Should I hire a nanny even if I can't afford it?

Question

I'm pregnant with my first child and both parents on both sides are deceased, no family around and moving to a new area. I may get a c-section and need help with everyday chores plus the new baby. My husbands job is very demanding and can only be with me for a couple days and then he has to go back to his routine of 6 days a week/ 12 hrs a day. Will it be a good idea to hire a nanny?... even if we can't afford it?

Answer 1

if you know you cant afford it why would you consider it?dont hire a nanny its very expensive.
hire a cleaning service.once a week to help out with what you cant do on your own.
your baby will sleep alot in the first few months so you will be able to do more than you think you can.
make friends with your neighbors!!we have a neighborhood blog and email newsletter when anyone needs to know where the best takeout is,needs a new roof,dog walker or babysitter we email each other!maybe someone in your area has a teenager who needs some extra cash - you could hire them to help with grocery runs,laundry washing and folding,dog walking and poop scooping,gardening,dishes....everything!good for both of you you get help they get cash and a good reference when they need it.
cook meals in advance and freeze them.
you can let the house be a mess.everyone will understand.my place was a wreck for a few weeks until i got in a good routine

Answer 2

How will you pay her if you can't afford it? What will you give up? I wouldn't hire a nanny, per se. Your baby needs time with his/her mommy, not a stranger.

Instead, do you have a nursing school near you? Or even a college for that matter? You could hire a part-time student to come by your house to do the other stuff--the cleaning, light cooking, the grocery shopping, while you spend time with your baby.

I would suggest, if you had the room, that you trade a room for her services, but, I don't recommend it in your situation. The reason is that I don't think it's a good idea for a college student to be living under the same roof as a man, whose wife has just had a baby, is still recovering from that ordeal, and whose emotions are, shall we say, unpredictable?

Instead, maybe you can pay her a little over minimum wage, and give her a very good reference for the future.

Answer 3

No, I wouldn't hire a nanny unless you are ill. It's not that tough. You can skip most of your everyday chores if you plan ahead anyway. Many women premake a bunch of meals and freeze them, for instance. There are plenty of single moms who have no help. You'd be suprised to hear that many moms of multiples have c-sections and no help either. Just preplan and take your time.

What you CAN do is find out at a local high school if you can get a teenager to assist you for a couple hours in the afternoon. I did that when I was a teenager for 4 different moms. And like other posters have mentioned, a part-time postpartum doula may also be valuable. You don't need help all day. Spending money you don't have just doesn't make sense.

Answer 4

Why would you end up with a c-section? I would make sure you DO NOT get a c-section since you will mostly be taking care of the baby yourself. You can hire what's known as a post-partum doula who might be of more help than a nanny. She'll actually help you too...cook, light cleaning, take care of baby, etc. If you can't find a post-partum doula then you might need to hire someone to help. It's very overwhelming at first.

Answer 5

I had a c-section and did it by myself, you will hurt a bit but it makes you heal faster, just don't over do it. And if all the chores don't get done oh well, enjoy your baby. There are plenty of time for chores, plus your hubby needs to help at first when he is home. Just because he works is no excuse why he can't help you around the house. Having a baby puts a toll on every one. This include the hubby for a while.

Answer 6

No. I know it is tough to think of recovering from a c-section with your husband not there to help but you will be just fine. Just find a lady to come do light housecleaning very part time if it bothers you, but you will be able to care for your baby just fine on your own, tons of women do it. I know hubby is working a lot but on his day off he could do the cleaning and grocery shopping and save hiring someone. Most men are thrilled to be able to help out in some way after the baby comes and you will be surprised at how much he will pitch in and do for you even without you asking.

Answer 7

I was in the exact same situation. You won't need a nanny. Just be prepared to learn quickly! And, have a routine. You'll figure it out on your own. If you think that you will need a pair of extra hands, find a teenager in the neighborhood, pay her $6-8.00/hr to do light house keeping, laundry, cooking, and helping you w/ the baby. This way, you won't go broke. Good luck, you'll do great.

Answer 8

I wouldn't you're moving to a new town how do you know you can trust this nanny. I would be very cautious especially with your new pride a joy. Maybe you can hire someone to assist you for a few weeks but mainly doing housekeeping not helping care for the baby.

Answer 9

if you are home with the baby you will not need a full time nanny, maybe a mother's helper. you can ask a local teenager to come over a few hours a day to sit with the baby while you get things done of take a nap. a teenager will be cheaper than an adult and you will be there if they need you.

Answer 10

Look into PT post-partum doula, www.dona.org. Post-partum doula would be better than a nanny as she has specialized training to help you with your c-section recovery, baby training, and is there to help with the housework

See if she can work out a payment plan or trade program after you have recouperated. You may also see if she has a student apprentice that will work for free.