Post natal help

[user1484510754]

Ok, I'm expecting and am a little overwhelmed. I don't have any family close by and I am due to have a c section (not my choice . . Medical issues). And hubby can only really take 2weeks paternity. Has anyone used a post natal helper around the home? There is a company near me that offer a package where you choose how many times a week they come in and they just come and help with cleaning, cooking, washing and just generally being supportive . . .sounds lovely and a bit like having a mum around to help however it Seems quite expensive but, just wondering if anyone has done this and did you find it helpful/took a bit of pressure off?

[Foggymist]

I had an emcs, husband only got 1 week off, I was fine day to day without help so you might not need too much help. Especially if it's a scheduled cs, less of a shock to the system and you can be prepared.

[user1484510754]

Thanks foggymist . . . That makes me feel a bit better. I suppose I just don't know what to expect so the thought of someone coming in and doing washing and cleaning and making tea and coffee for guests appeals. But it is extra cost so it's weighing up whether I can manage or whether to spend the money and take a bit of weight off. How did you find housework etc . . I've been told you can't really lift/Hoover for a while . . Did you find that?

[toomuchtimereadingthreads2016]

My hubby couldn't take any leave (long story) and I felt we managed fine, but my washing pile was sky high, the floors were hardly ever done... just felt like I didn't care at the time! Basically bare bare minimum of anything done that wasn't caring for baby. This time around I have become a lot more maniatic about cleanliness etc so we have a cleaner who comes two hours on a saturday just to do kitchen, bathrooms and floors and I find it is plenty and well worth the 20quid a week! Depends on your personality I would say but be confident in yourself, you will manage better than you are expecting I'm certain! xx

[chloechloe]

I had an EMCS with my first but before going into labour so recovery was similar to an elective. I was up and about pretty quickly but then I'm the kind of person who just gets on with it.

I think it is manageable but you need to accept that you won't be able to keep to your usual standards. If you're ok to let things slide a little for a few weeks then you could save yourself the money. If on the other hand you're somebody (like me) who can't relax if the jobs are piling up then it's worth finding the cash to get some help in.

Don't even think about running round after guests or paying somebody to do it! Tell them where the cups and coffee are and they can sort themselves out!

The other alternative would be to just get a cleaner which would likely be cheaper than such a bespoke service I guess? Then try and stock up the freezer beforehand with home cooked food or healthyish ready meals.

[Foggymist]

First of all guests can make tea and coffee themselves or they can feck off, you will have just had a baby and abdominal surgery, your purpose will not be to wait on them.

And to be honest hoovering wasn't high on my list of priorities, I didn't do it for at least a month or 6 weeks. My husband did it after work or my mum did when she visited. By week 2-3 I was putting on washes of clothes, washing a few dishes and making tea and toast for myself, with baby in a sling I could do all of that. Many days I did none of that, again not a priority, only priority was feeding myself and feeding baby.

[user1484510754]

Thanks ladies xxx