For those who use in-home daycare or SAHMs for childcare

[JessicaE]

I currently share call time with another doula. I'm on call 50% of the time, on the days that my husband is off.

I'd like to take on one client a month on my own (in addition to the shared births), and I'm trying to figure out childcare. I think my ideal situation would be a very available SAHM or an in-home daycare, where I could drop them during the day, or DH could drop them early morning before work.

I know a few SAHMs who have said they'd be willing to help out if needed. I'm not sure they really understand what this means. Trip to the beach planned? Here, my kids are coming along. Doctor's visit today? You'll have my two as well.

We don't have family in the area, and a drop-in center isn't an option, because DH works until 7 p.m.


How do others work this? Do you have just one person, or several possibilities? How much do you pay them? Do they come to you, or do you take the kids to them? I think I'm just terrified that even with three or four options, I wouldn't be able to find anyone to take them. My DH is a police officer/firefighter and absolutely cannot leave his job in the middle of the day.

Thanks for any insights!

[amymaew]

Quote:

Originally Posted by JessicaE I know a few SAHMs who have said they'd be willing to help out if needed. I'm not sure they really understand what this means. Trip to the beach planned? Here, my kids are coming along. Doctor's visit today? You'll have my two as well.

One of my many babysitters was a SAHM who didn't quite get what on call meant. She'd be surprised when I'd call and say I had to leave and could I drop my kids off in 20 minutes, even though I *thought* I had explained it clearly. I would think your best bet would be someone who either works or has worked an on call job, kwim? I understand that by saying I'll watch my midwife's kids, she might call me at 3am, but not everyone understands that. Good luck figuring it out! I like having 4 or 5 options for childcare - doesn't mean I'll use them all, but you never know. One time I went through 7 people before I found someone I could leave them with!

[KristinDoula]

I have a few friends I can call. One of them actually does daycare in her home, so if she is not full for the day, that works out great. As for what I pay her...she just tells me what I owe each time based on how long they were there, how many of them she had (a couple times she only had 3 of them due to one being out of town once and one being at day camp once), and what she charges normally for drop-in for that many hours. (Or at least I *think* she charges me her regular rate, as I've told her not to give me a break. )

I am actually planning to try to work out some more options with some of the teenaged homeschooled girls we know...talk with them and their parents about them being on call for me for certain dates. I'm just trying to work out in my mind how to compensate them for being on call.

[LParks]

I'm glad you posted this. I'm wondering the same thing. My dh thankfully has a very flexible job so he can be very available. I have a friend around the corner who siad she would do it, but i'm afraid she doesn't really "get it" and I don't want to put a strain on our relationship. Hope it works out for you.

[doulaalysen]

I like the idea of a homeschooled teen. I seem to always have at least one friend who homeschools so that could be a real option. They would be old enough to spend the night at my house if my husband is deployed. Yeah, I might keep that in mind at our next duty station. Other than that, I really like the idea of working closely with another doula in the same situation. Then the only time there is a real problem is if you both have a birth at the same time. I am definetly feeling the pressure since we are moving to N.Carolina in November and I don't know anyone. It's going to take a while before I'll be able to take on any clients.

[JessicaE]

Thanks for all these great ideas and insights! I'm getting closer to having this all figured out.