Night Nurse?

Hi ladies! My husband was advised by a co-worker that a night nurse is a huge help and that a lot of the good ones get booked up waaaay in advance, like 9 months in advance! I'm only 7wks but this kind of panicked me, for a few reasons.

First, I have no idea if this is even something that I want/need, I never really thought about it. My husband works crazy hours so he thinks that having someone here for the overnights will help because he won't really be much help. He also thinks having someone here will help with our million questions in the first days and weeks of having a newborn since it's our first. Thoughts or advice?

Second, is that true that we need to start researching and interviewing now?? Anyone have any experience with this? Or any nurse recommendations?

Thanks everyone!

Re: Night Nurse?

we had a baby nurse - but she was with us full time for a week
i used "Austin Agency" - i dont believe they let you interview the nurses though
You call up and give them your due date and go over some things (what you are looking for ie i wanted someone who would really help me breast feed since it was my first) and when you have the baby you call them and they send you someone

I had 6 recommendations for them - and no one had used the same nurse, so 6 different nurses and 6 happy mommas! add me to that count and thats 7 recommendations for them

feel free to FM me if you have more questions

http://www.austinagencyinc.com/

eta - is it necessary to have one - absolutely not
did it help me and DH, yes 100%! he was only able to take a few days off of work, and we didnt have any help nearby at the time. she made our lives easier and taught us some things

Message edited 10/10/2013 12:04:40 PM.

Re: Night Nurse?

we also had a baby nurse and it was a huge help. we had a 24/7 live in for 15 days.

there are two ways to get nurses. calling an agency, or getting a personal reference.

my sister used the Austin Agency 2x, and was happy with her nurse each time. you don't have to prebook when you use an agency. as the PP said, you call to give them a heads up and then call after having the baby.

i got a direct referral from a friend, so i had to book my nurse early. we interviewed two nurses and booked the one we went with at around 4 months preggo. using a referral is a bit riskier, because they usually only leave one or two weeks buffer on either side of your EDD, so if you go super early, they might be on another job.

do you need to have a baby nurse? definitely not. but we choose to have a one because being first time parents, we wanted someone to guide as and really show us the ropes. we also wanted someone to help us get our baby on a schedule early on, and that was a tremendous help. our baby nurse ended up being incredible in so many ways - i still text back and forth with her now when i have questions. and I will definitely be using her again when i have my next baby.

hope that helps. let me know if you have any other questions.

Night Nurse?

Is something like this covered by insurance? What is the cost?

Re: Night Nurse?

Re: Night Nurse?

I would say definitely get one if you can afford it. I couldn't, so my mom came for a week. Definitely not the same as a baby nurse, but it was helpful to have an extra hand.

Re: Night Nurse?

I may be in the minority here, but I would never consider hiring a nurse to care for my newborn if I'm well and able, especially if you plan to Bf. I was up w/ my Dd for every night feeding (she was EBF, and I was told by my ped not to pump until at least 6 weeks if I didn't need to, to really allow my supply to develop based on DDs needs) and I loved the bonding time and routine we fell into. Was I tired, absolutely, but it is only for a short time. You don't need a nurse to answer questions, you can always call your ped, and trust your motherly instinct...it will definitely kick in!

I'd rather spend the money on a cleaning lady and take out so you can spend as much time with your LO as possible in the beginning...those precious moments go by way too fast.

Re: Night Nurse?

I had a baby nurse for a week, and would def recommend it if you can afford it. If you are breasfeeding the nurse will bring the baby to you when its time to feed him/her. We had no experience with babies and it was sooo helpful with someone there to help out and give you a chance to rest and recuperate. You will have planty of bonding time with your baby, you just have someone there to also guide you.

Re: Night Nurse?

Re: Night Nurse?

We couldn't afford one but I would have given my right arm for one. I would be up all night with a screaming colic newborn who never slept for more than 2 hours at a time. After a while the sleep deprivation will destroy you mentally.
I would cry all night along with her because I was so exhausted. I would fantasize about someone to just be there at night so I could just get 8 hours of sleep.
If you can swing it, do.it!!

Message edited 10/11/2013 8:41:49 AM.

Night Nurse?

It's a personal decision on if you want one. Are they absolutely necessary....no. Most people I know that had one only had them for a week or two. It will def help with sleep cause the nurse will get up with the baby during the night. Also if you are going to BF you will still need to be up.

Insurance does not cover it because it is not needed medically.

GL I am sure you will be fine with or without a nurse.