Maternity Care Assistant
6AI EXPOSURE TODAY6
20-YEAR SCENARIO
NOT A FORECAST51%
NOT A FORECAST51%
THE DOOR · ENTRY DIFFICULTY TODAYB
STARTING PAY£18,000 - £22,000
PHYSICAL MOATThe work is hands-on, in the real world. Software alone can't do it.
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CAREERMASH (EN)FROM NURSING AND MIDWIFERY →
Maternity Care Assistant
Maternity care assistants help pregnant women and new mothers during pregnancy and after birth. You look after mums and babies in hospitals and clinics, supporting them with everyday care and making them feel safe and cared for.
THE DOOR: ENTRY DIFFICULTY TODAY, graded A (easy) to E (extremely hard). A Careermash rule-of-thumb index built from our AI exposure index and the job's moat class. It is not a forecast and not a count of job openings.
AI EXPOSURE TODAY is a Careermash index from 0 to 100 of how exposed this job's everyday tasks are to AI today. We estimate it by matching published research on how people use AI to this job, usually by keyword or subject area, and we lower it where the work is protected (for example by physical, personal or legal requirements). It is not a direct measurement of how much people in this job use AI.
This job holds up well against AI
AI exposure today is low on our index (6), and the work is hands-on, in the real world. Software alone can't do it. That is about as safe as careers get right now, though it is still worth learning to use the tools well.
The role
As a maternity care assistant, you work on maternity wards where pregnant women and new mothers come to have their babies. You help midwives and nurses by supporting the women in your care. You might help a mum get washed and dressed, take her blood pressure, keep the room clean and tidy, or help with basic baby care. You are often the person who spends the most time with each mum, so you get to build a real relationship with them during a special time in their lives.
Your day is varied and hands-on. You might help a mum learn how to feed her baby, make sure she is comfortable and has everything she needs, or help to keep the ward clean and safe. You also keep an eye on how the mum and baby are doing and tell the midwife if something doesn't look right. The work can be emotional - you will see babies being born and families celebrating - but it is also one of the most rewarding jobs you can do.
Daily responsibilities
- Assist midwives and healthcare professionals in providing care to expectant mothers during pregnancy, labour, and postnatal periods.
- Monitor and record vital signs, including blood pressure and fetal heart rate, ensuring the health and safety of both mother and baby.
- Provide personal care to mothers, including bathing, dressing, and assisting with mobility.
- Support mothers in breastfeeding and educate them about infant care and nutrition.
- Help maintain a clean and safe environment in maternity wards, ensuring all equipment is sanitized and ready for use.
- Offer emotional support and reassurance to mothers and families, creating a comforting atmosphere during their stay.
- Assist in administrative tasks such as updating patient records and scheduling appointments.
- Participate in team meetings and training sessions to enhance skills and stay updated on best practices in maternity care.
Does a degree help here?
A UK degree in health and social care or a related field can significantly enhance your employability as a maternity care assistant. It provides you with essential knowledge of maternal health, child development, and the UK healthcare system, making you a more attractive candidate to employers who value formal education and training.