FAQs | Expert Newborn Care & Maternity Nurse Support in Europe & Beyond

Frequently Asked Questions
Warm, practical answers for growing families – from preparing during pregnancy to navigating newborn life and travel.

I’m Martina Schmidbauer, a non-medical Maternity Nurse and one of Europe’s first Master Newborn Care Specialists®. I support families with dedicated 1:1 baby care, overnight support, and expert sleep shaping — at home or on the go.

👩‍🍼 Working with Me

👶 Newborn Care & Support

✈️ Travel & International Families

🤰 Before Baby Arrives

📚 From the Blog

Top Questions Parents Ask — Answered Simply

From sleep and feeding to working legally in Europe — here are some of the most helpful answers for families looking for newborn care support.

What’s the difference between a Maternity Nurse/ Newborn Care Specialist, a Night Nanny and a Doula?

Postpartum Doula provides emotional and practical support for the whole family after birth — but she is not a newborn care expert. A Night Nanny typically follows the parents’ instructions and offers basic overnight help without specialized training. A non-medical Maternity Nurse or Newborn Care Specialist (NCS) focuses exclusively on the baby’s needs — supporting feeding, sleep, and routine establishment. As a Master NCS®, I hold the highest U.S. credential in this field, with over three years of advanced training in newborn care.

When should I book a Maternity Nurse/ Newborn Care Specialist?

Ideally, you’ll want to book at the beginning of your second trimester — shortly after the 12-week scan. That’s when many families feel ready to plan ahead, and an early booking gives you peace of mind and allows us time to prepare. I occasionally accept last-minute bookings when availability allows.

I’m interested in your services — what are the next steps?

Reach out through my contact form— I’ll personally get back to you with more details about my availability and how I can support your family. From there, we’ll schedule an initial call to get to know each other and see if we’re a good fit. If you’d like to move forward, I’ll send over the contract and deposit info, and we’ll book a client intake session to prepare for your baby’s arrival together.

Can you support us during our travels?

Yes, I specialize in travel-based newborn care. Whether you’re staying in a private villa, boutique hotel, or onboard a superyacht, I help maintain your baby’s routine so your holiday stays calm, supported, and restful. You can learn more about my travel care for families on the go on this page.

American Families: Can we bring our U.S. Nanny or NCS to Europe for our holiday?

No — if she’s traveling to Europe on a tourist visa, she can’t legally work, even for a short family trip. That’s why many families hire a local expert like me. I can legally work across all EU countries and the Schengen Area, including Switzerland.

What is gentle sleep shaping and how can it help my baby?

Gentle sleep shaping supports your baby’s natural rhythms and helps them gradually sleep longer stretches. It involves creating consistent routines and age-appropriate sleep cues without using cry-it-out methods. It’s a calm, baby-led foundation for better sleep.

How can I calm my baby when they won’t stop crying?

Try white noise, gentle motion, swaddling, or skin-to-skin contact. These mimic the womb and help overstimulated babies settle. If all needs are met, some babies just need help switching off — and that’s okay. I also share comforting strategies in this blog post on how to comfort a crying baby.

👩‍🍼 Working with Me

❓I’m interested in your services — what are the next steps?

I’m so glad you’re here! Once you reach out through my contact form, here’s what happens:

  1. Initial Contact – I’ll personally respond with key information about my services and availability.
  2. Introductory Call – We’ll schedule a short video or phone call to get to know each other, and to better understand your needs and preferences.
  3. Booking Proposal – If you’d like to move forward, I’ll draft a contract tailored to your booking (length, dates, service type, location, etc.).
  4. Deposit & Confirmation – Once the contract is signed and your deposit is received, your dates are officially reserved.
  5. Client Intake – We’ll schedule a more in-depth planning call to go through my client intake form, where I learn everything I need to personalize your care.
  6. Ongoing Support – We’ll stay in touch with additional calls or check-ins as needed, especially in the final weeks before your baby arrives.

This process ensures that when the time comes, I can step in with calm, confident, and customized care from day one.

❓When should I book a Maternity Nurse/ NCS?

Ideally, you’ll want to book at the beginning of your second trimester — shortly after the 12-week scan. That’s when many families feel ready to plan ahead, and an early booking gives you peace of mind and allows us time to prepare. That said, last-minute bookings are sometimes possible, so feel free to reach out even if your due date is close.

❓How long do families typically hire you for?

This varies and depends on your goals and preferences. Some families only need overnight support for a few weeks, while others book 24/6 care for 8–12 weeks or longer. I’m happy to discuss different package options, including custom schedules for travel periods or shorter intensive care windows.

❓Are you legally allowed to work in Switzerland?

Yes, I am legally able to work as a Maternity Nurse and Newborn Care Specialist in Switzerland (whole Schengen Area) and across the EU. If you’re a family living in or visiting Switzerland, you won’t have to worry about visa restrictions or compliance issues when booking me.

❓How do I find the best Maternity Nurse or Newborn Care Specialist in Europe?

