WWYD - Kids during labour

[ladybird11]

I know I've asked this before, but I couldn't find the thread to update .

Up until a few nights ago I was unsure what we were going to do with the kids 'WHEN' () I go into labour.

At that time the kids Godmother insisted she be called at any time of the day or night when we needed her to come up to watch the kids. I felt relieved we had a plan, she is switched on, and although she hasn't had too many little ones of my kids ages to deal with - I know she would be great with them both.

Yesterday my Dad calls, and wants to know when i'll be going into hospital () and I just explained that I had no idea at this stage. He then told me to call him when time comes, any time of the day or night. I did tell him that I had tee'd up the kids Godmother to watch them, but now he is insisting he watches them.

I know my dad has his heart in the right place bless him, he adores the kids, and should we have to 'flee in the middle of the night' I'd feel comfortable that the kids wouldn't freak out at seeing him unexpectedly in the morning, where as with their Godmother - they generally need 'warm up time' as they don't see each other too often, but after 5 - 10 mins all is sweet.

My dad last changed a nappy in 1980 - on yours truly's butt . TBH I don't even think he'd know to use a wipe / even toilet paper to clean off any 'excess' IYKWIM? He watched me change the kids nappies about 3 wks ago, but thats about it....

I don't want to hurt anyones feelings here. So I suggested that we'd call him through the night to come up, and then if we were still occupied in the morning that we'd call the kids Godmother, and Dad was all 'no, no, no - you don't need to worry about that' then he suggested about us just dropping the kids off at his house as its in between our house and the hossy. But we'd need to pack overnight bags etc, which is no issue but I'm a bit concerned with the 'ahem, mouse poo' Dad has come across lately in the house lately . I told him I would most likely not need to rush to the hossy (he has no idea about the whole VBA2C vs C/section dilemma I face ), in which case he'd have plenty of time to get here. I don't mind about mess, unless it is poo being worn on clothes then rubbed over all the furniture / bed linen - especially when coming home with a newborn.....

What would you do?

[Junglemum]

I'd explain to Dad, that you didn't want to upset or offend godmother so if it was ok with him, you'd like her to come over during the day, but you would prefer he was there overnight and when the kids woke up becasue they love him so much.
I'd then explain to godmother that your father has insisted on being called, and you don't want to offend him by not calling him. So you thought if it was the middle of the night he could come and then godmother could come over in the morning.

That way, they both feel special and you feel like the children are getting the best as well.

All the best for your VBA2C.

[ladybird11]

Clearly, I'm being affected by placenta brain - that is brilliant junglemum! Thanks

Although i know the kids Godmother would totally understand and I could be upfront with her about the arrangement, my Dad is the one I'm most concerned about, he wouldn't say anything to me if he felt offended or anything - but by explaining it that way it could be something he'd be ok with *cross fingers*

[Junglemum]

Yay! Fingers crossed Dad understands you're just trying not to upset the godmother.

I do understand your dilema though. DH wont be around for this birth and Mum wants to come. But my cousin has also volunteered and i much rather have her there i think, but i don't want to offend mum! The dilemmas of pleasing everyone eh?

[ladybird11]

Oh yeah junglemum! I hate treading on toes at any interaction!

I'm sorry DH can't be around for your next birth hun

[Junglemum]

You are so sweet. Thanks. It kinda sux, but that's just how it is. We'll survive.

[helle]

I'd explain to Dad, that you didn't want to upset or offend godmother she if it was ok with him, you'd like her to come over during the day, but you would prefer he was there overnight and when the kids woke up becasue they love him so much.
I'd then explain to godmother that your father has insisted on being called, and you don't want to offend him by not calling him. So you thought if it was the middle of the night he could come and then godmother could come over in the morning.

That way, they both feel special and you feel like the children are getting the best as well.

All the best for your VBA2C.

Yeah that. That way if your dad is called during the night he can go home for a snooze after doing his morning shift with the kids

Most importantly tho, your kids need to be comfy and you don't need to be worrying about what's happening at home while you're in labour. So do what is right for YOU.