Job Overview
Nurse Next Door McLean is a licensed home care agency dedicated to providing high-quality, compassionate in-home care to families throughout Northern Virginia. We are currently seeking a caring, dependable, and experienced Newborn & Postpartum Doula / Mother-Baby Caregiver to provide in-home support to new mothers and their newborn babies during the postpartum period.
The ideal candidate will have experience caring for newborns and supporting mothers following childbirth, including mothers recovering from vaginal delivery or C-section. This role focuses on providing practical, emotional, and non-medical support to the mother while ensuring the newborn receives safe, attentive, and nurturing care.
The caregiver will work closely with the mother and family to promote comfort, rest, recovery, confidence, and a positive transition into life with a new baby.
Key Responsibilities Newborn Care
- Provide attentive, safe, and nurturing care to newborn babies.
- Assist with feeding, including bottle feeding and supporting breastfeeding routines as directed by the mother.
- Prepare and clean bottles and feeding supplies.
- Assist with burping and settling the baby after feeding.
- Change diapers and provide appropriate newborn hygiene.
- Assist with bathing and basic newborn grooming as appropriate.
- Comfort, soothe, hold, and safely reposition the newborn.
- Assist with establishing appropriate sleep and feeding routines as directed by the parents.
- Monitor the newborn for changes in behavior, feeding, sleep, or general well-being and promptly report concerns to the parents.
- Maintain a clean, safe, and comfortable environment for the newborn.
- Follow safe sleep practices and all family and agency safety guidelines.
- Assist with newborn-related laundry and organization of baby supplies.
Postpartum Mother Care
- Provide compassionate, respectful, and non-medical support to the mother following childbirth.
- Assist the mother with daily activities while she recovers from delivery.
- Provide support to mothers recovering from C-section or vaginal delivery.
- Encourage adequate rest, hydration, nutrition, and comfort.
- Prepare nutritious meals and snacks according to the mother's dietary preferences and postpartum needs.
- Assist with light housekeeping related to the mother and newborn.
- Help with laundry, dishes, changing linens, and maintaining a clean household environment.
- Provide companionship and emotional support during the postpartum period.
- Assist the mother with newborn-related routines so she can obtain adequate rest.
- Provide practical support with breastfeeding routines when within the caregiver's training and scope.
- Provide non-medical assistance with comfort measures as directed by the mother and healthcare providers.
- Observe and report significant changes in the mother's physical or emotional condition to the appropriate family member or supervisor.
- Remind the mother about medications only as permitted by the care plan and agency policy; caregivers do not administer medications unless specifically authorized and within their scope.
Family Support
- Provide education and practical assistance to parents regarding basic newborn routines within the caregiver's training and role.
- Respect the family's parenting preferences, routines, cultural practices, and household expectations.
- Support family members in developing confidence in newborn care.
- Maintain a calm, reassuring, and professional presence in the home.
- Communicate respectfully with parents, family members, nurses, physicians, and agency staff when appropriate.
- Maintain strict confidentiality regarding the family and newborn.
Documentation & Safety
- Follow the individualized care plan and agency policies and procedures.
- Maintain accurate and timely documentation of services provided.
- Report any significant changes in the mother's or newborn's condition promptly.
- Follow infection prevention, hand hygiene, and safety procedures.
- Maintain HIPAA compliance and protect all client and family information.
- Safely use and maintain caregiving equipment and newborn-care supplies as required.
- Immediately report emergencies or medical concerns according to agency policy.
Required Qualifications
- Previous experience caring for newborns and/or postpartum mothers is strongly preferred.
- Experience working as a Postpartum Doula, Newborn Care Specialist, Mother-Baby Caregiver, Nanny, CNA, HHA, PCA, or similar role is preferred.
- Demonstrated experience caring for newborn babies.
- Experience supporting mothers following childbirth is highly preferred.
- Experience with both vaginal delivery and C-section recovery is preferred.
- Strong understanding of newborn safety and safe sleep practices.
- Compassionate, patient, calm, dependable, and nurturing personality.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work respectfully and professionally inside a private family residence.
- Strong attention to detail and observation skills.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries.
- Ability to follow individualized care plans and agency policies.
- Ability to pass required background checks and employment screenings.
Preferred Certifications & Experience
- Certified Postpartum Doula certification preferred.
- Newborn Care Specialist (NCS) training preferred.
- Infant CPR and First Aid certification preferred.
- CNA, PCA, HHA, or equivalent caregiving certification is a plus.
- Experience with premature or medically fragile newborns is a plus.
- Experience supporting breastfeeding mothers is a plus.
- Experience with C-section postpartum recovery is a plus.
- Bilingual or multilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.
Work Environment
- In-home care within private residences.
- Positions may include daytime, evening, overnight, weekend, or extended shifts depending on client needs.
- Must be comfortable working around newborns and new parents.
- Must maintain a professional, respectful, and family-centered environment.
Why Join Nurse Next Door McLean?
- Competitive compensation.
- Flexible scheduling with full-time and part-time opportunities.
- Opportunity to work closely with new mothers and newborn babies.
- Supportive and professional care team.
- Ongoing training and professional development.
- Meaningful opportunity to support families during an important life transition.
- Career growth opportunities within a growing home care agency.
- Recognition for outstanding performance and dedication.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Nurse Next Door McLean is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace and welcome qualified applicants from all backgrounds. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law.
Work Location: In person – Northern Virginia
Pay: $18.00 - $20.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
