PRICE GUIDE · CHILDCARE & FAMILY · 2026–2027
Maternity Nurse cost in Ireland
€180–€350 per day. Typically €250.
A maternity nurse in Ireland costs €180–€350 per day, typically around €250. The price is set by experience (junior to senior), 24-hour vs nights only and length of placement.
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HOW MUCH IT COSTS
How much does a maternity nurse cost in Ireland?
| Low end | €180 | a simple job, off-peak, outside the cities |
|---|---|---|
| Typical | €250 | what most people pay |
| High end | €350 | the biggest jobs, short notice, Dublin |
Locufy guide prices for 2026–2027. Updated 2026. A national range, not a quote — enter your town above for real prices from the babysitters, childminders, nannies, crèches and agencies near you.
What moves the price
- Nurse's experience — a senior maternity nurse with many placements behind them charges more per day than a junior one.
- Level of care required — round-the-clock care from a maternity nurse costs more per day than nights only.
- Any additional services provided — help with laundry, meals or older siblings on top of newborn care can lift the daily rate.
- Complex cases — a baby with feeding difficulties needs a more experienced maternity nurse, at a higher daily rate.
- Caring for multiples or infants with special needs — twins or extra care needs mean more work each night, so maternity nurses charge more.
What families pay for Childcare is down 35% over five years, largely because of subsidies (CSO Consumer Price Index, Childcare, to 2025 December); what providers charge has not fallen in the same way. CSO CPM18
WHAT YOU GET
What a maternity nurse booking includes
Takes: The duration can range from a few days to several weeks, depending on the family's needs..
WHAT PEOPLE BOOK
Common maternity nurse jobs
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Maternity Nurse near you, with prices shown
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How to pay less
- A nights-only maternity nurse costs less per day than round-the-clock care, if you can manage the days yourself.
- A shorter placement, covering only the early weeks after the birth, keeps the total maternity nurse cost down.
- A junior maternity nurse charges less per day than a senior one and can still cover feeding, changing and soothing.
- Booking a maternity nurse well ahead of your due date gives more choice of nurses and rates to compare.
- If family can help on some days, booking the maternity nurse for fewer days a week lowers the total.
Before you book
- A suitable sleeping arrangement for the maternity nurse during their shifts.
- Access to necessary supplies such as diapers, wipes, and feeding equipment.
- A clear schedule of the family's needs and any specific instructions.
- Information about the baby's health and any medical concerns.
- You can ask what nursing or childcare training the maternity nurse holds, and how they keep feeding equipment clean for the baby.
Maternity Nurse cost: questions people ask
The cost can vary based on the nurse's experience, qualifications, and the level of care required. Additional factors include location and whether you need overnight or daytime support.
The duration can range from a few days to several weeks, depending on the family's needs. Many families opt for services during the first few weeks post-birth, but this can be adjusted as necessary.
While many maternity nurses have formal training, not all are regulated specialists. It’s important to assess the qualifications and experience of the nurse to ensure they meet your specific needs.
Same-day availability can vary by provider. It's advisable to book in advance, but some maternity nurses may offer last-minute services depending on their schedule.
Yes, many maternity nurses can coordinate with other childcare services, like postpartum doulas or lactation consultants, to provide a comprehensive support package tailored to your needs. This service can be invaluable for first-time parents or those who need extra help adjusting to their new roles.
Maternity nurses generally do not perform medical tasks such as administering medications or providing medical advice. Their focus is on non-medical support for both the newborn and the family.
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