Question for those with Nannies

My DH travels about 50% of the time, sometimes lately more. So far since having the babes I have been extremely fortunate and had family come, every single night that DH has been gone, to help. However, as we are approaching 5 months, and babies are still not STTN I feel like I'm starting to abuse everyone's generosity. Even Grandma made a comment about being "burned out from babies". So...DH and I are talking about getting a Nanny, part-time to help out, and let family go back to being family and their own lives. So...

how'd you go about getting a Nanny?
what hours do you have them help you? (middle of the night, bedtime, daytime?)
is it weird getting used to a "stranger" being in your house, helping with babies?

Please, any thoughts you can share on the subject would be MUCH APPRECIATED

 

I have not had a nanny yet, but DH does travel from time to time, so we've talked about this. We would have someone come during the day so I can do what I need to do - rest, running errands, that sort of thing. I'm glad you've gotten good family help and hope you find a nanny soon :hug99: .

 

My dh has been overseas for 2mnths, and I have been staying with my parents, so I know about asking for help and wearing people out! I wanted to be as little of a burden to them as possibly, so I hired a service to come in at night and feed the babies once (so that I can get some sleep), and then help me bf the babies for the next feeding. And I also hired someone (20yr old student) to come in during the days to help me out as well. I was worried and nervous about these people at first, but as I got to know them and see that they were good with the babies I felt ok about allowing someone else to help out. For me I had to do it, as dh isn't around, but if he was we still would have hired help, just probably not quite as much.
I think it all depends when you think you need the help most. If I had to choose I would rather have someone come at night so that I could sleep, but if you can sleep during the day then maybe daytime help makes more sense.

 

oopss forgot to say that I found the nighttime nany by hiring a nursing service, they offer personal care assistants, a lot of whom are moms themselves so they know about taking care of babies, and it is an easy shift for them, as my babies eat and 95% of the time go right back to sleep. And, as for the daytime nanny I posted an add and found her through a local ad service called kijiji, then I just interviewed her, checked references, made sure she had firstaid and cpr, and then hired her!

 

My DH travels alot and if I was going to get a nanny I would get someone from like 3pm-after bedtime for the babies. That way once you get them in bathed and in bed (help from the nanny of course) then the nanny might help you get the dishes done and the house somewhat cleaned for the beginning of the next day.

 

My husband is away frequently also and if we aren't at my moms (only when he's gone for longer than 2 weeks) then I do it on my own. DH isn't very helpful anyway, so I always feel like I'm always on my own. I would love a nanny! I agree with Rachel that the late afternoon would be best. That's when my boys are fussiest and want to be held. It could also work out well for you if you got a "mother's helper" (teenager) who could still help when school starts back up again. You could be home, but still have the help. It may cost less too. HTH!

 

We found our night nanny through friends. It seemed like once i asked around that lots of people knew night nannies or used them themselves. Then I just called around. I have the night nanny 2 nights per week and it is the best thing I've ever paid for...although it is a lot of money. SO WORTH IT!

 

ok i am VERY spoiled... or as my DH says "loved" i have a nanny/housekeeper during the day (10-6) and a night nanny (mon-thur)... this is also so DH doesn’t feel like he his putting the twin load on me...

how'd you go about getting a Nanny?
i was the PA prez last year at my sons school (a close knit p school) so i first sent out an email to all the moms.... i interview everyone’s recommendations (10+)... but no luck... always one reason or another why one wouldn’t work... then i broke down and went through an agency (the Craig list or web nanny site didnt generate anything for me). I am really glad i went with an agency... because my nanny just told me she is moving and because of the cost of gas, cant commute... so i called the agency and i have interview 5 wonderful women (one nannied triplets another has twins herself)... so if its in the budget try an agency
what hours do you have them help you? (middle of the night, bedtime, daytime?)
day nanny (10-6 mon- fri) as I’m a morning person and can take on the word in the AM… I start crashing around 4 and my boys get extra fussy as well
night nanny (9-6 mon- thur)
is it weird getting used to a "stranger" being in your house, helping with babies?
at first it is... but the nanny i had with my first son for 9 years became part of our family and thats a great feeling. Just make sure she knows who the Alpha female is

GL

Elizabeth

 

I have had both a night nanny and a nanny during the day. We just stopped using our night nanny about a week ago because the babies were STTN (until this week...maybe we need her back). Anyway, our day nanny only comes when I have to work. I work sporadic hours so sometimes she is there all day 8a-6p and sometimes only for a few hours until DH comes home. We went through a nanny placement service (agency) here in Charlotte. You have to pay a fee, but they do background checks and check all references etc for you. They gave us several people to interview, and we had to pick the right one. She is great. At first it is a little strange having a stranger in the house, but I got used to it really quickly. I think if you find the right person, it doesn't feel as weird. Our nanny is wonderful with the babies.


The night nanny we used to have we heard about through word of mouth. She was part of a night nanny company, though, here in Charlotte. She worked M-Thu from 9p-6a. She was definitely worth every penny. It really helped us get through when the babies were waking up all the time, so that DH and I could both work.

 

we have a day nanny live-in--she works m2fri-8-8 pm--helps with the twins,takes the 2 older ones to park/outside
all cleaning and most of the cooking) she is from an agency outside of Canada--hire from Philippines
boys love her and i do too! my house is spotless at least m to fri- haha!

 

I got mine from craigslist.

 

Wow, I can't imagine having a nanny. Nothing against those of you who do, power to you. I guess I would consider it if we could afford one. It would really come in handy with the older kids. I do feel guilty that I don't have as much time for everyone.... Sigh!

 

MAKE SURE YOU FIND SOMEONE THAT REALLY HELPS OUT! I have 2 nannies and I am getting ready to get rid
of one. I just gave her her 2 week notice. All she does is feed the babies and sits in the chair and does cross
word puzzles!!! My girls are starting to strectch 5-6 hrs. Usually I get up and feed them and they go back to sleep-
SO what does she do during the rest of her time...NOTHING. Part of it's my fault for being too nice and telling her to do
stuff. My day nanny does all this stuff, but she keeps telling me how she goes above and beyond most nannies.
Whatever... I hear doulas are supposed to help out the Moms as much as possible.
Make sure you hire one that makes things easier for you. Here is a list of what I think is important:

Look for (when have time between babies)- someone who will do: laundrey, dishes, vacum, light sweeping, make bed
If your going to pay the money, it helps!!

Do a backround check and criminal check

I found my nannies through my peri.

Tina

 

how'd you go about getting a Nanny?
I found my first nanny through Craigslist, and ran thorough reference and background checks on her.


what hours do you have them help you? (middle of the night, bedtime, daytime?)
I have a nanny during my working hours only (I work FT from home).


is it weird getting used to a "stranger" being in your house, helping with babies?
It's a little weird, but when they were little it was better than having to send them to daycare. I liked having them right here with me. But about 4 months ago I dropped the nanny down to PT 2 days/week, and daycare 3 days a week. Mostly for socialization for the girls, but partly to let me have the house to myself once in a while.