Maternity Nurse or Nanny to help with new baby.

[cori]

I am thinking about getting some help when the new baby is born. Dh is self employed and it might be difficult for him to take time off. There is also a good chance I might need a caesarean.
Has anyone had short term help for the period immediately after the birth? Would i be better off with a nanny or maternity nurse? How much do they charge. Any advice appreciated

What about a doula

Yes, thats possible. ANyone used a post birth one?

no but bump as have heard they are good!

Haven't used one but i am one

I have not but two of my friends had maternity nurses for two weeks after the birth of their children, and they swear by them (they can afford them...). The nurses stayed in the house and helped with night feeds & nappy changing and also ordered them to go to bed for a nap when the babies slept instead of doing the ironing! I think they did pay through the nose for the help but apparently it was worth it. This was in London, if you want me to get phone numbers let me know.

A doula depending on where you live will charge between £10 and £20 per hour. What i love about being a doula is the fact that the support given is varied with each job depending on the needs of the mum, so you would be very much in control of the type of support you want. I will go into the family home and do whatever is requested of me (within reason of course, no fixing roofs or anything) to help mum to heal and bond with her baby. I think it is possibly the only role which incorporates a wide variety jobs such as cooking, cleaning, looking after older siblings, helping with baby, and it is the versatility which i do think appeals most to those employing a doula. Please contact me further if you want any more info or check out www.doula.org.uk to find a doula near you

As a maternity nanny i get up at night with the baby, help parents to find a routine that works for them and the baby.

I do many more things than just baby care, as my job is to help the new mother i will shop, cook, tidy, do laundry, change bedding, things that allow mum to rest and recover and enjoy her new baby.

Average charges are £100-£140 per 24 Hours. Will work 5/6/7 days for as long as is needed.

Hope this helps.

Maternity nannies are verry expensive but probably worth every penny. Despite the fact I am looking for a maternity position myself I would say go for the Doula option if anything as it will be more flexible and you will probably have more autonomy. Depends how much of a routiney person you are i think!

Maternity nannies sound great but dont have the room for one to sleep in.
May look into getting a Doula, I think i will need help for 4-6 hours a day for the first two weeks, depending on DH.