Housekeeper

Where and how to book a housekeeper in Brazil?

What do housekeepers do for pregnant women?

Housekeepers in homes with pregnant foreign women in Brazil perform a wide range of duties customized to the needs of the expectant mother.

The main areas of their work include:

Maintaining cleanliness and comfort

Daily cleaning. Maintaining cleanliness in bedroom, bathroom and other rooms.
Disinfecting the premises. Regular cleaning with pregnancy-safe products.
Laundry and ironing. Clothing care, including delicate washing and handling of newborn clothes.
Space organization. Help in creating a comfortable environment, such as preparing a child's room.

Cooking

Preparation of menus. Preparation of balanced meals taking into account the recommendations of a doctor or nutritionist
Provide recipes and menus. It is important to discuss and provide recipes or menus in advance to accommodate the tastes and dietary needs of the pregnant or breastfeeding woman.
Meal preparation. The housekeeper can prepare everyday meals as well as special dietary meals recommended by a doctor or nutritionist (A nutritionist or nutritionist is a specialist who gives clients basic knowledge about the food they eat and prepares diets according to their health condition and requests).

Consideration of taste preferences. Preparing meals that are consistent with the pregnant woman's habits and diet.
Preparing snacks. Light and healthy snacks to help with toxicity or fatigue.

This is essential for a pregnant woman:

Maintaining a healthy diet rich in protein, vitamins and minerals.
Consideration of possible contraindications, e.g. avoiding raw foods, too salty or spicy foods.
Cooking dishes that help fight toxicosis (light soups, lean meat, vegetable dishes).

Necessary skills of a housekeeper

Cooking experience. Preferably, the housekeeper should have basic cooking skills and be able to work with a variety of recipes.
Understanding dietary requirements. If a woman has specific medical or religious dietary restrictions, the housekeeper must comply with them.
Cleanliness and safety. Cooking must be carried out in a sanitary manner to eliminate the risk of food infections.

How do you organize the process?

Discuss the menu in advance. Make a list of dishes or provide recipes so the housekeeper can prepare.
Grocery shopping. A housekeeper may do grocery shopping if it is specified in her duties.
Cooking schedule. Agree on when meals should be ready (e.g., fresh breakfast, lunch, and dinner).

The cost of such services

If cooking special meals requires extra time and effort, this may increase the housekeeper's pay. Such duties are usually included in the standard salary, but additional pay may be available if the duties are more complex (e.g. cooking complex meals).

Alternative

If the housekeeper doesn't have culinary skills or cooking requires a high level of skill (e.g., special dietary dishes), you might consider:

Hire a cook to prepare meals for the week.
Order meals from specialized delivery services, and the housekeeper can heat and serve the food.

Assistance in organizing everyday life

Product Procurement. Regular stock control and purchase of fresh ingredients.
Closet organization. Help in preparing maternity and newborn clothes.
Furniture assembly. Participation in the assembly and arrangement of furniture for the children's room (if required).

Caring for the comfort of the pregnant woman

Creating a relaxing atmosphere. Preparing a bath with aromatherapy or ensuring a quiet house.
Mobility support. Help with getting around at home or during doctor's appointments.
Help with luggage. If the pregnant woman is newly arrived in the country, the housekeeper can help with unpacking.

Preparation for childbirth

Packing a "birthing suitcase". helping to collect necessary items for the hospital.
Sterilization of baby supplies. processing of bottles, nipples, diapers and other baby products.
Help with planning. preparing the home for the return of mom and baby, including setting up a crib or stroller.

Services for the whole family

Care for older children (if any). Help with their feeding, activities and outings.
Supporting a support group. Cooking, cleaning or other tasks for family members or friends accompanying the pregnant woman.

Emotional support

Creating a friendly atmosphere. respectful and sensitive to a pregnant woman who is in a country that is new to her.
Minimizing stress. helping to eliminate household inconveniences so that the pregnant woman can focus on her health.

Communication and assistance with adaptation

Linguistic assistance. Basic translation (if the housekeeper knows the pregnant woman's language) or assistance in communicating with local services.
Household tips. Recommendations for products, local stores or traditions.

Postpartum care

Maintaining order. Cleaning a home with a newborn baby to hygienic standards.
Cooking for the breastfeeding mom. Dishes that promote lactation and recovery.
Infant care. If needed, help with changing diapers, changing diapers and bathing.

Features of services for foreign women

Housekeepers can be trained to be sensitive to cultural differences and respect the client's preferences.
If the pregnant woman does not know the local language well, companies like BabyinBrazil match housekeepers who speak English, Spanish or another client's language.

