There are plenty of careers that involve working with babies, especially in the medical and education fields. Many of these roles allow you to climb up the ranks and work in leadership positions too. For those who love working babies, here are some rewarding careers that you may be interested in going into.
Preschool Teacher
If you like the idea of teaching, a preschool teacher may be right for you. This role is normally based at a preschool, daycare center, or childhood facility. Preschool teachers lead classrooms of children normally aged six months to five years old. Preschool teachers provide guided learning through group activities and playtime. Some of the key areas you’ll focus on in this position include cognitive development, language, and communication. To work in this field, you will need to obtain a bachelor’s or associate degree in childhood education or another field.
Pediatrician
As a pediatrician, your main responsibility is to provide treatment for infants and children. Pediatricians normally take over responsibilities of the patient after they’ve received care from an obstetrician or midwife. Typical duties of a pediatrician include diagnosing conditions, prescribing medicine, educating parents, and developing long-term care plans. If you want to go into this role, you will need to obtain a D.O. (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) or an M.D. (Doctor of Medicine). Also, you must be licensed to practice in your state.
Midwife
Midwives are healthcare professionals that specialize in treating pregnant women. In this position, you will assist women before, throughout, and after labor. Also, you will guide mothers on how to feed, soothe, and swaddle their babies. In some cases, midwives may assist parents during postpartum and early childhood experiences, like parent-child bonding. In general, midwives give this guidance for the first 28 days of the infant’s life. To work as a midwife, you must have a DNP in Nurse Midwifery. You can obtain this from a nurse midwife college like Baylor University. There are additional specialist training programs midwives must embark on too.
Nanny
The role of a nanny requires you to provide general childcare for those of all ages. For babies in particular, you will be in charge of preparing child-safe food, alongside keeping up with changing, feeding, and sleeping schedules. Nannies also play with the baby to promote engagement and learning. Depending on where you work, a nanny may have duties like light housework. You may have the option to live in the family home or work during scheduled times and days. Unlike the roles above, nannies don’t typically require higher education. However, some may obtain an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in early childhood education.
Labor and Delivery Nurse
Labor and delivery nurses are medical professionals that examine a woman and her infant throughout and after labor. This role involves assisting the obstetrician to ensure the baby is safely delivered. After the baby has been born, labor and delivery nurses clean and provide initial care. In general, this role requires you to have an associate degree. However, some individuals may have a bachelor’s degree and serve as a registered nurse. If you would like to work in the delivery room, you must pass specialist training programs that prepare you for how the labor process works and what safety practices you need to use to keep the mother and child safe.
Doula
A doula is trained to help women throughout the pregnancy, labor, and postpartum stage. Working with medical professionals, doulas assist expectant mothers to help them stay calm and healthy throughout their pregnancy and labor. Doulas also give support to parents on pre-natal and post-natal experiences which promote healthy infants. This includes relaxation techniques like meditation and preparing the home. Depending on the patient, a doula can spend between a couple of days and a few months with them. To work as a doula, you must complete a specialized training program.
Newborn Photographer
As a newborn photographer, you will be in charge of creating portrait shoots of newborn infants. This role involves coordinating with families to establish the right location for the shoot. Also, you will plan poses for the baby which document the first couple of weeks or months of the child’s life. Depending on your specialty and what the family wants, you may do a shoot in a studio or on-location. Some newborn photographers offer videography services too, which can include filming the entire birthing experience and the first few moments after the baby has been born. If you would like to go into this role, many newborn photographers work as freelancers. You will need to build a strong portfolio of work and gain experience to find and secure clients.
Family Nurse Practitioner
Family nurse practitioners (FNPs) are responsible for delivering care and guidance to people of all ages, including babies. FNPs also liaise with the parents and provide specialist advice regarding the baby’s health and wellbeing. An FNP teaches parents how to build positive relationships with their infants and understand their wants and needs. Also, FNPs offer positive lifestyle changes that will give the baby the best start in life possible.
Preschool Manager
A preschool manager is in charge of the operational success of a daycare center, early childhood facility, or preschool. This role involves interviewing and hiring teachers and other staff members and managing budgets. Other duties include leading enrollment activities and consulting with teachers and parents to establish a curriculum that promotes success. To become a preschool manager, you may need to undertake an associate or bachelor’s degree in early childhood education.
Lactation Consultant
Lactation consultants teach new moms how to breastfeed their babies. Lactation consultants offer guidance on infant wellness and nutrient, and what feeding techniques to use. You can work in this role in an array of settings, such as a hospital, birth center, or physician office. A lactation consultant is required to have a background in health science.
There are invaluable benefits associated with working with babies. Whatever role above catches your eye, you can play a part in giving babies the best start in life, helping them to flourish and grow up to be well-rounded adults.