Finding a Care Provider for a Preemie?

[Phoenix~Mama]

I'm posting here instead of Preemie because I'm hoping you all can help me figure this out.  I have to return to work.    Unfortunately, and pretty soon.  My counselor is working to get my leave extended, but yeah it's ultimately up to the insurance company that handles my STD from work.

My DS can't go to the center where his sister goes because of his lungs and him being at high risk for just a cold turning much worse.  I don't know if I'm really comfortable with a home center either, because he still has eating issues.  He really needs to be watched while eating because he still has moments of choking and forgetting to breath, etc.

But I really cannot afford a nanny... and I don't know anyone I could do a nanny share thing with or anything like that either.

I have no idea what to do, and keep getting my mind stuck in a rut trying to figure out what to do because I'm so depressed that I have to figure this out and my mind just totally shuts down. 

I don't know what to do.  I wish I did not have to return to work, but bills have to get paid somehow.  I'm losing my mind over this.

[Super~Single~Mama]

I'm sorry, I really wish I had advice.  Everything will work out, you're doing such a great job already!!!

[nextcommercial]

I can't actually think of anything either.

I do know that there are times that I could easily handle a special needs child in my home daycare.  (not with my current group) so, don't completely dismiss that idea.  There are lots of awesome providers that could take perfect care of your son and treat him like your own.

You still have to worry about other kids coming in with colds though, no matter how small the group.

I really hope you find the perfect setting for your son.

[karaann07]

Have you considered pulling your daughter out of daycare and hiring a nanny to come to the house WITH HER OWN CHILD? That is the biggest factor, here. Mothers who can make a few bucks and have a "friend" for their kid to play with during the day are very often willing to take less pay.  I looked into this option, myself, and found many women (through my local Craigslist- all of whom were willing to submit to background, sex offender and drug tests) willing to work for a price that I could most definitely afford. Additionally, many of them offered to do extra duties like light laundry and housekeeping. I'm guessing because times are tough and they need the extra cash, too, so they were wanting to secure themselves a job. Both of my girls were premature, so I completey understand your fears.

[Birdie B.]

I think karaann07's advice is really good.  I don't know if it's possible for you to find someone like that, but maybe you could. 

Would it be possible for you to work from home at all?

[cheer mom]

sorry to crash the forum, but can you call the hospital's social worker and ask for help with this? I know that there are some medical daycares and maybe they would have more info for you.

[cheer mom]

http://firelypediatric.org/ppecc.html

[smeep]

Originally Posted by karaann07 

Have you considered pulling your daughter out of daycare and hiring a nanny to come to the house WITH HER OWN CHILD? That is the biggest factor, here. Mothers who can make a few bucks and have a "friend" for their kid to play with during the day are very often willing to take less pay.  I looked into this option, myself, and found many women (through my local Craigslist- all of whom were willing to submit to background, sex offender and drug tests) willing to work for a price that I could most definitely afford. Additionally, many of them offered to do extra duties like light laundry and housekeeping. I'm guessing because times are tough and they need the extra cash, too, so they were wanting to secure themselves a job. Both of my girls were premature, so I completey understand your fears.

Definitely look into this. I did this myself....the first mother kind of really screwed me (turns out what she paid me for an entire 9-10 hour day was less than what she made in an HOUR, ugh!) but the second one was very reasonable. Sure, it wasn't a whole lot of money, but I was more than happy with it. I wasn't going to be working a "real" job anyway, so it was nice to be able to essentially have set playdates for DS and have a little extra cash as well.

[Mrs.Music]

Originally Posted by karaann07 

Have you considered pulling your daughter out of daycare and hiring a nanny to come to the house WITH HER OWN CHILD? That is the biggest factor, here. Mothers who can make a few bucks and have a "friend" for their kid to play with during the day are very often willing to take less pay.  I looked into this option, myself, and found many women (through my local Craigslist- all of whom were willing to submit to background, sex offender and drug tests) willing to work for a price that I could most definitely afford. Additionally, many of them offered to do extra duties like light laundry and housekeeping. I'm guessing because times are tough and they need the extra cash, too, so they were wanting to secure themselves a job. Both of my girls were premature, so I completey understand your fears.

 This sounds like a reasonable idea. Then your baby is only exposed to one extra child, and your daughter can still be entertained while the nanny has her hands free to care for the LO.