Housekeepers help the pregnant foreigner focus on her health and well-being by taking care of routine household chores. They provide comfort and help create a safe and peaceful home environment.

A homemaker can be an important assistant in organizing healthy meals for a pregnant or breastfeeding woman if she has the appropriate experience and skills. The key to success is to clearly discuss tasks and ensure access to the necessary resources (food, recipes).

What do housekeepers do in homes with a newborn?

e.g. diaper changing, putting to bed)?

Housekeepers in homes with a newborn and his or her foreign-born mother play a key role in providing comfort, order, and assistance with infant care. Their duties are customized to the specific needs of the family and include:

Maintaining cleanliness and hygiene

Housekeeping. Daily cleaning of floors, furniture, and surfaces to minimize dust and bacteria buildup.
Sterilization of items. Regular treatment of bottles, nipples, pacifiers, breast pump and other baby supplies.
Caring for the baby area. Ensuring the cleanliness of the crib, stroller, toys and other items.

Caring for things

Washing baby clothes. Using hypoallergenic products that are safe for the newborn's skin.
Ironing and sorting. Making sure everything is neatly folded and easily accessible.
Organizing things. Arranging and storing baby care items.

Help with the newborn

Care Support. Assist mom with diaper changes, bathing the infant, and dressing.
Skills training. If needed, the housekeeper can teach basic child care skills (such as safe swaddling).
Assistance with feeding. Preparing formula, heating breast milk, or helping you get ready to breastfeed.

Cooking

Balanced nutrition for mom. Preparing meals that take into account the special needs of a breastfeeding woman.
Snacks and beverages. Providing easy access to snacks and hydration needed for recovery and lactation.
Consideration of preferences. Cooking food taking into account the foreigner's tastes and dietary restrictions.

For a breastfeeding woman:

A diet high in nutrients that stimulate lactation.
Eliminating foods that cause allergies or colic in the infant (e.g., caffeine, certain types of spices).
Cooking meals that are easy to digest and provide energy to recover from childbirth.

Organization of household tasks

Purchasing groceries and supplies. Help you buy everything you need, including groceries, diapers, and baby products.
Task Scheduling. Managing household chores so mom can focus on the baby.
Preparing the house for guests. Cleaning and organizing the space for visiting friends or relatives.

Emotional and domestic support for the mother

Assisting with rest. Providing quiet and comfort so that mom can rest between feedings.
Stress reduction. Running small errands to reduce the young mom's workload.
Creating a calm atmosphere. A welcoming attitude and sensitivity to the emotional needs of the woman.

Services for the whole family

Helping older children. If there are other children in the family, the housekeeper can take care of feeding, playing and preparing them for school.
Supporting a support group. Caring for the domestic needs of accompanying relatives or friends.

Peculiarities of working with foreign women

Communication. Help in communicating with local stores, doctors, or services if the housekeeper knows mom's language.
Cultural aspects. Respect for family traditions and habits, including food and child care.
Flexibility. Ability to customize your responsibilities to meet your client's needs.

Special services

Nighttime infant care. helping to put your baby to bed and soothe him or her at night.
Help after a cesarean section. performing tasks that may be difficult for mom during the recovery period.
Ensuring safety. monitoring the infant so mom can go out on errands.

Additional Responsibilities

Scheduling medical appointments. Help you prepare for a visit to a doctor or clinic.
Accompaniment. If required, the housekeeper can accompany the mother and child on outings or appointments.
Assistance with paperwork. Help with local paperwork for the newborn (e.g., advice on how to gather the paperwork).

Housekeepers are becoming an important support for foreign women who have just given birth in Brazil. They provide cleanliness, order, comfort and help the mother focus on caring for the baby, minimizing stress and fatigue. Companies like BabyinBrazil can offer professionals with experience in these environments.

What is the difference between a housekeeper and a cleaner?

When hiring a person for a job, you should be clear about the difference between a housekeeper and a cleaner.

The difference between a housekeeper and a cleaner is the scope of duties, the type of work performed, and the level of involvement in the family's life.

Major and key differences include:

1- Duties of a housekeeper

Performs a wide range of household maintenance tasks: cleaning, cooking, closet maintenance, grocery shopping and minor repairs.
May help with children including infant care, recreational activities for older children, and help with their education.
Participates in the daily life of the family by creating comfort and maintaining order.