Start by looking for someone with both qualifications and experience. Ask about training (like Master NCS® credentials), check client feedback and testimonials, and make sure they have legal work status in your country (since Brexit, UK-based Maternity Nurses can no longer work in the EU without a valid work visa or work permit!) And– personal fit matters: It’s also important that their approach matches your parenting style. I work with only one family at a time, offering highly personalized care with full discretion and professionalism.
👉 Read what families say about working with me

👶 Newborn Care & Support

❓What’s the difference between a Maternity Nurse/ Newborn Care Specialist, a Night Nanny and a Doula?

That’s a great question — these terms can be confusing, especially as they vary between the U.S. and Europe.

A non-medical Maternity Nurse, also called a Newborn Care Specialist in the U.S., focuses specifically on the care and wellbeing of your newborn baby, both day and night. This includes feeding support, sleep routines, and guidance for new parents.

Master Newborn Care Specialist® (Master NCS®) brings expert-level, evidence-based support focused entirely on the newborn. With over three years of advanced training, I offer personalized guidance on gentle sleep conditioning, feeding methods, infant development, and high-needs cases (like preemies, reflux, or twins). I’m proud to be one of the first Master NCSs® in Europe.

A Night Nanny typically provides overnight care based on parent-led instructions. They are often not formally trained in newborn care, and may not have experience with developmental needs or more complex situations. Their role is more task-based than specialist-led.

Postpartum Doula offers emotional and practical support to the entire family after birth. She focuses on the mother’s recovery, mental well-being, and the overall adjustment to life with a baby. While she may help with the baby, her expertise is not in hands-on newborn care, or sleep guidance.

❓Do you offer overnight newborn care (Night Nurse services)?

Yes — overnight support is at the heart of my work. I stay in your home, care for your baby during the night, manage feeds and diaper changes, settle your baby between wake-ups, and help you get the rest you need. I also track your baby’s sleep and feeding patterns to guide you through those first crucial weeks.

❓What is gentle sleep shaping and sleep conditioning?

Gentle sleep shaping is an approach that lays the foundation for healthy sleep without harsh methods. It involves supporting your baby’s natural rhythms and using techniques like age-appropriate wake windows, soothing wind-down routines, and sleep associations that evolve as they grow.

Sleep conditioning gently extends stretches of sleep at night — always tailored to your baby’s development, temperament, and your parenting values. My training ensures that your baby’s sleep evolves safely and gradually, with plenty of compassion and flexibility.

❓Can you help with breastfeeding or bottle feeding?

Absolutely. Whether you plan to breastfeed, bottle-feed, or do a combination, I’ll guide you through feeding techniques, positions, pacing, burping, and troubleshooting. If you prefer bottle feeding (formula or expressed milk), I’ll take care of safe preparation, sterilization, and feeding routines. I’m here to guide you without pressure and help you build confidence, supporting whatever method works best for your family.

❓Do you have experience with twins or premature babies?

Yes. I’ve worked with many families with twinspremature babies, and NICU graduates. I customize routines to suit each baby’s needs and help parents feel confident managing complex care with calm, evidence-based support. I’ve also completed the OCN Level 3 Care of Multiples course, further strengthening my expertise in supporting twin and multiple-birth families.
👉 You can read more about my training and credentials here.

❓My baby’s nights and days are mixed up – what can I do?

This is very common in the early days. Newborns don’t have a mature circadian rhythm yet, so they often confuse night and day. I use gentle, natural techniques to help reset their body clock – such as exposing them to natural light during the day, keeping night feeds low-stimulation, and establishing a calming sleep routine. With a few simple adjustments, your baby can learn to sleep longer stretches at night.
👉 Check out my blog post: Do Babies Know the Difference Between Day and Night?

❓When will my baby sleep through the night?

Every baby is different, but most don’t sleep “through the night” (defined as 6–8 hours) until around 3 months of age, and only if they’re developmentally ready. I gently guide families toward better sleep using age-appropriate routines, responsive care, and sleep science-based strategies. There are no quick fixes – but with consistency and the right support, your baby will learn to sleep longer. (And you’ll sleep too!)


✈️ Travel & International Families

❓Can you support us if we’re only visiting Europe?

Yes! I frequently work with international families who are traveling or staying in Europe for a few weeks or months. I can provide overnight carearound-the-clock support, or flexible arrangements to help you enjoy your trip while maintaining your baby’s sleep and feeding routine. Whether you’re staying in a private villa, boutique hotel, or onboard a superyacht, I ensure your holiday stays calm, supported, and restful. You can learn more about my travel care for families on the go on this page.

❓Can you help us during our travels?

Definitely. I’m fully travel-ready and experienced with supporting families in different locations, time zones, and environments — from superyachts to countryside homes. I help maintain consistency for your baby, assist with packing and transitions, and make sure your family stays calm and rested on the go.
👉 Blog: Traveling with an Infant – Expert Baby Care on the Go

❓American Families: Can we bring our U.S. Nanny or NCS to Europe for our holiday?

