Bee's Reviews
Maternity Nurse
Below are the parent reviews for Bee. Back to Bee's profile
Average Rating:
(3.91 from 11 reviews)
Rebecca thank you so much for coming to my family as a Daily Maternity Nurse for my newborn Alice in January 2020.
I required a Maternity Nurse with nanny experience so I had someone who was familiar with all stages of growth anf development. Rebecca is a Qualified Mat Nurse with extensive childcare experience outside of this. I had Alice in January but also have my 3 year old Oscar to care for. Becca was hands on with both Alice and Oscar and there would be days I would alternate which child she would care for so I wazs able to spread my time between the two without the older one feeling like too much had changed. Rebecca was organised, supporticve, reliable and really down to earth. Although it initially was a business arrangement, i believe I have made a lifelong friend and have someone that the children grew very attached to and respect on call if need be for any occasion.
Rebecca was so supportive during the COVID-19 outbreak, she was reliable, attended work, she was repsonsible, enforcing handwashing, wearing masks (only outside as I did not want external masks inside). She was respectful of the rule that I did not want the children to leave the house on any occasion, she came up with plenty of ideas to keep my 3 year old engaged and occupied. My partner is a doctor and the level of support I required increased dramitically mid march until currently. Becca was flexible, accomodating for late finishes and early starts. It has been a whirlwind but I got through it and feel ready to take on anything, the year was a learning experience for myself, not only familiarising with having 2 children, with double the needs, and the added anxiety of the events occuring.
Thank You for everything Becca! When we return to London I will come back to scoop you up as our Permanent Full Time Nanny.
Overall-
Setting
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Cleanliness
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Food
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Communication
We had all the best intentions to consider Becca as a nanny for our newborn. We've agreed with her on a time to meet for an interview, moved our schedules to accommodate, and she simply didn't show up and didnt let us know that she's not going to show up. I would not trust a person that behaves that way with our most precious one. It's utterly unprofessional and unfair. I see that other reviewers had the same problem - so it's definitely not a one off, but probably a way to treat people.
Overall-
Communication
by
Alex
about
Bee
on 07/01/2019
Response by
Bee
on 07/01/2019:
Thank you for your review. I accept I did not let you know in advance that I was unable to attend the interview. I informed you in a text message that my mother was unwell and I went to hospital with her I apologised for any inconvenience and offered to reschedule. You then called me later on in the day and I instantly apologised for the fact you felt I had wasted your time and explained my mum was taken to hospital with a blood clot and it slipped my mind to contact you - to which you replied I am not a medical professional I only went as support - you should have messaged us, unfortunately my mind was preoccupied with worry and it wasn’t as high a priority as being with my mother. I apologised profusely several times - you refused to accept my apology and continued to say you would be writing a bad review, I felt honestly like you were shouting down the phone at me like I was a child - you totally overreacted. I feel it is unfair for you to judge my character, trustworthiness and professionalism based on a missed interview. I personally would advise other nannies not to work for this family. You were unsympathetic, you shown zero sympathy or compassion. I understand I’m in the wrong for not letting you know far enough in advance - but I would not want to work for anyone that isn’t understanding that my mother got very unwell and I needed to go with her to the hospital. On this occasion I feel this we don’t share the same values and are completely incompatible work wise.
Becca started working with my daughter since she was 12 weeks old. Surprisingly my daughter took to her extremely well during the interview and this was vital for me. My daughter suffered with extreme seperation anxiety issues, before Becca came along I was unable to leave my daughters field of vision let alone the room, within 1-2 weeks of starting my daughter didn't even blink, for me it was amazing because I was finally able to get out and about and do some things in prep for returning to work.
I was completely confident leaving Rebecca in sole charge of my daughter. Their bond is absoloutly amazing. My daughter sees Becca as more of a big sister then a nanny. Rebecca was there to help Ava to develop her english language, devolop her core and motor skills. From Weening, to crawling, to potty training, walking - all stages of development Rebecca assisted in.
Unfortunately after 2 years we decided to put Ava into Full Time Nursery and could not offer Rebecca the same hours so unfortunately she had to leave to compensate for this. Rebecca still regularly babysits and attends my daughters school plays various times throughout the years. I was always unsure of outsourcing childcare for my daughter, but I have complete confidence in Rebecca and her skills.
