A week in the life of a nanniless working mum
The big picture
When Alexandra was born I didn't give childcare or my future routine much thought. ‘Wait and see’, I’d blithely smile when concerned relatives asked about postnatal childcare. Now, I’ve joined the legion of modern mums attempting to work, clean, change nappies and maintain a career all on a daily basis, and all without the aid of a nanny.
I work as a freelance journalist and broadcaster. I have deadlines to meet and I’m live on TV and radio several times a week. Looking back, I was dreaming of a maternal utopia. This week, however, after several eighteen-hour days, I ruefully accept that my dream has become, if not a nightmare, then certainly a crash course in crisis management.
Saturday
10am
The baby has no clean clothes, and I am reduced to stirring my tea with a knife – so I spend the entire day cleaning and washing instead of writing. Knock on effect is that I now forfeit most of my Sunday to work.
Sunday
7am
At my computer writing an overdue article.
2pm
Still writing. My husband has gone to his rehearsal and Alexandra is bored and wriggly on my lap. Feeling guilty because, although I haven’t yet resorted to sitting her in front of a ‘Tellytubbies’ video, most of her day is spent staring at my computer screen instead.
We go swimming together.
Midnight
Arrive home after Edwina Currie’s R5 show. Took Alex with me to the BBC and she gurgled noisily throughout the interview. In the studio, embarrassed the gorgeous TV presenter, who was also a guest, by breast-feeding Alex. She’s now wide-awake, damn.
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Created: 11/04/2001 Updated: 23/01/2006
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