Nannies, would you take this position?

[Anonymous]

I’m expecting my first child at the end of the month. I’ve been in contact with an agency and have had this position listed for about 2 weeks. I have a pretty demanding job that means I have to be back in my office six weeks postpartum. I also want to exclusively breastfeed on demand. Do you see my dilemma? I’ve rented out the office space next to mine and turned it into a (very cute) nursery. I want a nanny who is willing to work in the nursery next to my office. The nursery is pretty spacious (14x16) and comes with a nice view. There is no kitchen but there is a small sink, mini fridge, microwave and bottle warmer. I’d be out of their hair accept when baby needs to nurse or if nanny has any questions.

The hours are 8:30am to 5:30pm with fewer hours the first couple weeks and potentially more hours depending on our needs. Pay $25-30 an hour DOE. $150 health insurance stipend. Overtime at 40 hours. 10 days vacation and 5 paid sick days.

The agency owner said it may be a bit difficult to find a good placement, but that she was confident I’d find someone within the month. I’ve had 11 nannies apply and three do in-person interviews where they toured the nursery. They seemed genuinely interested but either declined the position or said they were still looking at other options.

My hope is to have someone hired by the time I give birth, but with the holidays coming up I don’t know if that will happen.

What else can I offer?

[Anonymous]

No, I would never take a position where the space is so limited.

How long do you intend to do this?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:No, I would never take a position where the space is so limited.

How long do you intend to do this?

Until baby is no longer nursing, so that’s up to the baby but I would like to nurse until at least her first birthday.

I know that’s a long time but once baby is older there is a park a few blocks away.

[Anonymous]

What will the nanny be doing while you are breastfeeding? Do you expect her to leave the room, or do you have several chairs in there? Are there places nearby that your nanny could go to (coffee, bakery, etc.) for a break while you are nursing?
Why would you need a bottle warmer in there if you will be breastfeeding "on demand?"

[Anonymous]

Ridiculous. Maybe for $50/,hr someone wants to be confined to a such a small space 8 + hours a day but not for more than a week. Pump.

[Anonymous]

While the payment is good you may need to offer more PTO and/or incentives to get someone to stay. The job overall isn't ideal so be prepared for a rotation of nannies who will leave once they receive better offers.

[Anonymous]

Where are you located? I would also offer Federal holidays and add another week vacation.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Where are you located? I would also offer Federal holidays and add another week vacation.

We are offering federal holidays off and any extra religious holidays if need be.

I think 15 says paid vacation plus 5 sick days is a bit excessive. I don’t even have that many vacation days.

[Anonymous]

Yes OP, depends on your location.

[Anonymous]

MB here. The nanny needs to be able to take the baby out for walks from day 1, and to start figuring out things they can do together. I would buy a large ipad, laptop, or flatscreen + Fire Stick -- something for the nanny to do while you're breastfeeding. Also, is she just supposed to sit in the dark during naps? Is there a separate space she can go to for reading? If your baby is "normal," in the beginning, she'll be asleep at least as much as she's awake.

Your compensation package is good. I think people are seeing the space, and wondering how they're supposed to get through weeks and days on end in a quiet, dark room. Help solve that problem, and you'll have a lot of candidates.

[Anonymous]

where is your location?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:where is your location?

Arlington Heights

[Anonymous]

I hope breastfeeding works for you OP. You sound a little naive.

[Anonymous]

When nannies work in a home, they put the baby down for a nap and then GO IN ANOTHER ROOM. Where do you propose the nanny go during naps?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I hope breastfeeding works for you OP. You sound a little naive.

I agree. I'm trying to picture how "breastfeeding on demand" will work while you work full time from another office. For the first few months, on demand will likely mean "non stop"--especially when the baby is going through a growth spurt.