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Original poster

Night nannies/ post natal doulas

28 replies

lobsters · 27/01/2009 13:52

I've an 18 day old baby, and DH went back to work yesterday. She's a good baby, but I'm still finding it all very new and scary, I can just about cope with Dh being at work, however we've just found out he has to go away for a night with work next week and I'm terrified at the thought of being in sole charge of her for 36 hours.

I've no family locally so am considering whether to use a night nanny or a post natal doula for the evening, just to give me a break so I can eat and switch off just for an hour or so.

Can you hire people for the odd evening or does there need to be a regualr contract? How do I find someone good? I've looked at some agencies on line, but they seem to be London based and I need someone in Berkshire. If it went well I would seriously considering using them again when DH goes away again, which is likely.

Or am I just being a big girls blouse and is 36 hours with a 3 1/2 week old baby not as scary as it sounds?

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lindseyfox · 27/01/2009 15:04

I am a night nanny in east midlands and think that alot of mums find it scary when their husband goes away for the night when they have recently had a new baby.

I recently did a one off night for a mum whose husband works away 2wks at a time and she just wanted a nights sleep and by expressing for 2 feeds (she had frozen one feed and defrosted it for when i was there) she managed to sleep from 9.15pm til 5.30am and was so happy and then went for a bath whilst i comforted the baby for half an hr as he wasnt really due a feed.

I generally do 9pm-7am for a night nanny job and I charge £12 an hr which is pretty average rates. I am a qualified childrens nurse and have a range of childcare experience and qualifications.

PaulaMummyKnowsBest · 27/01/2009 14:19

Hi Lobsters

I am both a post natal doula and a night nanny.

As a night nanny, I usually work for 10 hours and as a post natal doula, I generally work a minimum of 3 hours.

I have had clients that have booked in a set amount of hours on set days for a set number of weeks but I have also had clients that keep it completely ad hoc.

I try to work with what is best for the parents.

I am in St Albans - where are you based?

weddingcake · 27/01/2009 14:09

Could you save cash and just ask a friend to come over for the evening or even to stay the night - most people would LOVE to be asked to come and cuddle a newborn for a few hours!

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