Sick Helper

I hired a helper who started 3.5 weeks ago. Her work is fine and no real issues there. The problem is that since she has started with me she has been sick on and off. This time she has gastric fever. When she is well, she seems to be a bit of a hypochondriac. In fact I had to tell her to put away a huge bag of pills/ panadol etc. so my toddler wouldn't mistake them for sweeties.


Here's the thing. Anyone who has read the fertility thread may have read my drama with my pregnancy. At present I am 6 months pregnant and I have had a very eventful and stressful pregnancy. My baby is being monitored and it may be the case that it is brought out early via C-Section. As a result my Doc has told me to take it easy, relax, gain some weight and be stress free. I have not had a full-time helper before and I am not that impressed about having to look after her as well as doing everything else. I really do not need to catch her fever and pass it onto my unborn or other child and as important, I really do not need her being sick when the baby is born, especially if prematurely.


I am not sure what to do? If she carries on being the walking wounded am I justified in replacing her. Normally I wouldn't be bothered by her being sick, I am just worried about passing this on and creating more problems with my pregnancy than I've already got. She told me she caught this due to being tired and not eating properly when she is in bed by 9.30pm every night, has a real easy job to do and has a house full of great food to eat and chooses to eat pot noodles instead.

I would get another one. You don't want to be replacing your helper after your new baby has arrived and you've 2 kids to look after and possibly a C-section to recover from. And if your present helper is not trying her best to stay in good health, why do you need to feel bad about it?

It's a bit of a rush for you but if you are up to it, it would be advisable to change a helper that you feel 'safe' (health-wise) and comfortable with. The thing is you need to relax during this period but fixing this problem now is also a necessity as you will benifit in the long run.....guess you have to decide soon.......maybe your husband can help.....ask for his opinion.

I would agree with the above, replace her now. My pregnancy was as uneventful as it can get and yet, I was appreciative of her small everyday gestures- making sure I eat on time, cutting me fruits... it makes a whole lot of difference to your mood, your sense of well being. You still have some time- really, find another one. And I wanted to write on your other thread- shame on the Dr that gave you that horrible scare.

Harsh reality but you have to consider yourself before her so the best thing would be to hire another and be rid of her. Your health and baby are paramount. You don't need a burden to add to your current responsibilities.

I agree with most of the other posters, if I were you, I would change her. There is a world of difference between finding a good helper (meaning suitable for you) and one that is not a good fit. It is not a matter of whether that helper is good or bad in absolute terms. She may be perfect for some other family, just not for you. And that means you should seriously consider cutting your losses now, b4 your baby comes.


(For example, when I was pregnant, I ended up hiring a helper who was caught in the middle of a labour tribunal case with her previous employer and whom she was on very very bad terms with. I hired her on my sister's recommendation (she knew my sister through my sister's helper who goes to the same church) as she was working part-time for my sister while waiting out her tribunal case. And she turned out fine for our household. So it just goes to show, there is no one-size-fits-all helper... it's different for everyone, depending on your needs and expectations.

A helper getting sick? Omg that's totally outrageous and completely unacceptable! Throw her out immediately!!

But complaining about getting sick from overwork after just a few weeks, going to bed early and just eating crap - I think she is taking the piss. I would have words, quickly and seriously.