Help at home for first few weeks?

[PetuniaRose]

Does anyone know what the options are for having someone to come in and help at home for the first few weeks after the baby arrives? I have a toddler and it now looks as though I will have to have a CS with this baby. DH works long hours and we have limited family help so I am not sure how I am going to manage 2 on my own whilst recovering from CS. Not sure what I should be looking into or what the costs are likely to be. If anyone has any advice or experiences they can share that would be really helpful.

Sounds like you could do with a doula who would just muck in with toddler/baby/housework and shouldn't be as expensive as a nanny/maternity nurse. Sure there is a website where you can search for doulas in your area.....will have a hunt or maybe someone with more specific knowledge than me will be along soon!

Yes, a post-natal doula would be ideal. Google 'Doula UK' - there is a website where you can find registered doulas in your area. Definitely good to have a bit of help, and doulas are very flexible which is what you need!

Either a doula or you can get nannies that specialise in the first few weeks (I think they have "maternity' in the name somewhere). Sorry to be vague. I am in a very similar position but fortunately my MIL and possibly sis are going to be able to take some time to come and stay. An getting a taste of how difficult it will be now - lower back has completely seized up and is making looking after DS1 very difficult. Best of luck!

Thanks everyone! Sounds like a postnatal doula might be exactly what I need - going to look for the Doula UK website now. Hope your back eases up trixie123.

good luck! i think the nannies trixie123 is talking about are called 'maternity nurses' - they tend to be more full-on looking after the baby (and sometimes instituting their own routines) though i think - though i've never had one, so that could be wrong.

I am not sure if they are still running but there was a charity called 'home start' who used volunteers to help families with young children? Might be worth som research or contacting sure start to see if they have any advice x

im worried about who'll look after our 2 toddlers when i'm in labour, as we've moved 3 1/2 hour drive from where we used 2 live and dont really know anyone around here :-( im sure we'll figure something out, perhaps beg relatives 2 come stay for a few days around babies due date ;-)