How to Become a Postpartum Nurse
Credit: SDI Productions / E+ / Getty ImagesPostpartum nurses are registered nurses (RNs) who care for mothers and newborns after birth until they’re discharged from the hospital. They also play a vital role in preparing the family to care for their newborn.
Explore how to become a postpartum nurse, including salary expectations, career trends, and typical job responsibilities.
What Is a Postpartum Nurse?
Postpartum nurses specialize in caring for mothers and newborns during the critical first days after childbirth. You monitor the mother’s physical recovery, manage pain, assist with breastfeeding, and educate families about newborn care and maternal health.
Postpartum nurse training includes recognizing complications, such as postpartum hemorrhaging or signs of infection, and intervening quickly when necessary. You typically work in hospitals, birthing centers, and sometimes home health settings. Postpartum nurses serve as vital support systems, helping families transition safely and confidently into life after delivery.
Strong clinical skills, emotional resilience, and compassionate communication are essential for success in this role. Because they balance medical care with emotional support, postpartum nurses must have specialized education and clinical experience in maternal-child health.
Popular Online RN-to-BSN Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Steps to Becoming a Postpartum Nurse
The first step to becoming a postpartum nurse is earning a nursing degree and passing the National Council Licensure Exam for registered nurses (NCLEX-RN). State-specific requirements may vary, so it’s important to check local regulations. Many employers also require certifications in basic life support (BLS) or advanced cardiac life support (ACLS). Here’s how to become a postpartum nurse.
- 1
Earn an ADN or BSN Degree From an Accredited Program
An associate degree in nursing (ADN) typically takes about two years to complete, while a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) takes about four years. Because postpartum nurses have such a high level of responsibility, many employers require or prefer a BSN degree. Nurses with an ADN and bedside nursing experience can save time by enrolling in an RN-to-BSN program, which takes approximately one year to complete. If you have a bachelor’s in a non-nursing field, you can enroll in an accelerated BSN program, which takes about 18 months to complete.
- 2
Pass the NCLEX to Receive RN Licensure
The NCLEX-RN is mandatory for registered nurse (RN) licensure in the United States. It assesses entry-level nursing knowledge and clinical judgment, along with practical nursing skills, patient communications, and legal and ethical aspects of nursing. The exam adjusts question difficulty based on answers, with a minimum of 85 and a maximum of 150 questions. Test-takers have up to five hours to complete the exam, including breaks.
- 3
Gain Experience in Maternal and Postpartum Nursing
Once you receive your RN license, you can start working in a maternity department. As an entry-level nurse, you will receive extensive on-the-job training in caring for mothers and newborns. Some healthcare organizations provide residency programs to support your learning. Others require you to work with a preceptor for more than the standard 12 weeks, or offer added time with a lighter patient load as you learn.
- 4
Consider Pursuing Maternal Newborn Nursing Certification
Nurses can validate their knowledge and experience by earning a specialty board certification. Once you have at least two years and 2,000 hours of experience in postpartum nursing, you can apply for the National Certification Corporation’s (NCC) certification in maternal newborn nursing (RNC-MNN) or inpatient obstetric nursing (RNC-OB).
Postpartum Nurse Education
An ADN is the minimum requirement to become a postpartum nurse and offers the quickest route to entering the field. However, most employers prefer candidates with a BSN, as it provides more in-depth training and broader opportunities for advancement.
For those who already hold a non-nursing bachelor’s degree, an accelerated BSN program offers a faster way to earn a BSN and qualify for licensure as an RN.
ADN Degree
An ADN prepares students for entry-level nursing roles, including postpartum care. It’s best suited for those seeking a faster, cost-effective path to licensure. This degree meets the minimum education requirement to take the NCLEX-RN and become licensed in all states. However, some employers prefer or require a BSN for postpartum positions.
- Admission Requirements: High school diploma or GED certificate, math and science courses
- Program Curriculum: Practical nursing skills, hygiene, communications, legal and ethical aspects of nursing; coursework also includes nursing fundamentals, maternal-child health, and mental health
- Time to Complete: Two years
- Skills Learned: Understanding and carrying out patient care plans; administering medication and other treatments; monitoring patients and administering tests or taking samples; wound care; updating medical records.