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Overall
I rarely write reviews but since this job is all about trust I had to. Rebecca is really unprofessional and unreliable. We were supposed to meet 3 times and she cancelled on me 2 times and the last one with even no warning...She never replied to any of my voice mails or text messages. At the end I am not even sure about the excuses she made for the first 2 meetings she did cancel. I am very closed to give birth so instead of saying I am not interesting...she just kept her options opened. This is not only unprofessional to say the least but when you are a maternity nurse we expect a bit more from you. This job is not only about money and being booked..if so I would advice you to change career...
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Overall
I employed Rebecca in August 2014 for 4 weeks to help me with my 5 week old twin boys. Rebecca was very professional and respectful towards me and my family. Rebecca dealt with all of the contracts and any questions I had were answered clearly.
Rebecca helped me find a method to cope with both of the babies and gave me invaluable advice on routines and feeding patterns so that I would be able to be well rested and like I could manage and cope with so much going on at once.
My boys are now still in the same sleeping pattern Rebecca and I customised for them and they now sleep all the way through the night from 8pm-8am.
Rebecca's experience was invaluable and very effective. If I have any more children after these two wonderful boys, I will definitely be booking Rebecca again.
I highly recommend Rebecca's skills.
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Overall
I employed Rebecca after she cared for my first-?born Elli for 3 months in Feb 2012. I knew as soon as I found out I was pregnant that I needed to get back into contact with Rebecca. So I employed her to care for my Newborn Twins as their Night Maternity Nurse.
Rebecca worked with me and my family for 5 nights a week – 12 weeks in total.
Rebecca was also great, extremely flexible and happy to help out with Ellie as well. Ellie has a separate Nanny but there was a period when our Nanny was unwell and Rebecca helped muck in and made life miles easier.
I didn’t know what to expect, I had Elli in February 2012. I found motherhood demanding and a huge transition for me, so to be having twins this time round I was terrified. I spent many hours in the night with Rebecca during feeds and just times that I could not sleep, we would talk about routines and my plans for the twins, what I would like, how I want to achieve those results.
Rebecca was excellent, she handled everything;
Washing of the twins laundry, prepping and sterilisation of feeding equipment, settling and winding the babies after feeds, teaching us to deal with Reflux and Colic –both babies suffered with it quite severely, advising on breastfeeding methods and feeding routines specific to twins, occasionally cooking meals for me to make sure I was getting what I needed. I was even able to create a meal plan with her to make sure I was eating all the nutrients I need and to also help me get back to pre-?pregnancy weight healthily.
Rebecca has a lot of helpful knowledge and I never ever felt like she pushed her ways on me, it was always relaxing and calm when Rebecca was around. Rebecca knew how to respect our home and our personal space and she would know when to leave us alone for family time, she was never overbearing.
Rebecca also offered to babysit the two children once a week so I could spend some time with my other half. Rebecca was fantastic the first time and exceptional the second.
Rebecca helped me find a method to manage in the midst of all the madness. I know if I have any more, I will not work with anyone else.
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Overall
by
Parent
about
Bee
on 08/09/2014
Response by
Bee
on 09/09/2014:
Hello Danielle,
Thank you so much for your review! I hope you and the children are doing well.
Kind Regards,
Rebecca x
This is the second time I have employed Rebecca as my Maternity Nurse. Rebecca worked with my family for over 4 years and has worked for both my sister and myself.
Rebecca already knew I had major complications with my first pregnancy and this pregnancy was expected to be just as high risk. Luckily I didn’t have to have a C-section and my wonderful Reon was born healthy and happy.
Rebecca started work for me on 01/05/2014 for 8 weeks (until 18/08/2014). In this time I encountered many problem with Reon that I did not face with Aid. Reon started to develop rashes on his body and face and Rebecca suggested I try a new formula and see if this helps. Rebecca suspected a cows milk allergy after a week. Reon also was showing signs of Silent Reflux and severe colic. Rebecca suggested several remedies and options for us to tackle and handle this whether it be via a medical or natural route.
Rebecca really helped me to understand Reon’s condition and since she has left I have been managing it effectively. I have been able to make sure that he has everything he needs and gets all the nutrition that he requires.
Reon is a happy healthy boy that now sleeps through the night thanks to a practical and easy to approach routine that we came up with together.
Rebecca is very understanding, considerate and completely respectful towards our wishes (mine and my husbands) and constantly implementing what we requested. I never felt like Rebecca just came in and took over, yes she was very hands on – but also informative and made sure I was fully prepared to deal with two young boys under 6 confidently before she left me to it.
I recommend Rebecca 100%, I can’t imagine having children without her.
