What do you need help with?

[wirewendy]

Hi mamas! I have a little one and one on the way, and am trying to come up with some sort of job since I can't go back to work. I need your input.

My idea is to provide a sort of "secretary" service for moms of newborns. Making appointments, running a few crucial errands, sitting with the babe for 30 minutes while mom showers, etc. I am hoping that I could juggle 5-10 moms at a time. They would pay a monthly fee.

This would be a totally mom pampering service. What do you find you need help with? I just remember being totally overwhelmed, not able to even clip my toe-nails. I'd really appreciate your response.

[EmmetnLindley]

As a single mom, I could use a lot of help but it would depend on price! I have thought about looking for someone for three hours twice a week to help me out. e.g. Monday and Thursday from 1 to 4.

I would love someone to hold my baby so that I could have an uninterrupted shower or have a nap for an hour or two. I would love help with answering the phones, checking my e-mails and those secretary type tasks you mention. I had a c-section so getting around is a little more difficult so picking up milk, cat food, etc. Watching the baby while I get a haircut. Accompanying me at medical appointments just as another pair of hands. Light cleaning... specifically laundry and dishes.

[twogreencars]

The enterprise you're proposing sounds a lot like what a postpartum doula does! Mine straightens up, washes the cloth diapers, watches the baby while I sleep/shower/briefly go out, feeds and waters me, helps with the baby, reminds the older kids of what to do, etc., etc. My postpartum doula (who was trained as a MW), also answers questions, makes suggestions, etc.

[Mrs_Hos]

I mostly needed help with food prep, child care/playing with my 4yo dd, and laundry. And of course holding baby while I shower!

Yep--sounds like you'd like to be a postpartum doula!!

[blessed with boys]

Where can you find a post partum doula?

[gen_here]

Food prep, play with my toddler, hold baby while I shower, diaper laundry... pretty much what others have said.

I'd love to find a pp doula, too!

[twogreencars]

Originally Posted by blessed with boys

Where can you find a post partum doula?

Not sure where you are, but you might try searching on google or dogpile for "doula" and your state/city/town or search on these doula organizations/childbirth services sites:

http://www.dona.org/mothers/find_a_doula.php

http://www.childbirtheducation.net/services.html