KC,
Pai seh pai seh. I got too many painful experiences and need some place to vent. Thanks for listening to my problems too. You are so right to say that finding a maid is like finding a gem.
BabyC,
I got the 5th maid from the same agency as my 4th maid. I was very angry with that agency because I told them clearly I wanted a maid to take care of my baby, and they gave me someone who has medical problems.
Another mommy Lenny has recommended the following agency in this thread.
http://www.lucky.com.sg/
Actually no agency can guarantee that you get a good maid. The agents themselves have not used the maid in their homes before, so how can they be so sure that the maid is good ? Even if they promise you a super maid, don't believe in them entirely. Always use your own judgement. You should find an agency which accepts post-dated cheques, so that you don't need to pay the $2000 maid loan upfront.
SY,
You can control how much or how little a maid eats. You can either buy for her, or give her a budget to buy her own food to cook. If she is a big eater, tell her she cannot eat any other things without your permission. Always make sure she eats healthily, otherwise she will not have the strength to take care of your baby.
mommies,
Here's more experience to share, I learnt from my cousin who has changed to about 10 maids now. You should change your maid if she exhibits the following behaviour:
1. insists on eating maggie noodles everyday
2. is obsessed with your baby, thinks your baby is her own
3. ask to go back to her country or to the agency
4. carries a knife into the room for no reason at all (no joke this really happened)