I don't disagree with doula peeps. My mother had a lady who lived-in and helped with everything for my younger brothers. Dads may not always be around in a functioning family. They will be busy making money. So mums sits at home, breast-feeding, changing nappies and burping baby. But the most important part is feeding, often. And of course, breast-feeding tends to conk out the mothers, if they are not fed themselves. So mum may be half-asleep most of the time, from doing that 24/7. There will be chores that someone should do. Many. many. A baby will mean washing machine should be going all day long, for example. They poop, All. The Time.

Then there is the household cooking and eating drama. Dishes pile up. Dad could do them when he comes home (after doing the shopping), but he will be tired, and may believe that Mum is just sitting around 'doing nothing' judging by the state of the house.

So, if someone else can come in and bring a little sanity in those early years, I think that's great.