Careers Similar to Labor and Delivery Nurse
Labor and delivery nurses are highly skilled professionals who guide patients through one of the most intense and meaningful experiences of their lives—childbirth. But if you’re drawn to this field and want to explore other roles that involve maternal health, newborn care, or patient advocacy, there are several related careers worth considering.
Below are careers that share similar skills, settings, or goals with labor and delivery nursing, each offering a distinct way to make an impact.
| Abbreviation | Full Form | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| ADN | Associate Degree in Nursing | 2-year degree; qualifies you to become a registered nurse (RN). |
| BSN | Bachelor of Science in Nursing | 4-year degree; often preferred by hospitals and employers. |
| MSN | Master of Science in Nursing | Advanced degree for roles like nurse midwife or nurse educator. |
| DNP | Doctor of Nursing Practice | Highest clinical degree in nursing leadership or advanced practice. |
| LPN / LVN | Licensed Practical Nurse / Licensed Vocational Nurse | 1-year program for entry-level nursing. Scope of practice is limited. |
| CNM | Certified Nurse Midwife | MSN-trained RN who provides prenatal to postpartum care and delivers babies. |
| IBCLC | International Board Certified Lactation Consultant | Specialist certified in breastfeeding and lactation support. |
1. Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM)
Education Required: Master’s degree in nursing + CNM certification
Median Salary: $120,000+ per year
Certified nurse midwives provide comprehensive care during pregnancy, labor, delivery, and postpartum. Unlike labor and delivery nurses, midwives often manage the entire birthing process and can even deliver babies independently (in hospitals, birth centers, or at home). CNMs also offer family planning, gynecological exams, and prenatal care.
This is a great option for nurses who want more autonomy and a strong patient-provider relationship.
2. Neonatal Nurse
Education Required: ADN or BSN + clinical experience + optional certification
Median Salary: $80,000–$100,000 per year
Neonatal nurses work in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), caring for newborns with health complications such as prematurity, low birth weight, infections, or congenital conditions. The role is more specialized than labor and delivery and focuses entirely on the baby’s health after birth.
If you're interested in infant care and can handle emotionally intense situations, this is a strong alternative.
3. Postpartum Nurse
Education Required: ADN or BSN
Median Salary: $75,000–$90,000 per year
Postpartum nurses support mothers and newborns after delivery. They monitor vital signs, manage pain, assist with breastfeeding, and provide emotional support. While labor and delivery nurses focus on the birthing process, postpartum nurses are essential in recovery and bonding.
It’s a rewarding path for those who prefer ongoing patient care over high-pressure emergencies.
4. Obstetric (OB) Nurse
Education Required: ADN or BSN
Median Salary: $70,000–$95,000 per year
OB nurses work in women’s health clinics and OB-GYN offices, providing care before, during, and after pregnancy. They may assist with ultrasounds, prenatal exams, and patient education. It’s a more routine environment compared to hospital-based labor and delivery, but still deeply connected to maternal health.
Great for those who enjoy patient relationships and preventive care.
5. Doula (Birth Companion)
Education Required: Certification through a doula training organization (no nursing degree required)
Median Salary: Varies widely ($30,000–$70,000 depending on location and clients)
Doulas are non-medical professionals who provide emotional and physical support to women during labor and delivery. They work alongside nurses and doctors, but focus entirely on the mother’s comfort, mindset, and empowerment.
Ideal for those who want to support birth experiences but aren’t interested in medical training.
6. Perinatal Nurse
Education Required: ADN or BSN
Median Salary: $75,000–$100,000 per year
Perinatal nurses care for women through the entire reproductive process—from conception to post-delivery. Their scope includes high-risk pregnancies, fertility treatments, and prenatal education. Some perinatal nurses work in hospitals, while others support home care or telehealth.
This role is perfect for nurses who want to support maternal health over a longer timeline.
7. Pediatric Nurse
Education Required: ADN or BSN + pediatric certification (optional)
Median Salary: $70,000–$90,000 per year
While pediatric nurses focus on children from infancy through adolescence, many start their careers inspired by neonatal or labor and delivery care. They work in hospitals, outpatient clinics, and schools, and they often build long-term relationships with young patients.
An ideal path if you’re drawn to caring for children beyond the newborn stage.
8. Lactation Consultant
Education Required: RN license recommended + IBCLC certification
Median Salary: $65,000–$90,000 per year
Lactation consultants help new mothers with breastfeeding challenges. They may work in hospitals, birthing centers, or private practice, and often collaborate with postpartum nurses and OB-GYNs.
If you enjoy patient education and one-on-one support, this is a highly respected and growing specialty.
Final Thoughts
Labor and delivery nursing is a fulfilling and fast-paced career, but it’s only one part of a much broader ecosystem in maternal and newborn care. Whether you’re looking for more autonomy, a calmer environment, or a different kind of impact, there are multiple paths to explore—each offering its own blend of science, compassion, and service.
If you’re interested in the field but unsure where to start, consider shadowing professionals in these roles, seeking informational interviews, or volunteering in women’s health settings to learn more.
