What kind of help do I need?

[warthog]

I'm about to have dc3 and I'm panicking. I didn't do too well when dc1 & 2 were born - had pnd. I have no family to help.

I've decided to get some help for maybe 3 - 6 months to help with older dc's, give me a hand with baby and whatever else they'd be prepared to do.

I thought a maternity nurse would be good, but we have a 2 bedroomed house and I believe they live with you? That won't work.

Any ideas?

What about a mothers help = they could help with childcare for older ones, help with baby and do some housework. Or a live out nanny.

Or try homestart?

i'm very ignorant - i always imagine a mother's help to be a teenager earning a bit of extra pocket money. i was hoping for someone with a lot of experience and initiative so i could relax. have i got it wrong?

do you think a nanny would be prepared to do such a short stint?

Yes you could get a temp nanny.

I worked as a mothers help whilst aged 22 and did a lot of sole charge work as well as shared care - I think chances are if you want help around the house - which I imagine you will - your best bet is a mothers help. Otherwise a nanny or maternity nurse will look after the kids and you'll end up trying to keep up with the housework etc.

I'd get an agency cleaner and spend as much time doing fun stuff as possible out of the house.
Chances are you won't get pnd, it's not a given but if i could have my time again instead of paying somebody to look after the kids whilst i shopped, cooked and cleaned, i'd pay somebody to do all that whilst sipped coffee in the local playbarn and enjoyed my kids.