Maternity nannies

[lboogy]

Has anyone used a maternity nanny? Apparently they come to your house and help you for the first few months. I'm looking at this and want to find out how much it would cost and whether it's worth it

Depends on your location, but you'll be looking at at least £1k a week, depending on the experience of the nanny. And that's usually a live in position. As an hourly/live out rate, upwards of £15/20 per hour.

I've never heard of it? And to Be honest I've got 3 month old twins and wouldn't want someone under my feet all day in my home when I want to relax, have a snooze with the babies etc

I'd just get a regular cleaner and someone to do the ironing

It’s very much a ‘thing’ in the area I work in (west London) I’ve done it as a temp role, for two weeks. I’d work 7pm-7am. I’d ‘sleep’ in the baby’s room. I literally was there to settle/feed/change the baby and try and get them into a routine while the parents slept. I was paid £150 a night after tax.

Meant to add that designated maternity nannies are a thing too, what I’ve described above is a night nanny role. They had a separate nanny come in when I left, who was the main maternity nanny. No idea what she got paid, but she wasn’t live in. She supported the mum during the day, and did all the baby’s washing etc while it napped.

A cheaper option might be to look at a post natal doula? They can come in a bit more ad hoc - or a few hours here and there to help you as you need :-)

Do people really do this? Couldn’t think of anything worse!

Although I am quite possessive with my babies especially when breastfeeding.

I would rather have outsourced everything else like cooking, cleaning etc. so I could 100% focus on the baby.

Yes. It’s a real thing and if you are a first timer and don’t have any other support it can be amazing. They help you with all the basics including establishing breastfeeding and a routine. Yes it is someone in your house so it may not be for everyone but they are used to it and very discreet and usually just a wonderful calming presence. Wholly recommended.

Thanks everyone. I'm due twins and my oldest will be 3 by the time I give birth. I'm struggling to imagine how I'd cope so any help I can get, even if I have to pay would be beneficial.

We had an amazing maternity nanny with DC1. She worked 24 hours a day (napping when baby napped) for 4 days, 3 days off and stayed for a month. She was incredible and helped us establish a routine, which was really important because of my job. DC2 was early so maternity nanny not available so DH did it under guidance of our actual nanny and using what we’d learnt from first maternity nanny, and that worked well too.

It was a real help in terms of both recovery and for DC1 when I lacked confidence and thoroughly recommend if you find the right person.

Might it be cheaper to outsource everything else, full time nursery, cleaner etc

You're looking at around £200-£250 per 24 hours. They can do 4-6 days a week and you need to provide a bed (either in the baby's room or their own room), food, and somewhere to have a break/sleep for 2-3 hours in every 24.

I would absolutely go for it in your shoes! We had a wonderful experience with our maternity nurse and I can recommend her if you want to pm me. Best wishes and congrats on your twin pregnancy

I have. A 4 year old and 3 month old twins and honestly I'm finding it easier then I did with DD

Forgot to say I have a cleaner, my mum comes and irons once a week and I have a local chap keeps on top of the garden and I batch cook meals for the freezer