Night nannies and breastfeeding

[BumbleNova]

Hi all

Posting here for traffic. I'm expecting our second and we have been contemplating getting a night nanny to help. I am planning to breastfeed again so I'm not actually sure how much a night nanny would really help?

I obviously could express, but I know from previous experience that get really uncomfortable and wouldnt want to undermine my supply. especially early on.

Our first was a TERRIBLE sleeper. he had tongue tie, silent reflux, and then CMPA, so we are both a bit scarred and worried about how we will survive again.

Has anyone got any experiences to share?

im a night nanny and ive worked with lots of bf mamas, i am very pro bf so i prefer it this way. it still helps you get some rest as the night nanny can do all the changing and settling after youve fed and all those little wake ups you get when bubs isnt actually hungry. also theres someone to keep you company while you feed (if you want that) which makes it nice for you. alternatively you could wait and get one when baby is older (6 weeks or so) and then introduce a bottle if you prefer, happy to answer any questions you have

I've not had a night nanny, but could they just bring baby to you when they need a feed, then deal with the winding, nappy, settling to sleep themselves?
You'd be maintaining your supply with the regular feeds, but still getting back to sleep faster than you otherwise would?
It seems a lovely idea, I'd have given my right arm for one in DC1's early days.

Alternatively your DC2 might be completely different with sleep - mine has been an absolute dream, especially after DC1 who almost made me lose the plot.

You never get 2 the same. I would wait and see what they are like first - don’t waste your money if they are a dream sleeper!

I have a 1 month old, and breastfeeding. I don't think a night nanny would be particularly helpful as mine needs me for feeding, and actually settles quite quickly after feeds.

For me, a nanny that came at 6am would be far better. Someone who could 6am- 9am take over when baby isnt feeding to allow you to get a few hours lie in if baby had been awake a lot. They can help bath baby, change etc
9-12am I would then prefer household help ie help with laundry, cleaning, maybe making healthy lunch, then you can focus on baby.

Thanks everyone!

I expect our toddler DS would be awake at 6 so I doubt I would manage to get some sleep then.

We have a cleaner so I'm not worried about that.

@PotteringAlong I don't dare get my hopes up!

Yep the night nanny will bring the baby to you for feeding, help with spacing the feeds out and allowing you to sleep in between.

@memememe if I am planning to co sleep (it was literally the only way I survived with my first), what would the night nanny do?
I will most likely buy a co sleeper crib, would the nanny put baby in that?

My first flat out refused to consider a cot until 7 months.

What techniques would you use to settle the baby?

@memememe stupid question, when they are especially tiny, how would you tell they aren't hungry if they wake? My DS was a demon cluster feeder but I think the reflux meant we had a very different experience.

Don't think night nanny would help unless you still have an issue with the older child waking?

What about hiring help for your older one during the day so you can sleep whenever the baby is asleep?

@YukoandHiro he is a bit patchy tbh. Sleeping ok atm but it suddenly all goes pearshaped sometimes.

Our nanny starts at 8 so I don't need help during the day. I'm hoping I'll be able to sleep when baby sleeps with no 2, I certainly couldn't with my first. He only slept in the sling on me.

@BumbleNova is it ok if i pm you?

@memememe yes