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Nadine Silverthorne’s love of journaling began in Grade One with the entry, “I am the greatest dancer!” Two babies (and countless diaper changes) later, she has found her home away from home as editor of SweetMama. Don’t miss her humorous bi-weekly accounts of the joys and pains of working while raising them fabulous.

Sweetmama Survival Guide: Outsourcing

canada (Dec.12.08)    


I don't know why I find certain aspects of domestic life so hard, but I do. My mom managed to do it all and I don't remember her complaining. She was home with us until I was a tween though, and I do recall a lot of "TV as the babysitter" and being sent to our room to play so she could catch up on Y&R while peeling potatoes. (Multitasking!)

But it's the trying to have a career with "two kids under four" that's killing me and my former hipster-meets-Martha Stewart self. (Note: referring to yourself as a former hipster makes you instantly old and uncool.) My house is a mess. My tree isn't up. (Well, I managed the stockings and the Santa photo...) Outwardly, everything looks peachy (because we never entertain inside our 830 sq ft "all we can afford to live downtown" house), but inside is a home that is crying out for order on all fronts.

So I've been outsourcing: Hiring women who are good at things I suck at to help make my life easier. I never thought I'd be THAT woman, but outsourcing is helping me cope with the tough parts of this mommy gig. Here's what I've tried so far.

1. The Cleaning Lady: Oh sweet Rosanna. What I wouldn't give up to have her come every week (clearly I am bad at budgeting, because if I truly meant this I would give up those lattes). At first I felt bad about someone else doing my floors. Then I told myself that would be like feeling bad for getting the mechanic to fix your car. She's an expert. She takes half the time I would and when I come home on Rosanna days I have five whole minutes of bliss before the kids undo it all.

2. The Time Doctor: I recently reviewed the Time Doctor's service for the site. I'm really chronologically challenged and this woman is a pro at helping parents organize their time. And some day, when I have the time, I'll start to implement her recommendations. (Yeah, I get a big F on that one, but I still think she's worth it.)

3. *The Sleep Doula: This is a resource that's been getting a lot of buzz in Toronto mom circles. A nice woman who give you tips and tricks on getting your baby to sleep better, and if needed, will come to your house to make sure everyone is getting their Zzzs? Sign me up! (It's midnight and Lucy has been up twice already.)

Tracey Ruiz, THE Sleep Doula, instantly put me at ease. She has a voice that could lull angels to sleep. Not for a second did she make me like a bad mommy for the choices I've made in regards to Lucy's sleep habits. She said that it takes a day to create or undo any bad habits in babies, and that within three nights of following her methods we should see a marked improvement on the situation.

She did recommend consulting with your family doctor before attempting any sleep training, to rule out ear infections or sleep apnea. So I don't have anything really to report just yet, until we see the doctor Monday. Stay tuned.

What are you outsourcing these days? Should I try any of it? Email me.

* It's been a while since we first reviewed the Sleep Doula. Due to well-deserved demand, her prices have changed since that review. A basic consultation is $225, and in-home support is $50/hr for Tracey or $40/hr for one of her assistants.


Tags:  nadine silverthorne, outsourcing, nighttime support, sleep doula, toddler not sleeping, baby whisperer, baby won't sleep, night waking, tracey ruiz, teething, baby getting up at night



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