Nanny suddenly not available to start, what do I do?

[Anonymous]

Need guidance. Had found a nanny but she just said she cannot start before I return to work.

Baby was a preemie. Used up much of my leave while he was in NICU and my job has the family's benefits.

I am overwhelmed and need some guidance that if I had more energy, I would start researching. But looking for your experience to help me.

How do I find another?

How does sitter city or care.com work?

I used to live in MD but just went up to Long Island.

Thanks.

[Anonymous]

If you'd like to post an email, OP, I may be able to help you.

[Anonymous]

I'm sorry OP. Sounds INCREDIBLY stressful.

There are lots of agencies that will do short term placements which can give you time to do another search. If you can find some local listservs put messages on there. Ask coworkers or friends in the area to put up messages for you - my best leads have always come from those resources. See if there are any local parenting groups to whom you could send a cry for help/recommendations/referrals, etc...

See if there is a local parents of multiples group - even though you don't have multiples they are folks who are VERY knowledgeable about preemies and related resources and could probably put you in touch with lots of local people.

You could even call a couple of the NICU units in your area and see if they know of people. I know a lot of NICU nurses will do overnight care or things like that in their spare time. Students in pediatric nursing programs (or even just regular nursing programs) might have a chunk of the summer off or some availability to help out in the short term.

Good luck!

[Anonymous]

We had something similar happen, but with enough notice that we had 3 weeks to cope.

Have used care.com twice now, with good results.

[Anonymous]

Are you in Nassau or Suffolk? If Nassau, reach out to the temples in the area, reach out to the Plainview Y's Early Childhood department, all to see if they can recommend anyone.

*You don't have to be Jewish to get help from these places.

[Anonymous]

Suffolk Cty. Great ideas.

[Anonymous]

Now these replies are what this discussion board should be like. While I don't have any suggestions to add to those posted, it was refreshing to see supportive posts.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Now these replies are what this discussion board should be like. While I don't have any suggestions to add to those posted, it was refreshing to see supportive posts.

+1