Where did you find your babysitter? HELP?

[MoonstoneMumma]

To doulas, or anyone who needs a babysitter at any time, where do you find your sitter?

I am looking for a retired lady to look after my 1 year old while i will be attending births, but i just dont know where to find her!! Do i out adds in the paper or letter box drops or what? Im not sure? I have three friends that i can call on but they are all over the place and between them Tuesdays would still be a problem. My husband is a work shop manager and is not able to come home or go in late to work. please help

[lilpearl]

I don't know! I've crossed my fingers so far! I only JUST made it to christmas day, and christmas was at my house! I now have three children, and have just started getting back into doula work. I have a client due in about a month and I just hope it falls on a weekend, then I don't have to sort the children out! Lets face it, doulas don't earn enough to afford a real babysitter all the time, anyway. I'm hoping I can rely on my husband. But then, I'm also planing on doing very little birth work for a while.

[Doula Jane]

It is a problem....... If you have other doula colleagues iliving nearby you could work it that she covers your childcare needs when you have a birth, and you cover hers. That way there should be no payment involved because you're helping each other. Just an idea....it's worked for me in the past.

I personally ALWAYS have a back-up doula arranged, who's met mum beforehand. I keep her informed of all the visits that I do, the birth plan etc., just in case I'm not able to get to the birth. That way, Mum isn't disappointed and she gets the support that she needs, and your mind is at ease if your children are sick, or you can't get childcare arranged.

Hope this helps!:)
Doula Jane
www.freewebs.com/doulajane

[lilpearl]

Yes! Usually I have a back-up...my back-up is out of action for a little while at the moment though.