- Joined
- Mar 22, 2010
- Messages
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Crone:
hag, old woman
Importunate:
beg, request persistently.
Why risk your baby's health?
Mothers, pick an accredited confinement lady for peace of mind
Letter from Serene Lim 05:55 AM Jun 22, 2010
I AM four months pregnant and have been introduced to a freelance confinement lady by a friend, who hired the confinement lady to help to cope with her newborn.
The confinement lady stayed at her place for 28 days and her main duties were to take care of the newborn baby and to prepare meals for the new mother. Her going rate is $1,800 plus a red packet.
When I spoke to this confinement lady, I found out that she actually holds a Social Visit Pass. From what I understand, Social Visit Pass holders are not allowed to work in Singapore. A proper work permit must be obtained before one can work.
She tried to reassure me that she could say that she is helping a "relative or friend" instead of working. She claimed that she has done it many times and it is "very safe", that the authorities would not know any better, and that "a lot of her relatives and friends who are confinement nannies are doing the same", so there is nothing to worry about.
She added that she could recommend her friends "with proper permits" to me - at a higher price, of course - if I was concerned about the legal issues.
I later found out that the "proper permit" she referred to is actually the Long Term Social Visit Pass - which does not negate the need for a valid work permit.
Besides, she pointed out, they are very much in demand as "there are not a lot of locals willing to do this kind of dirty job".
From the conversation, I gathered that there are quite a number of Malaysian women who make use of the 30-day Social Visit Pass to come into Singapore under the pretext of taking a holiday or visiting relatives, but who instead come to work as a confinement lady illegally.
She further explained the "benefits" of not obtaining a valid work permit: The confinement ladies have more freedom to operate as they wish, can earn more and "are cheaper" compared to those who obtain a proper work permit (which requires a levy to be paid) or work through an accredited agency. This is actually a win-win situation for themselves and employer, she said.
But this is clearly not true.
Many people may not be aware that engaging a confinement nanny without a valid work permit is an offence.
For another thing, it is unfair for the local confinement nannies who take pains to obtain a valid work permit.
Legal issues aside, one should reconsider going down this route for the sake of their children. To obtain a work permit, one needs to first be tested for various ailments including tuberculosis, hepatitis B and HIV.
Bear in mind that these nannies will come into close contact with the newborn baby and vulnerable, recuperating mothers.
Also, one wonders if they are trained in basic hygiene, especially since they are handling food for mothers, and milk for babies.
And are they properly trained to handle infants, especially in emergency situations?
http://www.todayonline.com/Voices/EDC100622-0000048/Why-risk-your-babys-health?
hag, old woman
Importunate:
beg, request persistently.
Why risk your baby's health?
Mothers, pick an accredited confinement lady for peace of mind
Letter from Serene Lim 05:55 AM Jun 22, 2010
I AM four months pregnant and have been introduced to a freelance confinement lady by a friend, who hired the confinement lady to help to cope with her newborn.
The confinement lady stayed at her place for 28 days and her main duties were to take care of the newborn baby and to prepare meals for the new mother. Her going rate is $1,800 plus a red packet.
When I spoke to this confinement lady, I found out that she actually holds a Social Visit Pass. From what I understand, Social Visit Pass holders are not allowed to work in Singapore. A proper work permit must be obtained before one can work.
She tried to reassure me that she could say that she is helping a "relative or friend" instead of working. She claimed that she has done it many times and it is "very safe", that the authorities would not know any better, and that "a lot of her relatives and friends who are confinement nannies are doing the same", so there is nothing to worry about.
She added that she could recommend her friends "with proper permits" to me - at a higher price, of course - if I was concerned about the legal issues.
I later found out that the "proper permit" she referred to is actually the Long Term Social Visit Pass - which does not negate the need for a valid work permit.
Besides, she pointed out, they are very much in demand as "there are not a lot of locals willing to do this kind of dirty job".
From the conversation, I gathered that there are quite a number of Malaysian women who make use of the 30-day Social Visit Pass to come into Singapore under the pretext of taking a holiday or visiting relatives, but who instead come to work as a confinement lady illegally.
She further explained the "benefits" of not obtaining a valid work permit: The confinement ladies have more freedom to operate as they wish, can earn more and "are cheaper" compared to those who obtain a proper work permit (which requires a levy to be paid) or work through an accredited agency. This is actually a win-win situation for themselves and employer, she said.
But this is clearly not true.
Many people may not be aware that engaging a confinement nanny without a valid work permit is an offence.
For another thing, it is unfair for the local confinement nannies who take pains to obtain a valid work permit.
Legal issues aside, one should reconsider going down this route for the sake of their children. To obtain a work permit, one needs to first be tested for various ailments including tuberculosis, hepatitis B and HIV.
Bear in mind that these nannies will come into close contact with the newborn baby and vulnerable, recuperating mothers.
Also, one wonders if they are trained in basic hygiene, especially since they are handling food for mothers, and milk for babies.
And are they properly trained to handle infants, especially in emergency situations?
http://www.todayonline.com/Voices/EDC100622-0000048/Why-risk-your-babys-health?
