A maternity support worker, sometimes called a maternity healthcare support worker, works under the supervision of qualified midwives assisting in the care of mothers and babies. It is an employed NHS role rather than private work, and usually needs a good general education, often with an NVQ level 2 or equivalent.
If you are weighing this against private maternity nursing, the difference is mostly setting and structure. This is a role inside a clinical team; maternity nursing is self-employed work in family homes. Neither is more senior than the other, they are different jobs.
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What the job involves
Responsibilities vary depending on the exact role and local policy, and everything is carried out under the supervision of a qualified midwife. Typical tasks include:
- taking blood samples for testing
- making routine observations such as temperature, pulse, blood pressure and breathing
- maintaining accurate records and other administrative duties
- maintaining stock levels of stationery and equipment
- participating in parent education, either in groups or one to one
- preparing equipment
- clearing up after sessions
You need to be able to cope with emergency situations as well as with straightforward labour. That is a real requirement rather than a formality, and it is worth being honest with yourself about it before applying.
Where they work
- in the community
- acute postnatal wards
- maternity theatre
- delivery suite
- midwifery-led units
Pay and hours
Maternity support workers are paid on the NHS Agenda for Change pay scale, typically in the lower bands, with progression as experience and responsibility grow. Because the bands are reviewed regularly, check the current rates directly rather than relying on figures quoted elsewhere.
Full and part-time hours are available. You will need to be flexible and able to work some weekends, and night or day shifts.
Qualifications
Maternity support workers normally need a good general education, often with an NVQ level 2 or equivalent qualification. Individual trusts set their own requirements, and many provide in-house training once you are in post.
Additional specialist training strengthens an application and broadens what you can do. Babyem offers maternity nurse training and specialist courses including perinatal mental health and colic, reflux and infant allergies.
If you are also registering with Ofsted for private work, you will need a paediatric first aid certificate and a DBS check.
How it compares to other roles
The three roles are regularly confused, and choosing between them determines your training route:
- A midwife is a regulated healthcare professional with full clinical responsibility, registered with the NMC.
- A maternity support worker supports midwives under supervision, usually within the NHS.
- A maternity nurse works privately in family homes providing practical, non-medical newborn support.
For the full breakdown, read Maternity nurse vs midwife vs maternity support worker.
Considering private maternity work instead?
Maternity nursing offers flexible, self-employed work with families rather than an employed NHS role. The free checklist covers what you would need.