I personally wouldn't hire someone else to raise my child even if I could afford it. It's something I'm going to want to do myself. Don't get me wrong, if you can afford a Nanny and you've got a busy lifestyle, well that's your option. Just don't forget they need you too.

I had a friend who would watch him at times, but never paid her or had the money to have a nanny. Although sometimes I think it would be a good idea, as long as they are not the one raising your child.

No nanny! I want the joy of raising my own child.

I think at times that there might be a need to have a nanny or someone to watch your children, but for raising purposes Amber is really correct. Why have them if you are going to have someone else do the job.

From my perspective it is very good when a women realizes that she just cannot do it on her own. Since most parents work and some are not able to be around as much as they would like to be because they are taking care of earning for the family, it is important to know that you need help and can get it.

I'm my babie's mama! I've spent the first 3 years of his life with him, it has left us hand to mouth broke, disconnect notices at every turn, but I wouldn't give those years back to let someone ELSE hear his first words or see his first steps.

Now I'm looking for work, and I'm looking for childcare, probably my mother. But I'd totally have loved a nanny even from the beginning! I'd still be raising my baby, but when it came down to me sobbing because I'd been completely ostracized from friends and family and had no life and couldn't even be guaranteed a weekly shower, yeah, if you can afford someone to help you, by all means do yourself a favor.

Right now I have an 8 month old girl, I have been 'away' from her a total of maybe four hours (in the same house, but her gram was taking care of her, when she was about a month old.....I really needed a nap).

When I had my son in 02, I went back to work 1 1/2 month later, and worked over night shift (11hrs, 4 days a week), I dragged myself around, and wished I had a nanny, but no such luck. When his father and I split, I would watch him on my days (when his father works days and I still worked nights), or when his daddy needed a break,, that worked for about the first 6 months. Then he had his very first babysitter, a family friend that was awesome.

I still am abit sad looking back at all I missed, but I do agree if you have the $ and need the help, its always a good idea.