I was at my wits end with my 12 month old daughter when I heard through a friend about 'Super Nanny', Nuala.

From the day I brought my baby girl home from the hospital, she never slept a full night and as she was my first and I had no experience, I thought this was the norm. I was constantly told and subsequently believed that in time she would 'grow out of it' and settle down. This behaviour continued and progressively worsened for twelve months. By that time our life was unbearable and I was finding it impossible to function on a daily basis. I didn't feel safe stepping outside my front door, let alone driving, as I was so sleep deprived. It got to the stage where I dreaded the start of a new day.

I went to see my G.P., my Public Health Nurse, Paediatrician, Osteopath on numerous occasions, fighting back the tears, looking for help. But I was constantly told 'it happens', 'she will eventually settle'. One G.P. told me 'We’ve all been there, worn the t-shirt, you just have to get on with it'!

My husband and I couldn't even look at each other, we were so exhausted, talking turned to 'snapping'. We couldn't have our friends round because we had no routine - our child was up all day and all night and because she was so exhausted she was constantly cranky and naturally lost interest in eating which in turn made her a very unhappy baby. In short, we were all very unhappy until Nuala saved us.

Once I contacted Executive Nannies and explained my situation, I immediately felt relief. Jenny assured me that my life would change, and the life of my very upset little girl. Admittedly, I was very dubious, but I was so desperate I'd have tried anything.

By the second night, Nuala had my little girl sleeping in her cot, throughout the night. Nuala observed our routine and adjusted accordingly. When it came time for bed, Nuala showed us what to do, and also gave me advice on the feeding time and behavioural issues.

Now, my Husband and I have a life. We can now have friends around once baby is in bed and we can even organise a babysitter while we go out for dinner! Our little girl is now the happy, playful, loving little baby she should have been and we enjoy her so much we're thinking of having another!

The staff in the Agency are fantastic, Jenny listened to me with such genuine care and patience, that if it hadn't been for her gentle persuasion I never would have been ready to give it a go with Nuala. I have no hesitation in recommending Nuala and Executive Nannies, I only wish I had known sooner such life saver's existed.

A big Thank You to everyone at Executive Nannies for saving my sanity!

MICHELLE PENSTON

October 2008