Cleaner

Specializes in house cleaning: floor cleaning, window cleaning, bathroom cleaning, dusting and dirt removal.
Doesn't do cooking, taking care of things, shopping, or organizing the household.
Usually works on an ad hoc or scheduled basis (e.g., once a week).

2. Involvement

Housekeeper

Works as a full-time family helper, often becoming part of daily life.
May work full-time or live in the employer's home, performing duties as needed.
Takes into account individual family needs, including special dietary, cultural or household preferences.

Cleaner

Comes to perform a specific task (cleaning) for a specific amount of time.
Minimizes interaction with family by focusing on his work.

3. skills and qualifications

A housekeeper often usually has a wide range of skills: cooking skills, knowledge of household appliances, experience in caring for children or the elderly. She may have specializations such as infant care, language skills, medical skills.

The cleaner has a primary focus on cleaning skills and knowledge of cleaning products. Her duties do not include experience in other areas such as cooking or childcare.

4. Duration of work

A housekeeper is usually employed on a long-term basis, and can be hired on a full-time, half-time, or live-in basis.

A cleaner, on the other hand, works on an ad hoc or negotiated basis (e.g., several times a week or month). A cleaner is not expected to be permanently employed by the same family.

5. Cost of services

Housekeepers cost more because they perform a variety of tasks. Pay is more often fixed per day, week or month, sometimes with accommodation and meals provided.

The cleaner is paid by the hour or per cleaning done, which makes the services cheaper. The price depends on the amount of work and how often it is done.

6. Examples of situations

If only tidiness is needed, a cleaner is fine for one-off or occasional cleaning.

If comprehensive care is required, a housekeeper will be indispensable, especially in families with children, pregnant women or the elderly.

A housekeeper is a versatile helper who takes care of various aspects of a family's household. A housekeeper is a specialist in maintaining cleanliness. The choice between them depends on your financial possibilities and needs: whether you need help only with cleaning or a full-fledged accompaniment in everyday life.

Payment for housekeepers' services

Pay for housekeepers in homes with pregnant women or newborn babies for foreign women in Brazil depends on a number of factors: the amount of work, qualifications, schedule (full-time, part-time or live-in) and region.

Key pricing considerations and typical rates are summarized below.

Factors affecting the cost

Scope of work

Caring for a pregnant or newborn baby requires additional skills, which increases the cost of services. Additional tasks such as preparing meals, sterilizing baby supplies, or helping with medical visits increase the cost.

Qualifications of a housekeeper

Housekeepers with infant care experience, medical skills or foreign language skills are more expensive.

Work schedule options

In a part-time job, a housekeeper works a few hours a day or a couple days a week.

In a full-time job, she has 8-12 hours of work a day.

A residential option is possible, which is a 24-hour presence with weekends by additional arrangement.

Region

Large cities such as São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro or Florianópolis have higher prices than smaller communities.

Average rates

Part-time employment

Cost. 80-150 BRL for 4-6 hours of work per day.
Often paid by the hour or per shift.

Full-time employment (without accommodation)

Cost. 2500-4500 BRL per month.
Possible to be paid for additional hours if overtime is required.

Full-time employment with accommodation

Cost: 3,500-6,500 BRL per month including accommodation and food.
Duties beyond standard work are often included (e.g., overnight infant care).

One-off services

150-300 BRL per visit if a housekeeper is hired for specific tasks (e.g., assisting with cleaning after childbirth).

Additional costs

Waiting hours. If the housekeeper accompanies mom to the clinic, for example, this time can also be paid (50-80 BRL per hour).
Transportation costs. If the housekeeper travels from far away, travel expenses may be added.
Night shifts. Infant care services at night may cost more - 200-400 BRL per night.

Discounts and packages

Some agencies or private housekeepers offer discounts for long-term contracts (for example, if you sign a contract for 6 months or more).

Combination packages including cleaning, cooking and childcare are available.

How are services paid for?

Monthly payment. Housekeepers are most often paid at the end of the month.
Hourly rate of pay. Relevant for part-time work or one-off services.
Prepayment. For long-term contracts, partial prepayment may be required.
Bonuses. Additional payments may be made for holidays, overtime hours or excellent performance of duties.

Legislative aspects

In Brazil, housekeepers are officially protected by labor laws if they work more than 3 days a week. This may include:

Registration in the social security system (INSS).
Vacation pay and 13th pay (analogous to a bonus).
Fair weekend schedule.

Housekeeper services for pregnant foreign women and moms with newborn babies in Brazil are flexible and adaptable to your needs. Companies like BabyinBrazil offer professionals that are culturally and medically sensitive, making the cost of the services justified and comfortable.

