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To wake four sleeping children, then drag them to the shop in the pouring rain?

411 replies

PomBearEnvy · 12/01/2011 21:08

Okay I need advice, have posted here because its the busiest place. My Dc are all sleeping, aged 7yrs nearly3yrs and 18months.

I have an aquaintances newborn with me who I am looking after unexpectedly after a frantic phone call. Newborn is three weeks old, mum has been taken ill, rushed to A&E. She is a single parent and has no family nearby, I only know her through mother and toddlers.
Baby was dropped to me half hour ago by her very elderly neighbour, there was no-one else to take him when she was taken ill, he would have gone into emergency care Sad

I have nappies and clothes, but baby is usually breast fed. I am no longer feeding any of mine. I dont have formula.

Its pissing down outside, all the kids are fast asleep and will object to being woken or walking anywhere,I dont own a double buggy, no longer have a sling, and dh is working away.

How the fuck am I gonna get a newborn a 18month 3yr old and poorly 7yr old to the shop and back. aggggghhh!

Its a 6/7 min walk there, I could run in under 5mins, should I do that do you think? Leaving them sleeping? Or waking the seven yr old and talking to him on the homephone from my mobile? would that be insane? or is it more insane to try and get them all up and there with only one buggy and torrential rain.
Someone HELP!!!

OP posts:
bubbleymummy · 12/01/2011 22:05

Pombear - when did you stop feeding? You might still have milk and even the sucking might be enough to comfort the baby in the meantime - obviously as long as you are comfortable with that!

GColdtimer · 12/01/2011 22:05

Pombear, there are a couple of mn-ers who have offered to help so I hope you get everything you need quickly.

Poor mum, poor baby and poor you. We done though and keep us posted.

pigletmania · 12/01/2011 22:04

I am glad that help is on the way, wish I could be more helpful, but I live in Milton Keynes and dont drive so as about as much help as a chocci teapot. Its great and reassuring that there are so many lovely MNetters out there to help, it really is great that people are rallying round.

AuntiePickleBottom · 12/01/2011 22:03

fantastic news that a MW is coming out :)

YouKnowNothingoftheCrunch · 12/01/2011 22:03

Have you tried the penrhyn taxi firm? Can't remember what they're called but very helpful. They may be able to get something from town.

needafootmassage · 12/01/2011 22:03

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

thisisyesterday · 12/01/2011 22:02

is baby distressed Pombear?

you could try giving cooled boiled water.

it's 10pm now... so hopefully midwife will be there soon

have the hospital rung yet?

Littlefish · 12/01/2011 22:02

Great news that the Community MW is coming out. Hope you hear from the baby's mother soon.

missismonky · 12/01/2011 22:02

Mumsnet is awesome.

LadyOfTheManor · 12/01/2011 22:01

POMBEAR I have inboxed you my number I live in West Wales I can hop in the car, Tesco is 24 hours I like bring bottles/milk whatever you need.

taintedpaint · 12/01/2011 22:00

Oh I definitely agree with you in spirit Strictly, it's just a bit iffy without knowing why she's a single mum. It's intrusive to ask questions like that, I know, I'd just be wary of involving people you're not sure of with such a tiny baby.

I knew from the way you posted you certainly wanted to help though, so I hope you didn't take offence to my post!

2muchtodo2littletime · 12/01/2011 22:00

FabbyChic
Well said - I've just picked up the thread and it is fantastic how everyone is willing to rally round for another MNer! Amazing people Grin

YouKnowNothingoftheCrunch · 12/01/2011 22:00

Should add that I live 300 miles away now, but I may be able to help through others :)

Slightly · 12/01/2011 22:00

What a relief.

Poor OP what a horrid situation for everyone.

PomBearEnvy · 12/01/2011 21:59

Community MW has just rang me to say she will be with me before 11 0'clock, she was very brisk and I had to tell her several times that I have no idea what time baby was last feed, and as good as I am with comforting screaming children, I HAVE NO WAY TO FEED BABY.
Am trying GP again as he was more sympathetic. have also phoned a lady in the village who is a childminder ( thank god for yellow pages) hoping she'll get back to me and have some formula. (I have bottles from, and could boil to sterilase) still cant get through to shop,and taxi firm in village is going to answerphone. Sad.

OP posts:
YouKnowNothingoftheCrunch · 12/01/2011 21:58

Ive come late to this, glad the gp was so greatly. I grew up in your village and have family there. PM me if there's anything I can do!

DanceInTheDark · 12/01/2011 21:58

slightly Out Of hours GP is sending MW round within the hour

Strictly · 12/01/2011 21:57

Yeah you're probably right tainted. I just think if anyone is going to want to help and possibly be the one looking after the baby it would be the dad I hope, but if OP doesn't know the mum that well it's not a good idea.

Glad the MW is coming!

SecretNutellaFix · 12/01/2011 21:56

We're all a load of beatches as wellWink

Pom, hope everything can be sorted out for the best results for baby, you and the baby's mum. Hope she recovers quickly.

ChippingIn · 12/01/2011 21:54

Nasty nest of vipers indeed Grin

bubbleymummy · 12/01/2011 21:54

No one has mentioned it but how long ago did you stop feeding? It might be worth a try if you're really stuck!

LadyOfTheManor · 12/01/2011 21:54

Haven;t read all the thread I got the link from another thread. But I'm possibly the ONLY person in W Wales on here!

Slightly · 12/01/2011 21:53

Have put request on twitter as suggested on other thread

here

taintedpaint · 12/01/2011 21:53

Strictly, as well meaning as that advice is, I wouldn't want anyone blindly contacting a father who may not have contact for a very good reason. I'm sure you mean well, but I certainly would not be contacting him (even if the OP is able) without knowing the circumstances and having the mother's authorisation. As OP says she is not particularly close to the mother, I doubt she would know enough for contacting him to be advisable.

So glad you've got some good news OP!

needafootmassage · 12/01/2011 21:53

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.