Nobody to look after DD1 for birth of baby#2 - what would you do??

[Artechim]

We had this issue when I was having DD - in the end I went to the birth center by myself and DH stayed home to look after DS.

This time round we are home birthing to avoid the whole childcare thing. Unfortunately we have no back up plan - if I have to transfer anywhere then DH will miss the birth again.

It is really hard when you don't have family around and the children aren't used to being with anyone else. I hope you can come up with something that works.

[belle75]

Beansbeans - we did think about the possibility of taking DD with us to the hospital. Don't know hospital policy though. Seeing my ob tomorrow so will hopefully get some info from him. Trouble is DD is very curious and a very fidgety little girl there is no way she would stay entertained if labour is a few hrs long!

Bengal - so kind of you to offer to babysit! FDC is another great option suggested. Feeling a little unsure about how DD will take it. She goes to occasional childcare sometimes and has formed a really good relationship with one of the carers there, who also adores DD ! Might be worth asking her I guess.

BG - thats' what I'm worried about - DD getting stressed about being left with someone else. I don't have much of a choice though, huh?

Dragoncookie - having bub at St V's . will call them to see what options they have.

Artechim - It will have to be the same for us if we can't find anyone. We thought of maybe getting a doula to help me while DH stays with DD. Would be such a shame for him to miss the birth though

Thanks ladies, so many great suggestions here! I'm getting excited that we may finally work something out! BB rocks !!

[Traveller]

If you decide to take her with you to hospital then you could ask a student midwife if she would follow you through your pregnancy. That way there will be one extra adult in the room as you labour, and someone that your daughter is familiar with, to help her understand what is happening.

[HotI]

Maybe you could go to a few of the BB meets and you might find someone you (and your DD) clicks with who she could stay with if taking her with you isn't a good option.

[Ginger]

i like the idea of getting a doula to help you with the birth and having your dh look after dd. i would consider going down that road if i were you.

[~ Mylitta ~]

My best friend recently moved to the UK where they have no family and only had a few people that they knew but were not yet "friends". She needed to arrange a babysitter, so once she found someone that she liked, she had the lady come to the house once a week for dinner for a few weeks so the kids could get used to her. Once she was happy that the kids were comfortable with the lady then she was confident to start leaving them with her few short periods of time. She gredually built it up over time. That might be an option for you seeings as you still have quite a bit of time before bub comes.