A baby nurse can be an invaluable resource to new parents, but finding the right baby nurse can be tricky. That’s where the experts come in. We spoke with Melissa Lutzke, founder of RateYourBabyNurse.com, the baby nurse and doula review site, about what to look for in a baby nurse, how to hire one and how to make the most of the experience…

What should I look for in a baby nurse?
Experience and a deep knowledge of infant care. Newborns have very specific needs and you want to be sure that your baby nurse is well versed.  You also need to feel that you “click” with your baby nurse and that you would be comfortable communicating your needs.  And lastly, you want to get the sense that being a baby nurse and caring for newborns is something she loves, because that love will translate into how she cares for your baby.

How far in advance should I look for a baby nurse?
The earlier the better. Some moms hire their baby nurse within weeks of finding out they are pregnant. The longer you wait, the fewer available baby nurses there will be.  But, if you’re nearing your due date and haven’t booked a nurse yet, don’t panic.  You can still find a good baby nurse—you may just have to dig a little deeper and longer.

Where do I start looking for one?
Well this is why I started Rate Your Baby Nurse, a baby nurse review site.  I found the process of finding a baby nurse arduous and inefficient.  If you have friends who have used a baby nurse, you can start by asking them if they would recommend their baby nurse.  You can also check out http://www.rateyourbabynurse.com to get feedback from real moms on hundreds of baby nurses nationwide.

What questions should I ask when I interview my baby nurse?
You want to evaluate her experience and skill level, and find out if this is somebody you are comfortable with. You can use our Baby Nurse Interview Questions and it’s also important to open the interview into more of a conversation.  Ask about her family and what she likes to do - it’s the best way to get to know a person.

Are there any certifications baby nurses should have?
The term “Baby Nurse” is actually used rather broadly to describe a person who specializes in caring for newborns.  Some may be certified newborn care specialists.  Some may have a medical background as a Registered Nurse (RN), Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) or a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN).  Others may have no formal training but rely on years of hands on experience.  However, anybody you hire should be certified in infant CPR.

What should I expect my baby nurse to do?
A baby nurse assists you with the day-to-day care of your newborn.  An experienced baby nurse brings a wealth of infant care knowledge and will teach you everything from how to swaddle, dress, care for her bellybutton or his circumcised penis, bathe and care for your baby.  She will help you get the baby on a sleep routine that can pay dividends in the future.  And many have experience helping moms through the challenges of breastfeeding.  She is extra support in your home for all things related to baby (laundering baby’s clothes and cleaning their bottles) as you recover from labor and enter into a new routine with the newest member of your family. 

What should I pay my baby nurse?
Rates are typically between $200 and $350 a day.  They vary based on where you live, if you have multiples, and if you go through an agency or hire an independent baby nurse.

How should I manage my baby nurse's food & drink?
Before she arrives it’s nice to find out if your baby nurse has any particular foods she likes that you can stock up.  Typically she will eat whatever your family is eating.

Will my baby nurse take a day off?
Yes, it’s pretty standard for your baby nurse to take days off. Sometimes it’s one day a week or two days every other week, but you can work out with her the frequency and number of days. If you want, she can typically send a replacement to fill in for her on days off.

How long do people typically hire a baby nurse for?
It depends on needs and budgets.  Some people choose to have a baby nurse for a week a two when they get home from the hospital to help them get the hang of caring for the baby and give mom some time to recover from delivery.  Others keep them for a few months, and some families hire them for up to a full year.  You also have to consider if you want a baby nurse full time (24X7) or just nights.

Get more information, seek answers and start your baby nurse search right now at RateYourBabyNurse.com.