Hi dear anon.. breathe. I totally relate to you because I have mostly brought up my daughter all on my own in a nuclear setup. I couldn't handle full time maids though, so I had a part time one, who came once a day and did cleaning mopping and washed the utensils. Bathing, Cooking breakfast and lunch I used to do in the morning before husband left for office when he could look after the baby. After that I was free till evening, just had to cook for the baby which didn't take much time. After one year, I started giving her whatever we used to have so cooking separately was also not needed. Dinner I used to make when she used to nap in the day. We have to manage somehow, because there is no one to help. Yes, eating times were a bit messed up, but after the baby is well fed, you can put the baby for a while to play and quickly have food. Groceries I used to take her in my baby carrier and go, she too used to enjoy outside, and my shopping was also done. Yes, there will be problems, but managing is in our hands. We need to do time management so that it becomes easier for us. We can't depend on maids... I understand, in a nuclear setup it becomes difficult to handle on your own but if you are giving her a chance to think that you can't manage without her, she is definitely going to take advantage of the situation. I suggest try to finish most of the work when your husband is home, so that you can get some rest too when the baby naps. Either leave grocery shopping for the weekend, or order for home delivery, or ask your husband for it. Otherwise best would be to get your baby in the carrier/stroller and go. And no way you are a bad mom... You are doing the best you can... relax!!