Many mothers ask us who they really need: a midwife, a childcare worker or an early educator. The answer depends mainly on the child's age, because each profession has studied something different. It's not a case of 'either one or the other'. At each stage, however, one of these fits better.

The first weeks: the midwife

The World Health Organization defines the neonatal period as the first 28 days of life and the postnatal period as the first six weeks after birth. For this period, beyond care for at least 24 hours after birth, it recommends additional contact with a healthcare professional: between 48 and 72 hours, between 7 and 14 days, and at the sixth week, with home visits where possible.

The midwife is the healthcare professional of this period. According to the international definition cited by the Midwifery Department of the University of West Attica, she supports the woman during pregnancy, birth and postpartum and provides care for the newborn and infant. Her professional rights in Greece are defined by presidential decree (P.D. 351/1989). In practice this means support and advice during postpartum recovery, care of the newborn and timely recognition of complications in the mother and child.

If you are considering home visits from a midwife, ask your health insurance provider or private insurance. Coverage varies from one provider to another.

From the first months to age 4: the childcare worker

When the first weeks pass and daily life begins to find its rhythm, the need changes: from healthcare to developmental care. Here the childcare worker fits, today also called an Early Childhood Educator. The professional rights of Early Childhood Care graduates (P.D. 523/1991) concern children from two months until they start primary school, and their training covers children from birth until compulsory education.

This is the age of childcare centers, which in Greece accept children from 2 months to 4 years old. A childcare worker at home maintains sleep and meal routines, knows what play suits each month and supports the child's first steps, first words and first relationships.

From age 4 onwards: the early educator or kindergarten teacher

In Greece, kindergarten is compulsory from age 4. From there the morning usually belongs to school, and the support you need shifts to the afternoon: pickup, meals, homework, activities, structured play. An early educator or kindergarten teacher, with studies in departments such as the Department of Education and Care in the Preschool Age at NKUA, has the tools to support the child's language, concentration and school readiness.

At a glance

  • First 6 weeks: midwife for the health of mother and newborn. A nanny can help at home, but does not replace the healthcare professional.
  • From the first months to age 4: childcare worker, for daily care focused on development.
  • From age 4 onwards: early educator or kindergarten teacher, mainly for afternoons and school life.

The boundaries are not rigid. A family with a newborn and a 5-year-old child needs both, and an experienced nanny can cover more than one phase. Tell us the ages of your children and what you need most, and we will suggest the profile that fits.

Sources

This article is for informational purposes. For matters concerning the health of the mother and newborn, consult your doctor or midwife.