The Origin of a Baby Nurse

The Origin of a Baby Nurse: A Historical Look at Infant & Newborn Care

Throughout history and across diverse cultures, the birth of a new baby has been regarded as a significant event worthy of celebration and reverence. Although the practice of hiring a "baby nurse" may seem like a modern trend, its roots can be traced back to ancient times. How did we get from baby nurses to modern newborn and postpartum support? Let's dive into the historical importance of a baby nurse, its origins, and how it has evolved into the profession we know today.

Ancient Times: Wet Nurses and Nannies

In many ancient cultures, the practice of using wet nurses was common. Wet nurses were women who breastfed and cared for infants who were not their own. This practice was prevalent among wealthy families, where the mother may not have been available or able to breastfeed due to social or health reasons. Wet nurses were highly valued and often lived in the household of the family they served.In addition to wet nurses, nannies were also common in ancient times. Nannies were experienced caregivers who were responsible for the day-to-day care of infants and young children. They provided essential care such as feeding, bathing, and soothing the baby, as well as managing household tasks related to infant care.

19th Century: Rise of Baby Nurses in England

During the 19th century, the concept of a baby nurse gained popularity in England. Baby nurses were typically women who provided overnight care for infants, allowing new mothers to rest and recover from childbirth. They were often hired for several weeks to months after the birth of a baby, providing round-the-clock care to newborns.Baby nurses of this era were known for their expertise in newborn care, including swaddling, bathing, and feeding. They were also skilled in soothing techniques and had a deep understanding of infant development. Many baby nurses at that time had extensive experience in caring for newborns and were highly regarded for their knowledge and skills in infant care.

Evolution of the Baby Nurse Profession

As time passed, the concept of a baby nurse evolved to adapt to changing societal norms and healthcare practices. In the mid-20th century, with the advancement of medical knowledge and healthcare facilities, the role of baby nurses shifted from primarily providing overnight care to focusing on assisting with infant care during the day. They became more commonly known as nannies or newborn care specialists.

Today, the profession of a baby nurse has continued to evolve. Baby nurses, also known as newborn care specialists or postpartum doulas, are trained professionals who provide specialized care to newborns and support to new parents during the postpartum period. They are knowledgeable about newborn care, breastfeeding support, postpartum recovery, and emotional well-being. They may provide overnight care, daytime care, or both, depending on the needs of the family.

The demand for baby nurses, newborn care specialists, and postpartum doulas has increased in recent years, as parents seek professional support during the early days of parenthood. Many families value the expertise, guidance, and emotional support that a baby nurse can provide during this vulnerable and precious time.

The roots of a baby nurse can be traced back to ancient times when wet nurses and nannies played a vital role in caring for infants. As societal norms and healthcare practices have changed, the idea of a baby nurse has evolved, leading to the emergence of professions such as night nannies, postpartum doulas or newborn care specialists. Today, baby nurses are referred to as newborn care specialists or postpartum doulas and provide crucial support to new parents and their babies during the postpartum period, offering daytime or overnight care, and helping families adjust to the early days of parenthood with confidence and ease. Their assistance is invaluable, providing peace of mind to families as they navigate the initial stages of raising their newborns.

Nurtured Foundation offers daytime and overnight postpartum care. You can find more information HERE.