When DS2 was born, DS1 was 19 months. We had planned for my MIL to be staying with us before the birth to look after DS1 when the time came. But DS2 had other ideas and arrived 4 weeks early while MIL was still interstate. As it was a very quick labour, we ended up having to take DS1 to hossy with us and call a friend to pick him up. So DS1 saw me in labour in the birthing suite first. Then no sooner had the friend come to get him, then DS2 was born, so he was back there just after the birth and the first thing he did was climb up on the cot thing to look at his little brother - without even having the baby pointed out to him.

He was so un-phased by the whole thing - and in fact having seen me in labour and then see his new brother in the same room not long after seemed to help him understand about the birth and adapt to it all. In hindsight I regret not letting him stay through the birth.

The only thing is you still need someone extra there to care for your DD, or someone to support you while your DH looks after her.

GL - I hope you find something that works.