09/06/2026
β¨ A MUST WATCH β¨
Especially if you are Pregnant, have a new born or young child.
Did you know the term 'midwife' is legally protected. You can not legally call yourself a midwife without the qualification and registration.
HOWEVER.. ANYONE can call themselves a nurse!
Or use other terms such as practitioner or consultant.
And WITHOUT the need for any formal qualifications!
I have dedicated my entire career to the early years and in particular, the first 1001 days and 4th trimester. I have studied to be a nurse, before specialising as a community public health nurse as a Health Visitor, and continued my professional development in infant feeding, infant sleep, new born observation and assessments, leadership, And I hope to start my IBCLC , teaching course and possibly coaching over the next year.
It honestly, drives me insane that anyone can wake up, decide to work with families in their most vulnerable moments, do a basic 5 day course, and a bit of homework and can refer to themselves as a Nurse, Practice, or Consultant.
I absolutely welcome the call to recognise 'Nurse' in the same capacity as 'midwife', making it illegal to use without professional qualifications and regulations.
I also welcome stricter use for 'practitioner' and 'consultant'.
This is not to undermine all sleep consultants or maternity 'nurses', and other roles within the parent & Infant industry. There are some incredible people and businesses supporting new families, all I ask is ...
PLEASE ensure you do your research. Ask for their qualifications. Ask if they are insured. Ask what their experience is. Ask who they are accountable to.
I still find it remarkable no one asks me these quests!! Thankfully I offer this information to reassure the families I work with.
As a qualified Adult Nurse & Health Visitor I am registered with NMC and I am accountable to the this governing body.
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