BSN Degree
A BSN degree offers comprehensive training in nursing practice, leadership, and public health, which are valuable skills required for postpartum care roles. A BSN degree increases your competitiveness in the job market and is often preferred by healthcare employers. It’s also the minimum degree required to pursue graduate-level nursing programs.
- Admission Requirements: High school diploma or GED certificate; typically a 3.0 GPA, although some schools allow a lower GPA if you retake or excel at prerequisite courses or have healthcare experience to strengthen your application, such as a Certified Nurse Assistant, Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), or paramedic.
- Program Curriculum: Nursing theory and practice, pathophysiology, health assessment, community and public health, clinical skills, communications, professional legal and ethical aspects of nursing, nursing leadership and management, nursing research, evidence-based practice
- Time to Complete: Four years (accelerated, 11-18 month BSNs are available for learners who already hold a bachelor’s in a non-nursing discipline)
- Skills Learned: Patient assessment, diagnosis, and evaluation; nursing leadership; critical thinking; clinical decision-making; research interpretation; team coordination; health promotion; disease prevention; cultural competency
Postpartum Nurse Licensure and Certification
To work as a postpartum nurse, you must first earn a nursing degree, pass the NCLEX-RN, and obtain state licensure as an RN. All states require licensure to legally practice, and each state sets its renewal and continuing education requirements.
Beyond licensure, certification provides a way to demonstrate advanced knowledge and commitment to maternal and newborn care. One widely recognized option is the Maternal Newborn Nursing (RNC-MNN) certification from the National Certification Corporation (NCC). To qualify, you must have a valid and unencumbered RN license, at least two years of experience, and a minimum of 2,000 hours in postpartum nursing within the past two years. Candidates must also pass a standardized exam covering topics like newborn assessment, maternal complications, and lactation support.
Although certification is voluntary, it demonstrates your commitment to the field, and many employers value certification. It may also lead to higher pay, improved job security, and expanded career opportunities.
Postpartum Nurse Salary and Job Outlook
Postpartum nurses’ salaries vary based on factors, such as location, experience, and workplace setting. According to ZipRecruiter, the average annual salary for postpartum nurses is $137,730. These figures are comparable to other highly specialized RN roles, such as neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) nurses, but higher than medical-surgical nurses, who make approximately $87,870 annually.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 6% growth in employment for RNs from 2023-2033, indicating a steady demand for nursing professionals.
Postpartum nurses work in various settings, including hospital maternity wards, birthing centers, and home healthcare environments. Responsibilities can differ based on the setting: hospital nurses may focus on monitoring vital signs and managing post-delivery recovery, while those in home care might provide education on newborn care and support for breastfeeding.
Tips for securing a postpartum nursing position:
- Gain Relevant Experience: Seek internships or volunteer opportunities in maternity units to build hands-on experience.
- Pursue Certification: Obtaining certifications like the Maternal Newborn Nursing (RNC-MNN) can enhance your qualifications.
- Network: Connect with professionals in the field through nursing associations or online forums to learn about job openings and industry insights.
- Tailor Your Resume: Highlight relevant skills and experiences that align with postpartum care responsibilities.
Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a Postpartum Nurse
Becoming a postpartum nurse typically takes 2-4 years. You must complete an accredited nursing program (associate or bachelor’s degree) and pass the NCLEX-RN. You may gain additional postpartum training during clinical rotations or through on-the-job experience.
Related Pages
What is a Labor and Delivery Nurse?
Read this guide to learn about L&D nurse occupational duties, work environment, education, training, and prospective salaries.
Certified Nurse-Midwife Career Overview
A CNM provides care through pregnancy, birth, and beyond. Discover how to become a certified-nurse midwife.
Guide to Nursing Specializations and Concentrations
Curious about different types of nurses? This guide explores more than 100 nursing fields, so you can make an informed decision about your career path.