Baby nurses

MBNB

I was not planning on hiring one--just figured between my Mom coming to help and with DH that we could figure this out on our own. But lately I've had several people tell me that I'm out of my mind if I don't hire a baby nurse for at least the first month. Someone that will help us learn how to swaddle, get the baby on a schedule, guide me through breast-feeding, stay overnight to help with feedings, etc. Anyone considering this? It's quite an expense that we weren't prepared for. Could also be more of a NYC thing but just wondering. My friend today literally had me panicking that I must reserve someone immediately and that I will never be able to figure this baby thing out on my own. Which is somewhat insulting at the same time.

kcap01

Nope.  I have never really even heard of something like that.  Just hubby and I and probably some help from our mothers.  Good luck in the decision!

peachypear

LOL, I've never even heard of this. I could see it maybe if you had a special needs child or multiples... but I'm sure that you, DH, and your Mom can handle it!

If you DO want to hire some help, I'd recommend a post-partum doula. They do everything you described (well, aside from spending the night) and would be less expensive than a nurse, I think. 

jeanebigham

You definitely do NOT need one! You can totally do this, millions of other women do it! I am from Calif. so it could be a NYC thing because I have never heard of that. Don't panic and don't worry you are totally able to figure out your LO on your own or with some good advise from fam or friends!

MegDC

We had friends who did it and loved it. ?I don't feel like I need someone else to take care of my child, especially for night time feedings, etc. ?I think its weird. ?But to each their own. ?I do know that they can book up quickly so if you are looking for one try to move fast.

psuash7

It doesn't make sense to me unless you are planning having a nanny take care of your LO afterwards.  It's all a part of becoming a parent.... how do you think your parents and grandparents did it?  I would think it would be a complete waste of money.  I personally never heard of it.  I guess it would sorta be like a doula for parenting a newborn??

Pesky

Total BS.  Don't get me wrong -- I sure as hell wished I had hired one for at least night duty during the first week or so but beyond that, we were totally fine.  It's just that initial period of figuring out your baby.  My neighbor was a godsend and helped out (my parents' arrival was delayed until she was 3wks) and she was the one who helped suction out the mucus she was coughing up and told me that she was just a noisy sleeper and to not wake her at every noise she made.  So I think if you want to hire one for the first week you can but if you are having help from your mom there, it especially isn't necessary.  Maybe get a list of some nurses you can call to hire if need be. 

june909

kcap01:

Nope.  I have never really even heard of something like that.  Just hubby and I and probably some help from our mothers.  Good luck in the decision!

Same here

SoonerMagicMama

Don't make this decision based on some so-called friends of yours not having the confidence in your ability to figure out motherhood on your own.  I mean no offense.  I just know if I had a friend making me feel bad or panicked that I didn't have a night nurse, I should be reconsidering that friendship.  That aside, if you envision the thrill of plunging into motherhood and figuring it out on your own, with the support of your family ... I'm certain you can handle it.  If there are specific issues that you foresee that could be alleviated by hiring a nurse, and you have the means to do so, go for it.  Just don't do it simply b/c someone else suggested you should.  You know your capabilities.  Believe in yourself, but also be prepared for the biggest challenge of your life!

I have a friend who hired a night nurse for baby's first month.  She loved the experience and had the means to do so.  She did not have a particularly supportive mother on whom she could rely, which may be why she ultimately came to the conclusion that she should hire one. 

I am using a birth doula for our labor and delivery.  She is also someone that I can call in for pp support should I find that I need it once I have baby at home.  I'm hoping I can adjust to motherhood myself (with family support).  And, as for learning how to swaddle ... that friend of mine who had the night nurse for her first baby ... she's already on call to come teach me all she learned about swaddling from her night nurse.  She already gave me specific instructions on what types of blankets to buy for swaddling.