New mothers of newborns - what do you think of my idea please?

Question

Now my childs older but I remember the early days being difficult around the house (my baby screamed a lot and I was always holding her so I sometimes couldn't get out of the house to buy milk and bread, or wash my hair even) My mother helped and she was a God send. I'm thinking about all the other new parents who don't have the help of extended family nearby. Or single mothers. I want to help by going to peoples houses and doing their laundry and their dishes or whatever they want, for the early weeks.

Do you think this is a good idea?

If you heard of a volunteer doing this service would you phone up for it? (I have police clearance and I know some child and maternal health nurses but I havent approached them with my idea yet)

Answer 1

I think it's a great idea, but you know how mothers are paranoid about who they let around their baby. I think you would have to get some type of license just for safety reasons, and get fingerprinted, background check clearance, etc, before many mommies would accept your help.

Answer 2

that is a fantastic idea....

one caveat for myself..I dont know if I could let a stranger do my laundry, I'd be embarassed!!  I'm one of those people though who would clean before the cleaning lady came so she wouldnt think badly of me!!  lol...

Wonderful idea though!!!!!  

Answer 3

thats a really nice thing to do.  you will be a god send to many mothers but be careful alot of people may take advantage.  

Answer 4

If you are truly hoping to do this as a volunteer, then I commend you!  Your best bet would be to connect yourself with a local group that supports mothers.  I belong to a local group called MOMS (mothers offering mothers support) and they will help out new moms any way they can with meals and such.  This is a wide group and is probably in your area.

If you're are considering this for a profit business (nothing wrong with that we all have to put food on the table), then that is a totally different ballpark.  You have to consider demand, competition, and marketing.

Good luck and best wishes.

EDIT:

What's your country . . . I can check . . .

Answer 5

I think it's a fantastic idea, although you'd want some references and proof of background checks 7 such, I suppose. As for myself (I have 5 children) I wuldn't call, just because I am paranoid about strangers being in my house, but if you had the credentials to back yourself up, I may consider it! Good Luck with your endevours!

Answer 6

This is a very good, helpful idea, but I wouldn't call anyone to help me out inside my home like that.  I just wouldn't be comfortable with a stranger in my house and I'd be afraid they might be after my baby or something.  There are just so many crazy people out there.  You never know.  I would be comfortable with someone helping out by doing grocery shopping or running some errands though.  That would've helped a LOT!

Answer 7

I think it is a lovely idea. I think people would jump on the offer, especially if it was free.  

Answer 8

Would you do this strictly as a volunteer or run it as a for profit business type thing?  Some  people may not be comfortable having a "stranger" come in to help but I think it would be a blessing to many new families out there. Sounds like this is something close to your heart so maybe you could ask some of your girl friends or at your church if they think it is a good idea. You could make up some business cards and post them at the doctor's office/grocery board/give to friend s t pass out, and see if anyone calls and asks for help. Talking to the other contacts that you know whould also be insightful.

Answer 9

I think this is a great idea! The only thing is, like you mentioned, security. I am a new mom to a beautiful 11 day old baby girl and I have huge security issues when it comes to her. Maybe talk it over with local law enforement, run an advertisement in the local paper, hand out flyers and speak on your local news/radio about the idea so that the public is well aware of what you are trying to do. All in all I think it is an awesome idea. I wish you were here in my city!  

Answer 10

Thanks!  Its definitely a good idea.

I remember the first few weeks when I was alone with my baby and I couldn't even take my lunch in peace!

I know of some couples who would like to have a helper to come in a maid but don't like the idea of a stranger staying in the same household.  Your idea will suit them as you can do be there for a few hours to help out with laundry or just to take care of the young ones while the parents have some time to relax.

What will be your charges like?

Answer 11

It sounds like you are describing a postpartum doula.  There are organizations such as DONA (http://www.dona.org/) who offer certifications in this area.  Training through a workshop may help you appear more professional and give you an avenue for advertisement of your services.  Doula work is normally a paid job, but it doesn't pay well anyhow.  Many families can't afford this luxury, (and personally I don't really see help as a luxury, it's a need) and would really appreciate a volunteer.

I'm sure you would be able to find business helping families with new babies regardless of how you go about it.  We live in a society with far too little support for new moms. I think it's a great idea!

Answer 12

It most definately is something worth trying! You have nothing to lose :) I wish I had someone like you when my daughters were younger. I would have people offer to watch my daughters and I was always annoyed. I would say "no thanks but you can clean my house!" ...They always thought I was joking!

Answer 13

I had my mom too (thank GOD), but if not, I would have taken a volunteer!

EDIT:

Try going through your local Le Leche League.  There is a network of women that belong to these groups who could probably put you touch with some needy moms...

Answer 14

As long as it was an actual certified thing and not just some stranger telling me they would help me i would def. do it.  

Answer 15

Brilliant! I really think this is a great idea - you are right many moms have no help at all!

Answer 16

I think that's a great idea!

Answer 17

I would use you! It's just my husband and I here. I am due in a couple of weeks and I have a three year old son. To top it off, my husband is in school full time and works full time. The only day of the week I have him is on Sunday and on Monday mornings. He's gone Tues-Sat from 8am until midnight. I would love someone that offered what you are talking about. Of course I would have to see a criminal background check, references, etc.... But, yea!!!

Answer 18

It is absolutely wonderful that you would be willing to do this on your own time! I think that even if you could maybe even just bring dinner that could be frozen and just stuck in the oven when needed for the first week would be a great help with new mothers, as I know I had no time to even think about what I was cooking. And the fact that you are volunteering is awsome. People who can afford it usually do. The ones who can't afford to pay are usually the ones who need  the most help. God Bless you and good luck!