Nanny and breastfeeding

[Anonymous]

We are first time parents about to start interviewing nannies. I will be working from home (Indefinitely) downstairs and nanny will be upstairs in nursery and play area.

Is it ok to ask potential nannies if I can breastfeed in front of them or is this in poor taste? My hope is that since my LO is an efficient feeder and on a schedule I can do her 2 daytime feeds without having to pump by just coming upstairs quick to feed. Sometimes I could bring her to the master bedroom I guess but I think life will be easier if the nanny doesn’t mind seeing me breastfeed from time to time.

[Anonymous]

I think that is a very nice question to ask and shows you are being thoughtful.

[Anonymous]

Feeding your baby is never "in poor taste."

[Anonymous]

Actually you should ask this:

“I will be in to feed my baby around y time everyday. She’s an efficient feeder, so the 10 minutes she’s eating would be perfect for you to do abc baby-related chore or you can just sit and rest for a few minutes and talk with me. Which do you prefer? Naturally, if she’s hungry early I’d expect you to call me up earlier.”

[Anonymous]

OP this is really thoughtful of you to ask, but you may find that you want to feed in private.

I breastfed while having a nanny - one of the best parts of returning to work from home! And I found that I really wanted the alone time with my dd. I went to her nursery to feed her and it was a nice way to reconnect just the two of us during the day, even if just for a few minutes. And I think the nanny enjoyed getting a few minutes of privacy to take a break.

[Anonymous]

Can't she just have a 10 minute break while you breastfeed?
I mena, go ahead and ask, but I don't see why she has to stay in the same room

[Anonymous]

I promise you that this is not the first time your nanny saw someone breastfeed!! Do whatever you feel comfortable with, OP.

[Anonymous]

WTH, PPs. New mom, start embracing your right RJ breastfeed anywhere and anytime - especially in your own home!

[Anonymous]

I wouldn't phrase it as asking permission. I would say something along the lines of, "I want to let potential applicants know that I'm working from home and may BF in front of them. Please let me know if this poses a concern for you."

Unless you would truly change your plan for how/when you will feed your baby based on a nanny's preference, I wouldn't phrase it in terms of whether they are comfortable. If they are uncomfortable, then they are not a suitable candidate.

It may sound harsh, but the reality is that being a nanny is a tough job...and, if you want the person to last a long time (our kids' has worked for us for almost 7 years), then you want to find someone who can work well within your parenting approach and preferences. Someone who can't isn't a bad nanny, they are just not the right one for you. Similarly, a nanny that everyone raves about but, for whatever reason, you don't jive with is also not the best nanny for you. I'm saying this as someone who hired a different nanny who my neighbors raved about for 6 weeks while DD was a newborn before hiring the woman who I would trust with my babies more than my own mom. That first nanny decided it wasn't a good fit and quit...and in the end I'm so glad. She was great, but we didn't work well together. Her leaving resulted in our hiring someone who did.

[Anonymous]

Why would she need to sit there while you feed the baby?

[Anonymous]

I wouldn’t want a nanny who was uncomfortable around me (or anyone) breastfeeding.

[Anonymous]

No good/experienced nanny would think twice about it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I wouldn't phrase it as asking permission. I would say something along the lines of, "I want to let potential applicants know that I'm working from home and may BF in front of them. Please let me know if this poses a concern for you."

Unless you would truly change your plan for how/when you will feed your baby based on a nanny's preference, I wouldn't phrase it in terms of whether they are comfortable. If they are uncomfortable, then they are not a suitable candidate.

It may sound harsh, but the reality is that being a nanny is a tough job...and, if you want the person to last a long time (our kids' has worked for us for almost 7 years), then you want to find someone who can work well within your parenting approach and preferences. Someone who can't isn't a bad nanny, they are just not the right one for you. Similarly, a nanny that everyone raves about but, for whatever reason, you don't jive with is also not the best nanny for you. I'm saying this as someone who hired a different nanny who my neighbors raved about for 6 weeks while DD was a newborn before hiring the woman who I would trust with my babies more than my own mom. That first nanny decided it wasn't a good fit and quit...and in the end I'm so glad. She was great, but we didn't work well together. Her leaving resulted in our hiring someone who did.

My best advice is that you will become comfortable with bf as you gain confidence and experience. I bet you will also want to reconnect with your baby and bf in the nursery alone with baby. Your nanny doesn’t need to be in the same room as you unless you live in a studio apartment.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Feeding your baby is never "in poor taste."

I would not want to watch you breastfeed your child and I definitely do not want to see your breast so I would leave room.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Feeding your baby is never "in poor taste."

I would not want to watch you breastfeed your child and I definitely do not want to see your breast so I would leave room.

Why are you a nanny?! Taking a baby to the mother so she can feed them us your job. You may have things in the room to do. The baby may feed better if mom carries on a conversation with someone. Mom may relax more if she’s talking to you. There are a whole list of reasons why you may NEED to be in the room.