What should I do before my confinement nanny leaves?
Article by Cherlynn Ng
It’s easy to become dependent on your confinement nanny. For the past one month, she has been the greatest pair of helping hands ever by assisting you on all matters big and small. Whether it’s keeping your house spick and span, whipping up delicious confinement meals, caring for your newborn 24 hours a day or ensuring you stay in good health, your nanny seems capable of doing it all!
No wonder that the thought of her leaving fills you with anxiety. You might even be overwhelmed with doubts such as ‘How am I going to cope?’ and ‘What if I screw up?’ But don’t worry as this is completely normal and we are here to guide you! Check out these tips on how you can have a smooth transition.
1. Be receptive to your nanny’s advice
Besides caring for you and your newborn, your confinement lady will also be showing you the ropes along the way. This includes sharing tips and advice in regard to baby care and handling. Don’t be afraid to ask your nanny any lingering questions you might have, because she will have a wealth of experience to draw from and bestow on you. Let her be your listening ear if you are feeling nervous or stressed about what’s to come — we guarantee that you will feel better after talking about it.
2. Start practicing early
Being prepared well in advance never hurt anybody. This will also give you a better idea on what to expect, rather than flailing in panic at the last minute. Although you should stay well-rested so that your body can recuperate, it’s also a good time to get some hands-on practice from your confinement nanny while she is still around to guide you. Try handling your baby more, such as during feeding and at bedtime. This will also help you create a deeper bond with your little one!
At Confinement Angels, all nannies undergo strict interviews, a vigorous training programme and firm audits before they are certified and deployed for work. This means that you will be learning from the cream of the crop in the industry.
3. Establish a nighttime routine
Feeding and caring for an infant throughout the night is one of the most challenging tasks that a new parent will face. Many prefer leaving it to a professional confinement nanny while they focus on getting some much-needed sleep. Unfortunately, your nanny will not be around forever. But fret not, you can make this less daunting by helping your baby to establish a night time routine and proper sleep schedule. Try giving them a warm bath or a relaxing massage before bed. Comfy sleepwear helps too!
4. Share the workload
Don’t be afraid to delegate tasks or split them with your loved ones. As the saying goes, ‘It takes a village to raise a child.’ Here are some useful suggestions that you can try:
- Come up with shifts that you can rotate with your partner. E.g. One parent can be on duty from 10pm to 2am, while the other can take charge from 2am to 6pm. This way, both of you get at least four hours of sleep each.
- Take turns with your spouse to handle all nighttime duties, from feeding to changing to soothing your child.
- Say yes if anyone offers to help you watch your baby so that you can catch a break. When you are sleep-deprived, even a quick power nap can work wonders.
Know that no one gets it perfect or right all the time. Don’t be too hard on yourself and trust your instincts. While embarking on a new phase in life is not always a bed of roses, things do gradually get better as you adjust, adapt and learn. Parenthood is a lifelong journey and even though we can’t promise that it will be smooth-sailing all the time, it’s definitely fulfilling.
P.S – Known as the celebrities’ choice, Confinement Angels provides parents with complete peace of mind and maximum comfort by attending to every single aspect of the confinement experience. All of our confinement nannies undergo rigorous training based on an 88-hour syllabus, before being subject to another round of stringent evaluation to determine if they are ready to be deployed for assignments. Because at Confinement Angels, we go above and beyond to bring you only the best.
Book our confinement nanny service package and receive a free complimentary newborn baby photo session worth $188!
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