(Posted this on a couple of other boards, so apologies if you've already seen it!)
I'm coming to the end of my own baby phase and am trying to work out what kind of work I could take on, as my youngest approaches nursery age (I'm now 43).
I have a large family and various other irregular commitments, so I don't think I can (yet) commit to a 'proper', full-time job. I'm looking for something I can do for a few hours each day, to earn something to contribute to the family pot. I'm not proud, wouldn't mind Ubering, but would obviously prefer to do something I found interesting, that adds something of value to people's lives.
My idea would be to offer my time, in chunks of 2 or 3 hours, morning or afternoon, to new mums. I'd come to their homes, and do whatever they needed, basically! Hold the baby while they have a shower. Make them breakfast. Change a nappy. Help them pack a bag ready to go to their newborn hearing check/baby clinic/six-week check-up. Unload the dishwasher/washing machine. Wind the baby. Support them in establishing breastfeeding, if that's their aim. Be a listening ear, particularly for them to unload their experience of labour onto - a lot of women really seem to need to talk through what may have happened to them/their baby.
Basically be a second pair of hands, a listening ear and a supportive presence. In terms of experience - I have had quite a few children, 3 in hospital, several at home, breastfed them up to 2 years, and am a passionate supporter and advocate of women's rights around birth and their babies.
Do you reckon this could work as a small, flexible business? And what kind of hourly rate do you think would be reasonable? I was thinking I could offer a sliding price scale depending on number of hours/days booked at a time IYSWIM. To differentiate my services from a cleaner I think I'd be aiming for £20/hour, and I'm in South-East London.
Any feedback/suggestions/warnings/tips..? (I'd get a DBS check and a paediatric first aid certificate, and insurance.)
Sorry that was so long!