not to have fixed plans for childcare when I have DC4 ?

[Babieseverywhere]

I have asked three close friends and my parents to be 'on call' when/if we need childcare when DC4 arrives in a few weeks time.

We have been refused an ELCS, so can not prebook childcare for a set date.

We'll have to wait until we go into labour and see what happens, depending on baby's position, antibodies levels etc. I might go straight to an EMCS or might have a few days of labour.

I seem to average three days latent labour (at home with our kids) and 40 hours or so of 'proper' labour (mixture of home with our kids and on own home/hospital)...before they start on CS or forceps. I expect DC4 to be similar.

My DSis is concerned that my parents won't make it to her daughters birthday party (also in several weeks) but I have explained I have friends on standby that can cover weekends so I can't see a problem. Now I have date of DN's party I will pencil someone else in for that weekend, just in case.

My DSis thinks we should have things arranged more firmly than this. How can we, when I have no idea what is going to happen when ? Does everyone else have weeks of carefully slotted appointments for childcare or just wing it like us ?

You just do what you can really don't you?

Your DSis sounds quite selfish though

Is it a PFB birthday?

I did what you did. I had a few people who were prepared to cover, but all had times they weren't available. I think there was a 2 hour slot when no one was free - that caused some slight panics until the day came and went.

I can't believe your sister thinks that a birthday party is more important than you being supported though - presumably if your mum did have to miss it she would make it up to the birthday child with some special treat afterwards?

All sorted, spoke to mum who said she'll take our kids to party regardless hence no problem. Plus I had text from my lovely friend also confirming happy to be on call that weekend.

My Dsis is not selfish, just sleep deprived with a newborn baby to parent alongside her toddler DD and she is a lot more organised than I am.