Welcoming a baby is an exciting and joyous milestone. At the same time, the hard work is just beginning. Not only is there so much to adjust to, you also have to care for a newborn on top of trying to let your body recover properly. You might also discover new struggles and obstacles in your way, especially if you are a first-time parent. Some of these questions are probably weighing on your mind:
● What should I eat so that it benefits both me and my baby?
● Why won’t my baby stop crying?
● How do I get my baby to latch on properly?
● How can I increase my breast milk supply?
● What herbs should I use in my confinement bath?
If you are feeling helpless and lost, know that you are not alone and don’t be afraid to ask for assistance. New parents are usually (and rightfully) more anxious as they have no experience on how to properly and safely handle a newborn, have zero idea about proper feeding cycles, and do not have any clue on how to soothe their infant. That’s totally normal! In fact, even experienced mums tend to get stressed out because a regular baby feeding cycle is every three hours, including through the night. Many parents hire extra help during this crucial period. But with this comes yet another set of doubts and challenges to stump you:
● Do I get a confinement lady, babysitter or domestic helper?
● What if whoever I hired is not up to par?
● Is it worth the cost?
Not to fret, because we are here to guide you!
Why a confinement nanny?
Maids, babysitters, daycare, confinement nannies and more – with so many options out there, you are probably wondering which one is the best for you. What sets confinement nannies apart are how they are professionally trained in postpartum care and recovery. This includes the many aspects of newborn care, from baby hygiene to safety applications, as well as best confinement practices for a recuperating mum.
Nannies are also skilled and well-versed in many fields that a domestic helper or babysitter will not normally tackle. These include round-the-clock babycare, coaching parents on baby handling, breastfeeding support and guidance, knowledge in confinement herbs and baths to aid with postpartum recovery, and preparation of confinement food to boost physical and mental wellness.
At Confinement Angels, all our nannies undergo a rigorous 88-hour training programme, stringent audits and annual health checks before they are certified fit for work. This ensures that our nannies are equipped with in-depth knowledge, skills and expertise in a wide range of areas such as breastfeeding support, proper hygiene methods, baby safety practices and confinement diet planning. Our process also helps ascertain that each nanny has the right aptitude and compassion required to work in this role. This allows us to offer only the highest standards of confinement care and peace of mind for parents.
Of course, there is no “right answer” and it all depends on each family’s individual needs. Some parents prefer getting a domestic helper to take charge of heavy household chores, while others seek the specific skills and experience that a confinement nanny possesses.
What should I consider before hiring a nanny?
A common concern among parents is the pricing. A full-time confinement nanny in Singapore can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $5,000 for a 28-day package. Rates vary according to several factors, such as how experienced your nanny is or if it’s a peak period e.g. Chinese New Year.
Next, think about whether you want to go through a confinement agency or hire a freelance nanny. Although they cost around the same, an agency provides an added peace of mind and safeguards your interests. Not only will the agency handle all the paperwork and administrative tasks, you are also guaranteed a nanny regardless of your EDD. Additionally, there is constant customer support and most agencies offer a one-time free replacement of nannies.
You can also do research by checking out online reviews, browsing recommendations on parenthood forums, or asking friends and family for referrals. Make your expectations and requirements clear before committing to anything so as to ensure a smooth process and confinement. Don’t be afraid to ‘shop around’ until you find the right nanny just for you.
Remember to have your sleeping arrangements and accommodation sorted out too. A confinement nanny usually sleeps in the same room as the baby so that they can provide care and feeding at all hours. This allows parents to get some much-deserved rest and sleep through the night without worrying about their little one – another bonus point of engaging a confinement lady!
In conclusion…
It’s not a must to go down the confinement nanny route if it doesn’t align with your needs. After all, there are also many parents who cope well enough on their own or are lucky enough to get help from their families. However, it is certainly a path (and investment) worth considering if you need an extra pair of hands during this trying period or are a fumbling first-time parent with little clue about caring for newborns.
A full-time nanny can help transform your postpartum journey into a smoother and more enriching one by removing some of the load off your weary shoulders while you focus on bonding with your baby and healing from childbirth. They are also known to be an excellent source of comfort and support, especially as experienced mothers who have been in your shoes before. Their wealth of valuable knowledge and advice is not one that can be easily replicated or found elsewhere, which is why there has been such a hot demand for professional confinement nannies in recent years.
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