Lots of Baby nurse questions

First, what was your experience like? If you were BF, how did it work with the nurse being there? Anyone have recomendation for a baby (night) nurse? How far in advance do you hire? Also, what if baby comes early, will they come or is the schedule pretty much set in stone?

Thanks and FM me if you would prefer!

Lots of Baby nurse questions

Had a baby nurse twice and both were BAD. Second time even worse. I will never do it again.

Lots of Baby nurse questions

Didn't have one for DD and not sure if this is your first child or not but when I got home from the hospital, I didn't really want anyone in my house for a long period of time. Brief visits to see/meet the baby were totally fine, but the thought of having a stranger in my house for hours at that point is not appealing to me at all. My mother even offered to stay over night so DH and I could sleep and I politely declined. To each his own, but just be prepared that how you feel right now might not be how you feel after the baby is born.

Re: Lots of Baby nurse questions

We planned to have one with the twins but decided against it. It ended up being fine on our own. I wouldn't want someone in my house either. But now...I wish I had a day nurse so I could take a nap. Lol

Re: Lots of Baby nurse questions

We had a baby nurse for 2 weeks with #1, and she was so great for us, that I've already reached out to her for #2.

For our first child, we started calling nurses based on referrals at around 4/5 months. Most of the ones we spoke to would hold 2 weeks before and after your EDD in case you went early or late. I had a c-section at 40w4d, and then was in the hospital for 4 nights, so we ended up starting her later than planned. It wasn't a problem.

We live in a 2BR apt in the city, so not a huge amount of space, but it was totally fine. She was very good at giving us space, and making sure DH and I could still have quality time together for dinner and stuff.

She was awesome at coaching me with breastfeeding. During the nights, when it was time to feed, she'd get DD ready, I would breast feed, then she would burp and put DD back to bed so I could get sleep. (DD took an hour to burp!). She also taught me a lot of great tools and tricks, helped DD get on a sleep schedule, and even took care of me when I was having post surgical issues.

Let me know if you have any other questions. Happy to help!

Re: Lots of Baby nurse questions

i had a baby nurse with both of my kids. We used austin agency both time. I gave them 3-4 month advance notice with #1 and with #2 we were on the fence so I called about 1 month in advance and was very lucky to get someone. so i suggest planning ahead of time. the agency i used will tell you when you call what their availability is and they know babys are not on schedule so they will have someone there for you whenever you want.

Both times we had them for 2 weeks. I LOVED them and highly recommend them! It seems most parents that do not have one dont see the need for one, and sure there is no real NEED for one....but they are helpful. they helped come up with a schedule, encouraged breast feeding (they knew i wanted to), and taught little things like the proper way to hold a newborn (which is to have your hands around one of their legs), help bathign them and other minor things that come in handy.

With our first it was peace of mind and having someone there to help me learn things...things that i could have done on my own for sure but the extra hands were appreciated since DH had to go back to work pretty immediately. They are also great bc you can get some rest, run errands etc while they watch your LO.

With our second we werent going to do it but are so glad we did! and we actually decided to have her come after he was a week old instead of when i got right home from the hospital. part of it was to not overwhelm our 15mo dd by having a new baby and a new person in our house. She was so helpful.

they were there full days though...2 weeks straight, not just at night. as far as breast feeding, they gave me the option of waking in the middle of the night or bottle feeding...and i did a mix of both. even if you bf at night, yes you still have to wake up, but they will burp the baby and do the diaper so you can literally sit there like a zombie while the baby feeds and go right back to bed.

FM if you have any more questions

Message edited 7/31/2015 9:42:43 AM.

Re: Lots of Baby nurse questions

Lots of Baby nurse questions

Hired an as needed night baby nurse and she was awesome!! I received her info from a friend who lives on the city (i live on the North Shore). For breastfeeding, i actually pumped bottles and left them for her as i desperately needed sleep! Dealing with a two year old and a newborn had me highly stressed and the baby nurse helped to relieve that. The nurse comes in at 7pm and leaves at 7am. You show her where everything is and she takes it from there. She didnt bother us throughout the night and took initiative when needed. I will pm you her info as i know she has availability.