Childcare while in labour with second child?

[SuffolkMum]

Hi ladies, if you're having/had a second child (or more), what arrangements have you made for your older child while you're in labour?

I'm feeling a bit lost as to what to do. Hubby and I only have one relative who is capable of looking after our son, but she works full time as an NHS manager and won't easily be available at sudden notice. I'm getting into a panic that we won't have anyone to look after our son and that I'll have to labour alone because hubby will have to do it.

 

[tinks77]

I'm very lucky that my dad is self employed and will just keep 3-4weeks free. He already has my daughter 2 days a week when I'm at work anyway and is only down the road so can do childcare as well doggies if we're in for hours

A woman I work with had a possible block of annual leave agreed for when her daughter went into labour so she could have the other children

 

[rachaell]

No experience but could you consider a home birth so that you don't have to worry? Xx

 

[Iwant3]

Where in Suffolk are you? I am in Norfolk and am a registered childminder could arrange to meet a few times before you are due so that your lo would be happy to stay with us?

I have my parents nearby to look after our 2 kids, but if anything happens when we have minded kids here and their parents cannot collect or find cover I am going to hospital alone and hubby will stay with them - he is my registered assistant and works full time with me anyway

 

[SuffolkMum]

A woman I work with had a possible block of annual leave agreed for when her daughter went into labour so she could have the other children

That's what I'm hoping my SIL might be able to do, but with my son I delivered over a week early and doubt she could be that flexible.

No experience but could you consider a home birth so that you don't have to worry? Xx

Actually we are having a home birth. I would like someone else there to look after my son if he needs attending to though. Don't want to be pushing my baby out and 3yr old has a tantrum lol.

Where in Suffolk are you? I am in Norfolk and am a registered childminder could arrange to meet a few times before you are due so that your lo would be happy to stay with us?

I have my parents nearby to look after our 2 kids, but if anything happens when we have minded kids here and their parents cannot collect or find cover I am going to hospital alone and hubby will stay with them - he is my registered assistant and works full time with me anyway

Thank you for the offer, but we are down near Ipswich so a bit far. Out of interest though, how does childminding work if say I need cover at 2 in the morning? I always thought childminders only worked daytime hours and had to be booked well in advance.


I really want my hubby with me and he would be gutted to miss it too. He comes to every antenatal appointment with me lol, he's very involved.

 

[Iwant3]

contact some of your local childminders and ask (or put an ad on childcare.co.uk) - they all do things differently! usually yes you would have booked the time and within specific opening times, but some may be willing to come to an arrangement, to be 'on call' as it were. lol.

 

[SuffolkMum]

contact some of your local childminders and ask (or put an ad on childcare.co.uk) - they all do things differently! usually yes you would have booked the time and within specific opening times, but some may be willing to come to an arrangement, to be 'on call' as it were. lol.

Thanks hun, I'll have a look around and see what's available.

 

[ChloeNat]

I'll be stalking as we live an hour and a half away from the rest of our family and have no one nearby that could watch LO in such short notice. It looks like we may have to have SIL staying with us around due date time but even then I could go early

 

[Toria111]

I'm having a c-section so know the date which makes things easier. My inlaws are in their mid 70's and although they are close by, they can't cope with the kids. Luckily a friend has offered to have both my kids stay the night before the section, then bring them to the hospital when my husband is ready for them. My friend has 3 kids of her own ranging from 1 to 7, so I'm going to owe her big time!

When my second baby arrived, we actually flew my sister over from NZ so someone would be at home with our son, but also to help me out for the first few weeks. She's coming this time too, but doesn't arrive till the afternoon of the section.