Has anyone accepted help from Home start? How did it go?

[moominsmummy]

Am PG with no2 and have v lively DS who is 3. DH has MS and is scheduled for Chemo treatment the week before the baby is due so am thinking of asking Midwife to do us a referral for home start help for once baby is here - I may need another pair of hands to keep DS occupied and me sane!

Has anyone any experience of having homestart volunteers to their home? how did it go?

I was a Homestart Volunteer- will I do for info? Or do you want experiences of those being helped?

I trained as a volunteer and my friend is a local co ordinator for HS.

HS are fantastic but be clear what it is you think you will need help with.
Some people get confused as to what kind of help and support HS offer.

if its the practicle side of things like a bit of housework or some babysitting then HS aren't really going to be of any use.

if its someone to offload to, to hold your hand at appointments and to help point you in teh right direction for toddler groups etc then yes, do ask for a refferal.

it's more things like playing with DS (perhaps doing baking or drawing or playing football) when I am feeding the new baby

or watching the new baby for 5 mins whilst i get a shower and sort lunch for DS

wouldn't expect them to do cooking cleaning or babysitting - and certainly not to look after either child without me around - just an extra pair of hands in case I start to fall apart - is this the right sort of expectation?

bump

I had help, a very nice lady came in and helped me with DD at the swimming pool (I could not carry my baby at that point) and generally helped me out when I was physically very ill.
It's a moral support and a bit of practical support I think.

thast precisely what they are there for

try and get in quick though as they usually have quite a waiting list.

Oh excellent - thanks - will ask MW next week or should i get HV to refer me? or refer myself?