How do you find a housekeeper on your own?

As an aspiring do-it-yourselfer trying to find a housekeeper that will fully meet your needs in Brazil

You can take advantage of a number of ways:

Online platforms. Use sites like TaskRabbit or Helpling where you can book housekeepers. Choose by region for convenience.
Social networks and messengers. Visit Russian-speaking groups on Facebook or Telegram. Often there you can find recommendations and suggestions from people who have already used the services of a housekeeper.
Local service agencies. Find local agencies that offer housekeeper services. Make sure they have good ratings and reviews.
Referrals. Ask friends or acquaintances living in Brazil to recommend a reliable professional.
Advertise on forums. Check out local forums or message boards where users offer services.
Clarify conditions and experience. When choosing a housekeeper, clarify her experience with pregnant women or newborns to make sure she understands your needs.

Before the meeting, discuss all the terms and conditions to make sure you are comfortable with the option offered.

Don't forget that, like anywhere else, you may get unscrupulous housekeepers. In the company BabyinBrazil has already formed a staff of housekeepers who, according to the reviews of women with whom they have worked, and have already proven themselves as excellent service personnel.

Under what conditions can a housekeeper work full-time or come in on a schedule, such as a few hours a day?

A housekeeper in Brazil can work on a full-time basis or on a part-time schedule. These options are governed by agreements between the employer and the employee, and for long-term contracts may be supported by labor laws. Familiarize yourself with the main aspects of such terms and conditions:

Full-time job

Working conditions

Duration. 8-10 hours per day, with a possible lunch break.
Schedule. 5-6 days a week.
With or without accommodation. A housekeeper can work full-time and return home, or stay with a live-in housekeeper in the employer's home.

Typical duties

Full range of duties: cleaning, cooking, childcare, clothes care and assisting with other household tasks.
In families with pregnant women or newborns, this may include preparing special meals, sterilizing baby supplies, caring for the infant, or helping with clinic visits.

Payment

Salary is set monthly. 2,500-4,500 BRL (without accommodation) or 3,500-6,500 BRL (with accommodation).
Additional hours, holidays and night shifts are paid separately, depending on agreement.

Legal requirements

When working more than 3 days a week, the relationship is governed by labor law:

Registration in the INSS (social insurance) system.
Payment of the 13th paycheck (bonus).
Annual Paid Vacation.

Approximate conditions of work with accommodation

Business Hours. 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. with a lunch break.
Weekends. One or two weekends per week, more often on Saturday or Sunday.
Additional Responsibilities. Overnight infant care (as agreed upon).

Part-time employment (schedule for a few hours per day)

Working conditions

Duration. 3-6 hours per day, usually in the morning or afternoon.
Schedule. 2 to 5 days a week, depending on arrangements.
Flexibility. arrangements can be made to come in at a convenient time for specific tasks.

Typical duties

Tasks are prioritized, such as cleaning the house, cooking or helping with childcare.
More often than not, part-time employment is suitable for families who don't need full-time help.

Payment

Hourly: 15-30 BRL per hour of work.
Per shift: 80-150 BRL for 4-6 hours of work.
Additional costs are transportation costs may be charged separately.

Approximate working conditions

Housekeeper comes in the morning for 4 hours for cleaning, laundry and ironing.
For a few hours a day (e.g. 2-3 times a week) - to prepare meals or help with the children.

3. Additional aspects

With accommodation

A housekeeper may live in the employer's home if a permanent presence is required, such as in families with an infant.
Work schedule remains standard, night or weekend shifts are paid extra.
The employer needs to provide a separate place to stay and meals.

Overtime and public holidays

If a housekeeper works more than 8 hours per day or on holidays, the hours are paid extra (at 1.5x the regular rate).

Transportation costs

Often the employer will reimburse the cost of travel, especially if the housekeeper lives far away.

Trial period

Sometimes families offer a trial period (usually 1-2 weeks) to see if the housekeeper is a good fit for the job.

Housekeeper jobs can be arranged on a full-time or part-time basis, depending on the needs of the family. For families with pregnant women or infants, it is better to specify the tasks in advance in order to agree on suitable conditions and schedules.

Is it possible to expand responsibilities (e.g., grocery shopping, running errands)?

It is possible to expand the duties of a housekeeper in Brazil to include tasks such as grocery shopping and running errands. This depends on the agreement between the employer and the housekeeper, as well as the original working conditions.

