Confinement

15 weeks 4 days

the topic of engaging a confinement lady (CL) have been pretty much weighing on me for the past 1 week or so. still caught in a dilemma as to whether we can handle in the absence of a CL.

Brought this topic up for dicussion with daddy a few times but yet to make a firm / sound decision as yet. Lots of discussions and advices pouring in from forum and surrounding friends (experienced parents) as well.

We are quite certain and determined initially that we will handle just as well without a CL after balancing the pros & cons. However this determination was shaken by kind advices shared by others as a warning to us to have it in our expectation coming our way should we not engage one.

~ Pros of having a CL ~

Quality rest for mummy
Proper confinement food for mummy
Night care-giver (of course not in the case of breastfeeding unless on expressed milk)
Day care - giver (mummy can rest with peace of mind)
Baby's chores (e.g. washing Baby's clothings + milk bottles + sterilisation, bathing etc)

~ Cons of having a CL ~

Prices too steep of around $3K (EDD supposedly CNY)
Privacy (stranger in the house)
Uncertainty of 'quality' of CL (performance equates to price paid)
Indifferences in care-giving methods

As our EDD falls over CNY, we need to make a decision real soon otherwise it's either CLs decide to give themselves a rest over the festive season or taken up.

As daddy would usually be on long leave for 2 weeks or more over CNY, he can help out but uncertain if he can take over being daytime care-giver for mummy to catch up on the resting portion. Wonder if he will be able to handle Baby since he had totally no prior experience with infants.

The last resort will be turning to my mum for help but fearing that it might be taxing for her since she is vendoring her own food stall.