Maternity Support Worker

Maternity Support Workers help mothers care for their babies, make routine observations, clean, update records and other administration tasks. Maternity Support Workers work within a team to establish if anyone needs extra help or support when carrying out patient care. This is a fast-paced role where you could help in emergency situations, assist Midwives with routine check-ups and prepare equipment. You will be crucial to the health and care team, and new mothers to help take care of their babies.

Maternity Support Worker is also known as Maternity Healthcare Support Worker, Midwifery Assistant.

Role Characteristics

Help to care for mothers and babies
Make routine observations and update records
Educate parents on how to care for their new baby
Take blood samples and assist Midwives
Clean and prepare equipment
Report problems to Midwives or Nurses

Skills

Active listening
Communication
Empathy
Team work
Working under pressure

Day in the life

Watch this video to find out about the different ways Maternity Support Workers support people.

Routes into this role

Here are some example routes that can lead into this role.

Volunteering or work experience

Apply directly

GCSEs

How to become

There are many routes into this role. Entry requirements vary between employers but they all expect a good standard of numeracy and literacy.

You will normally need 5 GCSEs or equivalent and some employers may also ask for a qualification in health and social care such as an NVQ. They may also ask for experience of working with children and families which may be accepted in place of formal qualifications.

It is important to check your preferred employer's entry requirements for guidance.

Where can this role lead

No matter what role you start in or where you are in your career path, there are always opportunities to develop and progress in health and care.

With experience and further training you could become a Senior Support Worker. You could then apply to train as an Assistant Practitioner or Nursing Associate. You could also train as one of the many degree-level healthcare professionals such as a Nurse, Podiatrist, Midwife or Occupational Therapist.