Fortunately I had dropped DD1 off at childcare before I went into labour but I had also arranged for both my mum and MIL to come and stay at our place when the time came. As it worked out DD2 arrived before DD1 had even finished her day at childcare so DP came home, picked her up along with my mum and MIL and brought them all to the hospital together - he refused to tell mum and MIL what we had until they got there as we thought DD1 should be the first to know by meeting her new sister
We also had contingencies though with next door neighbours and friends if we had to rush off in the middle of the night or before or mothers arrived as they both have a fair way to travel. So in total I think we had the main plan and 3 back up plans.
I like Daintree's idea as we have never left DD with anyone overnight or for longer than an hour or two and don't really want to at this stage. It is hard when you don't know when bubs will be born! DD took 36 hours from start of labour till birth and was born at 8am so I don't want DD in the waiting room with mum if it's another long one, but not really expecting it to be. Friends have mostly young chn oftheir own so not too sure about relying on them and my mum isn't young and bouncy around and MIL lives over east. I really think DH will be doing a lot of the caring for DD during birth, but having said that I didn't want anyone near me (including pooor DH) when I had DD so it may turn out. I may just have loose plans and not worry until 40 weeks!
I'm lucky that I've got my parents close by so they'll be taking DD.
Where are you having your baby? If you're having bub at home, a doula might be a good idea (especially if you can get DD familiar with her before you give birth) so there's always a pair of hands for DD and a pair for you. If you're having bub in hospital or birth centre this could still be an option depending on what the circumstances are, or you could find a sympathetic babysitter who's willing to be 'on call' (you'll want to have a few back ups too!) for the last few weeks. This might be an expensive option though.
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