If I have to call an ambulance?

**Kazzo** · March 28th, 2013, 10:42 AM

Little queastion that I know I should go to the source to ask or ask at hospital but wont be back there for another 5weeks.

DH will be overseas from the 10th April until the 11th of May. The Stowaway EDD is the 15th May. Both my girls came one week past their EDD so I am really hoping that that happens again this time around.

My queastion is though, if I were to go into labour while DH is away, I would most likely have to call an ambulance. The closest person I know would take about about 30-40 minutes to get here and with DD2 I had an active labour of 1hour.

Anyway, what will happen to my girls if I have to call an ambulance? Will they be able to come with me? I don't really know our neighbours and we are rural so we don't see any neighbourse very much at all.

Hopefully I don't actually have to worry about any of this though.

**Nelle** · March 28th, 2013, 11:41 AM

I have no idea! I've had someone come and stay with me so I could just be spirited off when the ambulance came, is that an option? Or can you stay with someone for a couple of days? The logistics of shorter births can be tricky!

**little_mrs** · March 28th, 2013, 11:46 AM

They would have to, they wouldn't leave them alone! But they'd probably get you to call someone to collect them from the hospital

**RainbowRiver** · March 28th, 2013, 11:49 AM

My friend went it labour last year (single mum + 2 kids), she called an Ambulance and they wouldn't take her with the kids, she had to wait until someone could mind them. Something to do with OH&S and the kids weren't allowed in delivery suite anyhow.

**ladybirdflies** · March 28th, 2013, 01:43 PM

Not sure about whether the children can go with you. But just wanted to let you know you need to add the baby to your ambulance cover before they get here otherwise you will get a bill if the baby happens to be born at home before they get there. My last baby we just added the baby over the phone, but she had no name before she was born so we put *baby surname* and then after she arrived we changed her details.

Can someone come and stay with you before bubs arrives?

**AnyDream** · March 28th, 2013, 01:47 PM

From memory re ambulance rides, there aren't really any other seats where children could sit.

If you really don't have anyone to ask to come & sit with your kids, you need to start asking for support. I'm assuming your hubby will be away for work purposes - if his employer needs him that urgently then perhaps they should step up and provide some additional support. Work asking about. Alternatively if you've ever used family day care or a babysitter, those are the people you could approach. People are very happy to help, you just have to summon up the courage to ask for help.

**CinderToriella** · March 28th, 2013, 01:53 PM

Does he "have " to be away at the time his baby is meant to be Born ??

**Frangipani Lou** · March 28th, 2013, 02:09 PM

Just a note on ambulance membership. I birthed DD at home in an unplanned home birth and then DD and I got taken to hospital to be checked out. They didn't bill me, something about DD being automatically covered because Im a member. And yup, no room in an ambulance for passengers. I wonder if any belly belly members might be close to you?

**BlackCat** · March 28th, 2013, 02:39 PM

A relative had one of her babies go in the ambulance at under 12 months old. She went alone while mummy stayed with her sister until I could get to her. They couldn't take the sibling.

**Kazzo** · March 28th, 2013, 02:41 PM

That was my thoughts, that they would not be allowed in the ambulance and that I can understand more when I actually think about it.

DH does have to be away. This was a commitment made long before we found out we were expecting.

The girls go to a great daycare and I know they have a car/van that they can use to come and pick up the gilrs if it is daytime/weekday. I think I have some organising to do as a just in case scenario. My best bet is to call someone as soon as I feel something.

I don't have anyone that could stay here for a month so that is not an option. Thinking that we have sort of gotten to know a lovely elderly couple that are up the road. Maybe they could be an option? Hmmm, thinking thinking.

To late to organise a homebirth I wonder?

I hope this becomes a Moo point (friends fans will know what I mean

) in a couple of months.

**beansbeans!** · March 28th, 2013, 02:46 PM

A local friend of mine was told that if she went into labour to call an ambulance and they would transport mum plus two kids to the hospital. This mum had her bub very recently and was told that by a midwife only a few weeks ago.
I would have assumed that they wouldnt want to take them in the ambulance, but I suppose if the circumstances meant they had no choice but take the girls then they would.
ps which hospital are you going to?

**maybebaby2012** · March 28th, 2013, 03:09 PM

I had to take DD in an ambulance with me once, she was less than 6 months old though!

**Kazzo** · March 28th, 2013, 03:22 PM

A local friend of mine was told that if she went into labour to call an ambulance and they would transport mum plus two kids to the hospital. This mum had her bub very recently and was told that by a midwife only a few weeks ago.
I would have assumed that they wouldnt want to take them in the ambulance, but I suppose if the circumstances meant they had no choice but take the girls then they would.
ps which hospital are you going to?

Hmm. I guess it may all depend on the situation. I am going to Campbelltown.

**beansbeans!** · March 28th, 2013, 03:28 PM

Cause of the distance I would assume they would take them if you didnt have anyone to look after them at the time. Also I think it would depend on the urgency of the situation .. But definitely worthwhile asking someone.

**Sagres** · March 28th, 2013, 04:07 PM

I enquired when I was pregnant with DD2 and I was told no, they couldn't take DD1. My ob suggested in that situation I could get a taxi with DD1 and get some one to pick her up at the hospital. But obviously this would work best in early labour and my concern was speed of labour rather than distance. If your labours aren't too quick and you make the call early enough it may be an option.

**Rivlas** · March 28th, 2013, 07:42 PM

Go and talk to your neighbors. I bet they will be happy to help out. If they say yes, spend time there so your girls will feel comfortable staying with them.

If you have to call an ambulance, unlock the front door, call the neighbours, then the ambulance, as dispatch will keep you on the phone until the ambulance arrives and you will not be able to make any calls in that time.

**Peekaboo** · March 28th, 2013, 08:52 PM

Tricky situation! Dealing with the what ifs, just in cases etc can be so hard! I'd call the hospital you will be going to, only they will know for sure, different hospitals have different policies. I know for my local, it requests a carer in the delivery suite for any children that will be present. I would approach your neighbours, now is the time to build some friendships and trust. Even if you don't know them that well, labour is a time when even strangers are usually more than happy to help.