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Overall
by
Parent
about
Bee
on 07/09/2014
Response by
Bee
on 09/09/2014:
Once again Naki, a pleasure working with you. It never feels like work, always like home.
I look forward to seeing you and the boys as I continue to do occasional ad-hoc work with you.
Rebecca x
I had to make last minute childcare arrangement, two days before I had a C-Section for my second child. My mom was not able to make it to London and the Nanny was scheduled to start work in September - so it was imperative I had help for a week or so after the C-Section.
At the initial meeting, I stressed that I needed her to be very flexible and I would be requiring her services for a short duration until I was able to sort out my childcare needs. Therefore, I requested for 24/6 care for the first week and for the subsequent weeks - I asked for 12 hours daily or nightly service. The second week was dependent on either my Mom arriving or the prospective Nanny being able to start work earlier than planned. I explained severally why I required her to be flexible - all my plans were up in the air and I was taking each day as it came.
After I had my baby - I paid for the week upfront with the understanding (on my part) that I would pay for the subsequent week in the same way - if I still required her service. She asked for a deposit in addition to the payment I had already made - and it took several tos and fros before she explained that the deposit was to "secure her availability for me in the subsequent weeks".
I was quite happy to pay the deposit - even though I thought it was taking the piss - because I had already paid upfront for the service I required. But she turned around and cancelled the contract on a flimsy and ridiculous excuse (that I binned the contract - I was expecting her to prepare a new contract and of course threw the old one in the bin!!!)
So, post a major abdominal surgery, she upped and left me with a 4 day old baby - no iota of human compassion or common decency or sense to think of how dangerous it was.
I would advice prospective parents to think carefully before contacting this person. She had no qualms about abandoning me without help - 4 days after a C-Section with a newborn baby. She is more interested in grabbing as much money as she can off vulnerable people under the guise of "Terms of Contract".
Please avoid her at all cost.
On a final note - I found another reliable and fantastic Maternity Nurse (who did not demand a deposit) and whom I'm happy to say has agreed to be a Nanny to my children.
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Overall
by
MsToni
about
Bee
on 26/08/2014
Response by
Bee
on 07/09/2014:
Toni came to me on the 8th of August 2014 and required me to start the following week – her mothers visa fell through and she had no idea when she would be able to make it here. Toni asked about my long term availability after January 2015 and then stated in a following email she would be happy to continue for as long as I am available until she could secure a full time nanny for her children, she also said that she would still need night cover.
Maternity nurses get booked up well in advance and unfortunately I was not available for the first week as she required 24 hour cover – I arranged for a very good friend and exceptional maternity nurse to cover Toni for the first week and I would take over after that.
Due to it being short notice I draw up all the contracts and paperwork. I emailed Toni a copy of the contracts and specifically asked her if she was happy with the terms and would she like to amend or add any of her own – to this Toni said she was happy with everything in the contract – including deposit terms.
All maternity nurses will ask for a security deposit. Toni made it clear she did not have an end date to employment and it would be as soon as her mum arrived – Me and my colleague Elli were not informed it would be within a week as you have written in your review.
When it came to sitting down and signing the contract the new baby was due a feed so the contracts were left unsigned and on the kitchen table.
You paid the full weeks salary in advance; the contracts stated salary is to be paid weekly – in arrears. I explained to you that you had paid too much, that I would refund you half and keep the deposit amount and you would be required to pay Elli’s full salary the following week. You stated you did not understand and I explained this to you several times myself. The deposit was to secure our availability (mine + Elli’s) and would be deducted from the final weeks salary, all you were required to do was to give one weeks notice regarding end of employment.
You requested flexibility, this was no problem and any self-employed individual has to protect them self against being at a financial loss. You wanted me to clear my calendar until January with no security deposit, that means I turn down other work and I am completely unavailable for others, but totally flexible for you, but if you get rid of me within a week, I don’t have any time to source other work – I lose out massively.
We felt like you were stringing us along and I did not believe you were honest in your requirements. You were also heard on the phone saying that you “did not want to agree to the stupid terms”.
During my colleague’s night shift, you asked her to explain more about the deposit and what it was for at 4am – Elli said in the morning she would go over the contract with you and answer any questions and queries you may have. Elli then found the contracts in the bin the following morning. You have left me a bad review and I did not even commence work with you.
Professionally, it was my total error to not take the deposit before employment started, but it was so short notice and I did not want to keep asking as I felt it was rude. I am extremely disappointed, my colleague and me are excellent at what we do and are highly sought after and get booked up very quickly – our skills and expertise are worth their weight in gold.
