How to Become a Postpartum Nurse

Postpartum nurses care for mothers and infants from after birth until they are discharged from the hospital. Some postpartum nurses also provide homecare, especially for at-risk cases. They play a vital role in not just making sure that the mother and baby are healthy, but in helping prepare the family to take care of their newborn.

This guide explores how to become a postpartum nurse, what they earn, and what typical job responsibilities include.

What Is a Postpartum Nurse?

Postpartum nurses monitor both the mother and infant's vitals and watch for signs of complications. They also help to bathe the newborn, dispense any needed medications, guide the mother through breastfeeding, and check incisions. They provide psychological support for new mothers and educate them on how to care for a newborn.

Postpartum nurses must be familiar with the many physical and psychological conditions that can affect a mother, including signs of postpartum depression. This job comes with significant responsibilities and requires expertise in practical nursing, teaching, and communication.

Steps to Becoming a Postpartum Nurse

The first step in how to become a postpartum nurse is to earn a nursing degree, followed by passing the NCLEX-RN. Many employers maintain additional requirements for postpartum nurses, such as certification in basic life support (BLS) or advanced cardiac life support (ACLS).

Postpartum Nurse Education

If you hold no degree and want to know how to become a postpartum nurse as quickly as possible, a two-year ADN program is the fastest path. For career advancement, or if you plan to earn a master's degree to become an advanced practice nurse, a four-year bachelor's degree may be a better choice. Accelerated, 11-18 month bachelor's programs are available for postgraduate students.

Postpartum Nurse Licensure and Certification

Once you have your nursing degree and have passed the NCLEX-RN, you must apply for a state nursing license. During your first postpartum nursing position, you will receive extensive on-the-job training.

After obtaining at least two years and 2,000 hours of experience as a postpartum nurse, you can apply for certification in maternal newborn nursing from the NCC. You must have the required experience, a current and unencumbered license, experience in postpartum nursing during the most recent 24 months, and a passing score on the certification examination.

Working as a Postpartum Nurse

Almost all postpartum nurses work in hospitals or birthing centers. The responsibilities are similar in any setting. However, in a hospital, you are likely to work with other departments, such as a neonatal intensive care unit, when necessary. Some postpartum nurses, however, work for public health or other government offices and specialize in home health visits, especially for high-risk cases.

Postpartum nurse salaries are above the national average for all jobs. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), nurses earn a median $77,660, and the highest-paid 10% of nurses earn at least $120,250. The BLS also projects the demand for registered nurses to grow by 9% between 2020 and 2030.

Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a Postpartum Nurse

How many years does it take to become a postpartum nurse?

How to become a postpartum nurse depends on your goals. It takes at least two years to earn an ADN, which is the minimum educational requirement. However, a four-year BSN degree may be more valuable for your career if you plan to become an APRN.

What is the quickest way to become a postpartum nurse?

The quickest way to become a postpartum nurse is to earn a two-year ADN degree. You must then pass the NCLEX-RN, obtain a state license, and gain experience as an entry-level postpartum nurse. New graduate RNs can also gain entry into the postpartum field via nursing residency programs.

How hard is it to become a postpartum nurse?

To graduate from nursing school, you must be able to do well in science topics like anatomy, chemistry topics like pharmacology, and master communications skills. You must also have technical skills to use electronic health records programs.

Are postpartum nurses in demand?

Like all RNs, postpartum nurses are in demand, though demand is generally greater in areas with a high birth rate and in underserved areas. However, the greatest concentration of postpartum nurse jobs are in large cities.