Pregnant Nanny in hospital - probably off for 2 months

[Anonymous]

Our nanny is about 34 weeks pregnant and her Dr. told her to go to the hospital and she told us its because she has high blood pressure (preeclampsia) and needs to be in the hospital for 3 weeks and then they will induce labor (I guess at 37 weeks). This is so bizarre because she has been going to check-ups almost weekly the last 6 months - 1/2 day almost every week. So we have no nanny, DH and I work 6 days a week and I am loaded with work now and up for a promotion that will allow for us to afford our new home mortgage (we just moved assuming I'd be promoted - I go before a panel in about 3 weeks). Ugh - this is hell.

[Anonymous]

I'm sorry, that's terrible.

What was your plan for when nanny went out on Maternity Leave? Any way you can get a temp nanny?

And just so you know you although it sucks to do, you can let your nanny go since she's on bed rest and can't come to work. I was fired when I went on bedrest at 28 weeks pregnant. You can't fire someone for being pregnant but can let them go for not being able to do their job.

[Anonymous]

Sounds like things are more stressful for her than for you...

If you actually are an empathetic person and not as rude as you sound, but were just needing a place to vent, get a temp nanny while she's gone. I'm assuming you weren't going to continue paying her while she was away for the birth/mat leave but were planning on bringing her back to work afterwards? So...just follow whatever plan you had but sooner.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Sounds like things are more stressful for her than for you...

If you actually are an empathetic person and not as rude as you sound, but were just needing a place to vent, get a temp nanny while she's gone. I'm assuming you weren't going to continue paying her while she was away for the birth/mat leave but were planning on bringing her back to work afterwards? So...just follow whatever plan you had but sooner.

I am totally venting, but not meaning to sound rude by any means. We had a plan for to take 3 weeks and I was going to take vacation for a week and a half and have my mom come for a week - but that was a month from now and assuming I could get ahead in my work but she's been out a lot lately so I am actually behind now and there is no way I can take off. I have a back up but not FT. So I guess now I need to find one. Maybe somebody PT because a friend can come a few days a week till my nanny can come back. We love her despite how much she's been out the last 6 months and being gone now. She's like a 2nd mom to DD who's 16 months. DD kisses her and hugs her more than me (and speaks mostly spanish so I have to talk to her in Spanish too a lot - we love that though). Of course I feel bad for the nanny and her son. This is just a bad situation for everybody.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm sorry, that's terrible.

What was your plan for when nanny went out on Maternity Leave? Any way you can get a temp nanny?

And just so you know you although it sucks to do, you can let your nanny go since she's on bed rest and can't come to work. I was fired when I went on bedrest at 28 weeks pregnant. You can't fire someone for being pregnant but can let them go for not being able to do their job.

I am looking for a temp nanny, but don't plan to fire her - she's that good and DD just adores her. When DD was younger she'd call out for the nanny when she'd wake up on weekends. I am hoping to find somebody to fill in on here or care.com or through somebody the nanny knows. Fingers crossed. Of course, I'm open to any tips to find somebody.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Sounds like things are more stressful for her than for you...

If you actually are an empathetic person and not as rude as you sound, but were just needing a place to vent, get a temp nanny while she's gone. I'm assuming you weren't going to continue paying her while she was away for the birth/mat leave but were planning on bringing her back to work afterwards? So...just follow whatever plan you had but sooner.

I am totally venting, but not meaning to sound rude by any means. We had a plan for to take 3 weeks and I was going to take vacation for a week and a half and have my mom come for a week - but that was a month from now and assuming I could get ahead in my work but she's been out a lot lately so I am actually behind now and there is no way I can take off. I have a back up but not FT. So I guess now I need to find one. Maybe somebody PT because a friend can come a few days a week till my nanny can come back. We love her despite how much she's been out the last 6 months and being gone now. She's like a 2nd mom to DD who's 16 months. DD kisses her and hugs her more than me (and speaks mostly spanish so I have to talk to her in Spanish too a lot - we love that though). Of course I feel bad for the nanny and her son. This is just a bad situation for everybody.

Totally understandable - didn't mean to criticize you at all. I just hate to see nannies beaten down on here, but I absolutely get that it's a crap situation for everyone.

If you were planning on not paying her for her maternity leave, I'm sure she'll understand that will need to begin now (crappy as that will be for her, but in this country that's what having kids usually means), and you can put that money toward a temporary nanny. I am not in DC but I know my agency charges a $250 fee to register for short-term/on-going nannies (on top of their hourly pay) and they place people really quickly for exactly these types of situations. I hope you can find some coverage for when you need it ASAP and that your nanny's pregnancy/birth go smoothly and DD isn't too disrupted by all the adjustments! Big changes for everyone but hoping it works out for the best and so happy to hear how much you value her (and obviously how much she loves DD). Good luck to you all!

[Anonymous]

OP, post an email address here if you'd like to get a possible lead.

[Anonymous]

OP,

I'm sorry to hear about the situation both your family and nanny are in. Would it be worth calling a nanny agency and getting a temporary placement until your nanny can come back to work?

I don't think you came off rude in your post. It's obvious you are just concerned about the childcare situation. Try not to stress your nanny out right now, let her know you will figure this out so that she isn't worrying about losing her job.

Good luck!

[Anonymous]

OP again - we found somebody temporary on DCUMs - what a wonderful resource, and it's a perfect match for the nanny too!

[Anonymous]

That's so good to hear, OP.
Blessings to you and your family.

[Anonymous]

OP, where do you live?