To think about hiring a nanny when I don't work?

[Puddingandcustard]

I am about to have DC3 and worried that I can't cope

DC1 goes to school and DC2 (age 2) goes to nursery part-time, so I would only have all kids together in afternoons and two of them all day for three days a week (baby and DC2).

I don't want to remove DC2 from nursery as he loves it and it's a secure and stable routine at a time when a new baby is about to arrive and make life a bit chaotic.

DH works long hours - well, 12 hours a day - so he won't be home to help. I don't have family help, either.

I'm dreading being exhausted and finding it too hard! I know that makes me sound a bit pathetic!

So I was thinking that, after DH goes back to work (two weeks after the baby is born), I could hire a nanny two days a week to help me. I'd be there the whole time, but she'd be some help entertaining the kids and cooking their meals and some support and some company.

Is that crazy indulgent? Do I really need a nanny or is it not that bad having three?!

I hired a housekeeper/ cleaner when I had twins. A lovely lady came for the day, cleaned the house, did the ironing and would look after dc when I needed half an hour or whatever. The thing about getting in a nanny is they get to have fun and play games while you get on with the domestic drudgery. Much nicer the other way round.

If you think it would work for your family set up and you can afford it, then absolutely go for it. I had a 4 year old, 2 year old and a newborn and found it really hard work, and that was with lots of family support and DH working more standard hours than yours. Good luck with whatever you decide.

This is a zombie from 2016 - I’m sure op figured it out!