No — if she’s traveling to Europe on a tourist visa, she can’t legally work, even for a short family trip. That’s why many families hire a local expert like me. I can legally work as a Maternity Nurse and Newborn Care Specialist across all EU countries and the Schengen Area, including Switzerland.


🤰 Before Baby Arrives

❓Can you support us before the baby is born?

Yes — absolutely. I offer personalized support during pregnancy, either as part of my full Platinum Newborn Care Package, or as a one-off consultation you can book separately.

Some families choose to connect early to get to know me, ask questions, and start preparing for a smoother postpartum experience. During these prenatal sessions, we might walk through parts of my client intake form, explore feeding preferences, talk about baby care routines, and identify the kind of support that would feel right for you.

❓Can I book just a one-time consultation even if I don’t need full support?

Yes. You can book a standalone prenatal consultation with me to talk through any questions or uncertainties you have before baby arrives. This is perfect if you’re not sure yet about booking full-time support, but want some expert insight on things like:
What you actually need — and don’t — in the early days
Feeding preparation (breast/bottle/mixed)
What to expect after birth
Setting up a flexible newborn routine

❓Can you help us set up our nursery before the baby arrives?

Absolutely. I assist families in creating a calm, functional space that makes newborn care smoother and more enjoyable. From choosing baby sleep essentials to organizing feeding supplies and ensuring a safe layout, I can either walk you through it remotely or visit your home before baby arrives. A well-planned nursery makes everything easier once the baby is home – especially in the middle of the night!

❓I’m pregnant – what should I do now to prepare for the baby?

Congratulations! Preparing early can make a big difference. Here’s what I recommend:

  • Secure your newborn care support early – many families book by the second trimester.
  • Set up the basics: safe sleep space, feeding supplies, baby care items, clothing, etc.
  • Plan for postpartum support – rest, recovery, and feeding guidance are just as important as baby care.

As a Maternity Nurse and Master NCS®, I support families before and after birth with newborn setup, routine planning, and sleep shaping. My prenatal consultations and Newborn Essentials List can help you get started.
👉 Learn more on my website: Curated Resources for New Parents


📚 From the Blog

❓How can I calm my baby when they won’t stop crying?

Babies cry for all kinds of reasons — hunger, discomfort, overstimulation, or just needing help settling down. I recommend trying white noiseswaddlinggentle motion, or skin-to-skin contact. These techniques mimic the womb and help your baby feel calm and safe.
👉 Blog: 5 Ways to Calm a Crying Baby

❓Should I follow a routine or go with the flow?

Every family is different. While some babies thrive on gentle structure, others need a bit more flexibility. I help you find a rhythm that respects your baby’s cues but also gives you some predictability and rest.
👉 Blog: Routines – Finding Balance and Meeting Needs

❓What if I get it wrong as a new parent?

You’re not alone in feeling unsure. Most new parents worry whether they’re doing things “right.” The truth is: your baby doesn’t need perfection — they need you, calm and responsive. You don’t have to do it alone, and support can make a world of difference.
👉 Blog: What if I get it wrong

❓What is colostrum harvesting and should I consider it?

Colostrum is the nutrient-rich “first milk” your body produces before your full supply comes in. Harvesting it in the last weeks of pregnancy can give your baby a great start — especially if they have trouble latching or need a little extra feeding support after birth. I often guide expectant mothers through this gentle process if they’re interested.
👉 Blog: Giving Your Baby a Great Start with Colostrum Harvesting

❓I don’t have a support system — do I really have to do this on my own?

Not at all. It’s a myth that you have to “do it all” alone. If you don’t have family nearby or feel isolated during pregnancy or postpartum, I can help you create your support network and serve as a steady, experienced presence.
👉 Blog: To the Mum Without a Village

❓How can dads bond with their newborn?

Bonding isn’t just for moms — dads can build strong, loving connections from day one. Gentle skin-to-skin contact, talking to the baby, being part of feedings, and simply spending quiet time together all help foster that bond.
I’ve shared practical tips in this blog post:
👉 Dads Matter Too – How to Encourage Dad & Baby Bonding

❓How can I tell if my baby is getting enough milk?

It’s one of the most common worries for new parents — especially in the early days. Signs your baby is feeding well include regular wet and dirty nappies, steady weight gain, and periods of calm after feeds. But every baby is different. If you’re unsure, gentle guidance can make all the difference.
I’ve shared practical signs and reassurance in this blog post:
👉 How to Know if Your Baby is Getting Enough Milk

❓How do I know if I need professional newborn care support?

Bringing a newborn home is magical — but it can also feel overwhelming. If you’re feeling exhausted, uncertain about feeding or sleep routines, or recovering from a challenging birth, professional newborn care can offer the support you need. I’ve outlined key signs that indicate when hiring a Maternity Nurse or Newborn Care Specialist might be beneficial:
👉 Signs You Could Benefit from Professional Newborn Care Support