Help at home for first few weeks?

[PetuniaRose]

Does anyone know what the options are for having someone to come in and help at home for the first few weeks after the baby arrives? I have a toddler and it now looks as though I will have to have a CS with this baby. DH works long hours and we have limited family help so I am not sure how I am going to manage 2 on my own whilst recovering from CS. Not sure what I should be looking into or what the costs are likely to be. If anyone has any advice or experiences they can share that would be really helpful.

[Sleepwhenidie]

Sounds like you could do with a doula who would just muck in with toddler/baby/housework and shouldn't be as expensive as a nanny/maternity nurse. Sure there is a website where you can search for doulas in your area.....will have a hunt or maybe someone with more specific knowledge than me will be along soon!

[wolfhound]

Yes, a post-natal doula would be ideal. Google 'Doula UK' - there is a website where you can find registered doulas in your area. Definitely good to have a bit of help, and doulas are very flexible which is what you need!

[trixie123]

Either a doula or you can get nannies that specialise in the first few weeks (I think they have "maternity' in the name somewhere). Sorry to be vague. I am in a very similar position but fortunately my MIL and possibly sis are going to be able to take some time to come and stay. An getting a taste of how difficult it will be now - lower back has completely seized up and is making looking after DS1 very difficult. Best of luck!

[PetuniaRose]

Thanks everyone! Sounds like a postnatal doula might be exactly what I need - going to look for the Doula UK website now. Hope your back eases up trixie123.

[wolfhound]

good luck! i think the nannies trixie123 is talking about are called 'maternity nurses' - they tend to be more full-on looking after the baby (and sometimes instituting their own routines) though i think - though i've never had one, so that could be wrong.

[Danilou22]

I am not sure if they are still running but there was a charity called 'home start' who used volunteers to help families with young children? Might be worth som research or contacting sure start to see if they have any advice x

[jimmijam]

im worried about who'll look after our 2 toddlers when i'm in labour, as we've moved 3 1/2 hour drive from where we used 2 live and dont really know anyone around here :-( im sure we'll figure something out, perhaps beg relatives 2 come stay for a few days around babies due date ;-)