First Time Mom

[1sttimemom]

Hi, I'm going to give birth to my 1st child this year. We do not have any maid at the moment. Not sure if we should get a maid to help me out during confinement or a nanny who would be more experience with child care, confinement food, etc. Since this is my first time, I need advise on the steps we should take with the maid/nanny issue. Thanks.  

[mommy of 2]

Hi there, congrats to your new upcoming bundle!  My 2 cents worth is that you should get some help.  Could be family or maid/nanny.  It will really help you through the sleepless nights that you "may" be facing the first few months.  You also don't want to be stuck with the house work for the first few months, once the baby comes, as baby can be demanding, or not....good luck to you!

[belle]

hi

a maid will help you with chores around the house whilst a confinement nanny will concentrate on the baby and you (stuff like doing some feeds/bathing the bub and also making sure you eat certain foods to 'expel' the hot or cool air (can't remember what is the custom).

both are great if you decide to go for both. although i know for some having too many women in the house during the initial first time parenting month can be quite overwhelming (especially if you have mother or mil in town).

i would suggest you talk to as many people as you can on their experiences with both confinement ladies & live in maids. then decide what it is you want help with at the beginning. worse comes to worse you can always let go of your confinement nanny if you find things are not working out (a friend of mine has done this, but make sure in the initial contract)

some maids are experienced enough to help you with babycare, just ensure you employ someone with this experience and references to back them up. and maybe this is all that you decide you need.

take your time with this and all the best with your decision & birth!

[Old Parent]

why do you need a confinement nanny?  what exactly is a confinement nanny?  

If you think you need help then just get a maid.  Get her well before you give birth though so she has time to settle in.

good luck

[gub]

I'd get a maid. I would not have wanted someone else taking care of my baby in the early days, personally, and I think it would really mess with establishing breastfeeding if you have someone helping out at night. If you don't want to breastfeed, then I guess it might be much of a muchness.

I didn't have any help, and I honestly think it was the best way for me to go.

[mumof2]

A confinement lady only stays with you for a month when the baby arrives. She will basically tend to the baby, do the baby's laundry etc.... to ensure that the mother gets adequate rest and recovery from childbirth. She will also cook confinement food for the mother. Their charges are usually between $1500 to $2000 for that 1 month period.

If you are considering one, please consider the fact that some of these nannies usually do things their own way as they believe they are more experienced than you.

A maid would be better in the long run as they can do the chores and you can enjoy your bundle of joy.

[baby jordan]

Maid for sure.. you can ask her to do house chores but you won't feel right to ask your family/relatives to do that.  Even part time maids who come a few hours in the morning will save your life.  After a sleepless night the last thing you want to do is cleaning the house..

Get a baby GYM to keep your baby busy so you can have a shower peacefully.  It's the best thing I ever bought for my baby.

[delly]

I am a first time mum as well, due this year.  I am getting a maid in twice a week to do the chores...so I am free to look after the bub