Unfortunately I blame this error of judgement on myself. You employed us to care for your most precious possession. You did not care less about your employee’s commitments. It appeared as though you wanted to avoid paying the deposit at all costs. You expected us to be prepared to lose out on weeks of work in the event that your mother or nanny showed up.
I spent a lot of time arranging such short notice cover for you and on top of that offered you a substantial discount based on the agreement of on-going work. I was honest with you on all occasions. We spoke about the deposit on 4 occasions – you refused to pay it. You only agreed to pay the deposit once we handed in our termination of employment. The contract was void and the booking was never confirmed as no deposit was paid. My colleague felt that she could no longer work in an environment were there was no mutual respect towards our professionalism. All money was refunded to you less the pay for hours worked.
I do not respect the fact that you have cursed in my review on a website based on children’s care. It is offensive and upsetting, we both know that your reference is not a true reflection of events.
I employed Rebecca Smith between March and September 2013 to take care of my 9-month-old son. She initially worked three days per week between 8 am to 6pm increasing to four days per week for the final two months. She has been very flexible to accommodate additional hours and/or days when required. Rebecca was in sole charge of my son providing high levels of care ranging from basic feeding, nappy changing and dressing to maintaining a daily routine and introducing playful ways to entertain my son. She has been very creative to find new ways to stimulate and encourage his development beyond his toys (hand-eye coordination, first steps and words). During sunny days, she would take him out to our communal garden, local playground or park to play. She introduced swimming and his favourite outdoor activities to him and stimulated his limitless curiosity to explore the world and burn his energy (often sharing a few photos with us before she would go home in the evening). She would also take him to the library to attend reading and sing along classes or just to enjoy the soft play area. Rebecca is a very enthusiastic person, passionate about her job, reliable, trustworthy and supportive. She has developed a strong bond with my son, in part through her qualities of understanding a child’s needs. There hasn’t been a day that my son was unhappy to see her in the morning. For all these reasons, I believe she is a great support to any parent or family. I wish Rebecca best of luck with her new employment and hope to keep in touch with her for any future babysitting requirements
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Overall
by
Parent
about
Bee
on 04/01/2014
Response by
Bee
on 07/09/2014:
Hello Lubi,
Thank you so much for taking the time to post me a review. Working with you and Dominic has been an amazing experience.
He put a smile on my face every single day without fail and I look forward to occasionally babysitting when you require it.
Take care,
Rebecca x
Rebecca was recommended to me by my sister. Rebecca has helped my sister care for her son since birth.
When Rebecca started working for me I had a 2 year old son, Aldin. I was pregnant with my 2nd child and Rebecca gave me all the support I needed to prepare myself for the arrival of my second son Emil.
Rebecca spent several months caring for Aldin before Emil arrived. Rebecca gave him time and attention that was indescribably essential to preparing us both for a new family member.
Aldin is a very active and caring young boy, Rebecca regularly took him swimming and to the park to use his energy productively. Rebecca would take care of child related housekeeping tasks, and would continuously find things to do to keep Aldin entertained and occupied in an educational manner. Rebecca would bake with Aldin, read with him, play with building blocks and encourage his hand eye coordination through creative play.
When Emil arrived Rebecca was exceptional, she helped me get Emil into a routine within 2- 3 weeks. Emil suffered with some colic and Rebecca knew how to deal with this and make it so Emil was as comfortable as possible whilst this was happening. Rebecca helped me with weaning, and helping Emil to develop many skills. Rebecca also helped Aldin adjust to having Emil Around.
Rebecca would regularly care tor Aldin, Emil and Adi (My sister's son) all at once. Rebecca was able to manage all three boys effectively and they never had any complaints of the time they spent with Rebecca. All three boys are very sporty and energetic Rebecca was extremely organised and would babysit regularly after work hours also. She would deal with bath times. bedtimes and nursery work.
Rebecca has great experience and is fantastic when it comes to knowing what is good for the children and how to keep them productively engaged.
I would highly recommend Rebecca. she will bring a positive and playful vibe to your family home and will give support to you in ways you would never imagine.
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Overall
by
Parent
about
Bee
on 03/09/2013
Response by
Bee
on 07/09/2014:
Hello Mel,
Thank you so much for your review.
Working with you and your beautiful family was a pleasure and I look forward to working with you when number 3 arrives in March 2015.
Rebecca x
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