information with midwives about the condition of mothers and babies
- help to deliver care plans
- provide women with support to help them look after themselves and their baby on their own
- provide support to families in labour wards and maternity theatres
- help with parenting classes
- collect statistics, keep records up-to-date and make sure that procedures are followed
- help on wards and other clinical areas
You may need to wear a uniform.
You could work in an NHS or private hospital, in the community or at a client's home.
Your working environment may be physically demanding.
With experience you could become a senior support worker, or train as a midwife or adult nurse.
You can find out more about becoming a maternity support worker from Health Careers.
