Post-natal help - advice needed

[Smileymoo]

My first baby is due mid August and I have to confess I'm totally clueless about babies and don't have any family close by (excluding DH who's even more clueless ). So I'd like to have help when I come out of hospital to build my confidence holding, feeding, bathing baby. I don't want someone for several weeks to establish a sleep routine, just someone for the first couple of days. Is it a doula/maternity nurse/other I need? Would they take on this short-term work? Advice needed!

a doula would be ideal,they will do a few hours here or there for a few days.. and can be really flexible.. i would get n touch with some now, doula uk and nurturing birth

many doulas will also prepare meals and cna help with breastfeeding advice and boost your confidence no end

many maternity nurses will take short term work. Maybe someone with newborn experience wanting to start out in maternity nursing would be cost effective for you and give them the experience they need. They would be plenty experienced to support you with newborn experience.

def look on message boards on www.nannyjob.co.uk to get some advice from nannies and maternity nurses.

where are you based as i could maybe do some nights or weekends for you.

Thanks guys, useful advice. I'm in SW London.

I am currently training to be a maternity nurse and have been working as a nanny for over 10 years. I am in South London and would certainly consider something like this.

If you would like to chat, feel free to email me on [email protected]

Thx anyoneoutthere. I'll drop you an email tomorrow.

I would suggest speaking to some doulas in your area too as what they offer tends to be rather different to maternity nurses.

hi smileymoo, congrats on the soon to be 1st born! i live in sw london so if you ever need any support or advice please ask, i am a first time mother of a now 19 month daughter and was daunting for me too at first especially those first few days, but those first few days are magical too and you will probably be amazed at how it all comes quite naturally! and every mother does trust her own instinct honestly x my one big bit of advice is to get as much sleep as you can when baby is sleeping, don't worry about the pile of laundry etc dh can do it!