Get to know how it can be organized:

Extended housekeeper duties

Grocery shopping

The housekeeper may do grocery shopping according to the list provided. In this case, it is important to discuss in advance the frequency of shopping, budget and preferred stores. The housekeeper may also be responsible for checking the freshness and quality of the food.

Running errands

Paying bills, sending mail, taking things to the dry cleaners. It is possible to accompany a pregnant or breastfeeding woman to the clinic, stores or other places.

Example of other additional tasks

Organizing household tasks: calling the handyman, taking deliveries, preparing the house for guests. Additional tasks include caring for plants or pets, e.g. walking the dog, brushing the cat, feeding fish and canaries.

Working conditions

Additional payment

Increased responsibilities may be associated with an increase in salary, especially if tasks require additional hours of work or new skills.

Clear statement of responsibilities

To avoid misunderstandings, it's important to agree on a list of tasks in advance, especially if it goes beyond the standard cleaning and cooking.

Use of transportation

If errands require moving around the city, such as delivering shopping, the housekeeper may use public transportation or a cab (paid for by the employer).

Legal aspects

If a housekeeper works more than 3 days a week, her labor must be registered with the social security system (INSS) and any additional responsibilities must be specified in the contract.

Additional duties should not exceed reasonable limits so as not to violate labor laws.

Benefits for the employer

Time saving. A housekeeper takes care of some of the household tasks, freeing you up to do other things.
Convenience. Many errands, such as grocery shopping or paying bills, are easier for a local familiar with the city.
Flexibility. It is possible to customize the duties of a housekeeper to meet the current needs of the family.

How to organize?

Discuss the task list in advance. Clarify what additional duties are expected and how they will be paid for.
Provide resources. For purchases or errands, it is important to provide access to finances (cash, card or other methods).
Set boundaries. Discuss which tasks are part of the responsibilities and which can be done for extra pay.

Expanding the duties of a housekeeper is possible and often practiced in families with pregnant women or newborns. The main thing is to discuss and agree on all the details in advance to ensure the comfort of both the employee and the employer.

Does a housekeeper have to have a medical book or health certificate?

In Brazil, housekeepers are not required by law to have a medical book or health certificate, but in families with pregnant women, infants, special hygiene requirements, or cooking - this may be stipulated as part of the terms of employment.

These are the main points to keep in mind:

Legal aspects

Statutory obligations

Brazilian labor law does not require housekeepers to provide health certificates. However, the employer has the right to request such documents at the time of hiring if it is due to the specifics of the job (e.g., caring for an infant or pregnant woman, cooking).

Employee consent

The request for a reference must be agreed. The housekeeper has the right to refuse if this has not been agreed in advance.

Reasons for requesting a certificate

To ensure health security. Pregnant women and newborns are vulnerable to infections, so a health certificate for the housekeeper may be important to prevent risk.
To work with foodstuffs. If the housekeeper is involved in food preparation, a health certificate confirms that she is free of communicable diseases.

How do you organize the inspection?

At the employment stage. Find out if a certificate is needed and who will pay for it (usually the employer). Ask for a general medical certificate confirming the absence of infectious and skin diseases.
While working. If the housekeeper works with children or does the cooking, it may make sense to arrange annual health checks.

What documents might be helpful?

General medical certificate. Confirms the absence of infectious diseases (e.g. tuberculosis, hepatitis, skin infections).
Test results. If there is a need, tests for possible infectious diseases or other viruses may be requested, especially if there is an infant in the family.
Immunizations. Confirmation of immunizations for flu, and other infections can be an added benefit.

Legal restrictions

The employer cannot demand information that violates the rights of the housekeeper (e.g., information about her chronic illnesses if they do not affect the performance of the job).

The request for a certificate must be solely related to ensuring the safety of the family and workers.

How to minimize the risks?

Conduct a preliminary interview and discuss health issues.
Include a medical review clause in the terms and conditions of the employment contract.
If required, secure a certificate at the employer's expense.

A medical certificate or book is not mandatory, but may be useful for a family with a pregnant woman or infant. It is important for the employer to discuss this with the housekeeper in advance, respecting her rights and ensuring transparency in the process.

For women who are preparing for the birth of a child or who are already moms, it is important to find a housekeeper who will not only help with household chores, but also create a comfortable environment during busy periods. Companies such as BabyinBrazil can offer proven professionals with experience in these situations.

You can contact us free of charge for a preliminary consultation on the selection of a housekeeper, in the feedback form, or on WhatsApp (phone number)

This consultation does not oblige you to anything, and you can continue your search for a granny help service on your own, taking into account the knowledge you have gained from us.