Maternity nurses in E London - any recommendations?

[rubybambini]

I think the subject says it all! But, we'll be first time parents, no family close by and we're very seriously considering a maternity nurse for two weeks after the birth of our baby.

Current thinking is daytime only, as we'll be strapped for space and couldn't easily have someone stay overnight.

1. any recommendations in our area - east London (Whitechapel)?
2. any must-ask questions before choosing someone?
3. general experience?

Thanks so much in advance.

Do you want a maternity nurse so someone experienced with newborns and can give you advice and support you in routine setting and baby care etc

or do you just want some general day to day help with everything maybe for a few hrs a day inc advice on babycare perhaps a post natal doula would be better

or if you just want some help a temp nanny who has baby experience but want some maternity nanny experience or someone looking for first maternity nurse job would be useful.

cant recommend an individual person as not the area I work in but can recommend the agency www.kidsmatter.uk.com

We are in a similar situation and are thinking about getting a postnatal Dula. Not sure if you are familiar with them (I certainly wasn't).

A dula is a woman who is experienced with birth and baby and will either assist you at your birth or come and visit you and your husband afterwards (or do both).

Different dulas offer slightly different services, but they can help you with the baby (show you the feeding and nappy changing thingy) and also do some housework, shopping or cooking. Oh and I think some also have post-birth specials.

Best to look at the Dula-organisation website:
www.doula.org.uk/ where you can also find Dulas in your area. ...
Hope this helps. J

Thanks ever so much both.

@eastmidlands - we're after the former - someone who is experienced with newborns, getting into a routine, to check what's within normal range and what's not. Will check out the link =)

@jacwagner - ah, that's interesting, I thought doulas were more for pre and during birth. Will certainly look into those.