What would you do?

[Mummy Mummy]

I am in an awkward situation and looking for some advice from anyone!

I am due in just over a week & have no-one to mind our daughter when I go into labor. My DH & I have no support from family in the area we are living due to unfortunate circumstances. My DH's family lives overseas. Our friends live all over Australia & overseas & all have highly demanding lifestyles, making it extremely difficult for them to leave there situations in hurry.

What would you do in this situation? I feel the choices we have are either to have DH look after our daughter while I am in labor or have my daughter with us when I am in labor. I dont think it would be a good experiance for our 2 yr old to watch this happening!

Thankyou for listening

[visitor1]

Can u get in touch with your local cpouncil and see if they can get a carer from a FDC to watch her? Aged 2 she would possibly get restless easy....

We are in the same position...not sure what to do but im thinking of asking DD's carfer to watch her...hardest bit is you have no time that u will go into labour.. could be 1 am... could be 1pm...

[mrmoo]

Is there one person that your dh works with or that you used to work with (sorry, if totally out of line) that you could ask them to take her just for the night until your dh can go and pick her up. If no, then you may have to take her with you. Don't stress too much as children are quite resiliant when it comes to stressful situations. Her little instincts might even pick up on the vibe of what's going on and will be as *good as gold*. Sorry, my wording is probably all wrong there but I hope you get my drift. A lot of homebirthers have birthed with their children in the room and they've been fine and coped well. I feel for you because I too don't have any family near me (parents are interstate)and my friends are childless and at least a couple of hours away from me.

Are you birthing at a hospital, if yes and it all happens during the day you may be able to utilise their own child-minding facility. Check with your local council for Emergency Family Day Care. You may be able to get someone organised in time.

Try and stay at home for as long as possible during labour. When I laboured, the midwives told me to only come in when I felt like I couldn't handle the labour anymore. Dh and I went to hospital when my time between contractions was 4-6 minutes apart.

Good luck for your up-coming labour and I hope you get something organised for your little girl.

[Mummy Mummy]

Thank you all so much for your suggestions... you all have provided me with some good advice!

Aw Nessa your so sweet - I wish I had friends/family like you!
mrmoo - its good to know if we have to bring DD with us that it wont affect her too much psychologically - that is what I was most worried about.
Shannon thats great advice RE asking the hospital. I will talk to the MW's at the hospital at my next visit & see if they have any services for people in our situation.
Kimbaz Good idea! I will get started with contacting council / daycare tomorrow.

If only we all new exactly when and what time our babies would come

I have left it so late - I just assumed at least someone in our family / group of friends may be able to help

Thanks Again!!!

[Alan]

What about the local church or the salvos they amy be able to help

[Mummy Mummy]

Thanks Alan, Thats a good idea also - I'll ask them today...