Post natal support

[bangwhistle]

I've just found out I'm pregnant with my third baby. This is welcome news but I had the toughest time with my second DC and I'm wondering if some post natal help would be useful this time round. But if so, I'm not sure which type would be best. My husband runs his own business and it away in another city all week so there will be limited help he can offer. Likewise from parents. I found the sleep deprivation the hardest last time as DC 2 had colic and (in end it turned out) a benign liver tumour which meant her feeding was every 45 minutes and she wouldn't take a bottle. This time round I'll also have the school run to contend with which is miles away, and I'll be on my own and obviously one other child to contend with. I'm panicking a bit! I can't find much on whether a post natal doula and a cleaner is better, or maybe I just need a housekeeper or a maternity or night nurse. Does anyone have any advice and also suggestions on budget as I'll have to save but I think it will be worth the cost for my sanity! Thanks so much

[PrimeraVez]

I would personally go for a maternity nurse - we had one with DS1 and I loved knowing that someone better qualified than me was on hand to reassure me and answer my millions of questions. Also you may feel more comfortable leaving the baby with them whilst you try and catch up on sleep.

If possible, I would then get a cleaner in once a week to stick the hoover round, clean bathrooms etc. I think you have to accept slipped standards when you have a newborn around, but if someone can help keep on top of it, it might make you feel a bit happier.

Best of luck!