Consumer advice on postnatal care service for the new parents andnewborn - CHOICE # 371

Imagine the anxiety of an expectant mother in the face of having to cope with the postnatal care of the newborn, let alone her own self.

That may no longer be the case. Professional postnatal care is now at your service - for a fee.

In view of the growing demand, the Consumer Council has conducted a study on this emerging service for new mothers to hire short-term confinement ladies trained to provide postnatal care service.

It covers a wide range of services providing companionship, mentorship, and support to first-time parents. 

It offers complete care for the mother and the baby, from guidance in routines and help in all aspects of breast and bottle-feeding, care and hygiene, to simple nursing care of the mother, and preparation of Chinese herbal soup cookery, etc.

Also at your service is its availability at half-day, full-day or live-in, catering to your own special needs and budgetary requirements.

According to the Council's survey, the monthly salaries for a postnatal care worker in attendance 6 days a week ranged from: $8,000 to $12,000 (for 8 hours a day), $10,000 to $14,000 (10 hours a day), and $14,000 to $20,000 (for staying overnight).

The employment usually spans over one to three months.

If you use an employment agency for the hire, the agent fee is 15% to 20% of the amount of the first monthly salary. Non-profit organizations require no agent fee for their referral service.

For hiring a designated postnatal care worker, you will be charged an additional fee of $500 or more.

On top of basic salaries, employers may be responsible for transportation expenses (half or full fare) for commuting to work. Over-time allowance at an hourly rate of $60 to $70 (at least two hours) is also required.

Some sound advice for the prospective employers from the Consumer Council:

• Book your postnatal care services early at least three months in advance of childbirth.
• Look for reputable and experienced postnatal care workers; ask for referrals from relatives or friends who had used the service and were satisfied with the performance.
• State clearly your job expectations of the applicants. Postnatal care workers are different from domestic helpers. They mainly provide care and nourishment to the newborn and the mothers during the postnatal period and may not include household chores.
• Ask postnatal care workers for their qualifications and experience obtained, and also testimonials from the previous employers.
• Select from among a few postnatal care candidates and do not rush into signing contract of employment.
• All employers are required to take out insurance policies for full-time and part-time domestic helpers including postnatal care workers, to fully cover their liabilities both under the Employees' Compensation Ordinance and the common law.