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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Watching friends child while she’s in labour

55 replies

Chesie · 12/01/2024 03:52

First time posting and going to use this board as it seems to be the most used.

My friend is 32 weeks pregnant with her second child, her older child is almost 2. I live super close to the hospital she is planning to give birth in (it’s a private hospital so I think if there are any issues or emergency’s it may end up being elsewhere), and has asked if I can look after her older child while she’s in labour; I’m more than happy to!
Now I’m a chronic over thinker and this friend means a lot to me so I want to make sure I’m being as helpful as possible.
So far we have upped the amount of time I spend with her older child; I see my friend every week but her little one goes to nursery some mornings so we’ve made sure we see each other more when she is home. Sometimes this has been me going to hers, sometimes her coming to mine. She’s dropped off an essentials bag of things her child might need while here, some pyjamas and clothes, nappies. I said I’d sort snacks and food, but she’s going to bring some frozen meals that she knows her daughter loves over too.
She has got me registered at her daughter’s nursery as someone who can pick her up and I’ve familiarised myself with where the nursery is.
I’m going to buy a bed guard as my beds are all quite high off the ground; and hopefully it will be useful for future sleepovers too!!
Ive kept my calendar effectively empty or easy to cancel for the 3 weeks before her due date, work are aware I might need to disappear quickly but it’s 15 minutes from work to home and 25 minutes in the best traffic from friends to hospital so I think that should be ok.
Now I’m just not sure if there is anything else I could do, I want my friend to know I’m here to do anything she needs. I really don’t want her to be stressed about her older baby while having her next!!
I was thinking of maybe offering for her husband to come here and nap if he needs it; but have said I’ll watch their daughter for as along as they need.
I’m feeling a little apprehensive as I’d hate to cause them any stress.
So I guess to make this work for the board; Am I being unreasonable to ask if there is anything else I should be doing to make things easier? Hoping some mums will be able to tell me what would have helped them since I’m clueless!!

OP posts:
soupandcrackers · 12/01/2024 09:54

You're a great friend!

I wouldn't bother with another bed guard - too expensive. If you roll up a blanket or towel and put it underneath a fitted sheet it acts like a bumper. We call it the 'pool noodle method' 😆

The rest of it all sounds like fun!

Mariposistaa · 12/01/2024 10:31

You sounds fabulous! Very rare to have friends like you and I hope your friend will be getting you a lovely present to thank you. I would be taking you for a lovely dinner/lunch.

ANiceBigCupOfTea · 13/01/2024 11:11

I just want to say you're an amazing friend. She and her children are lucky to have you in their lives.

OctoblocksAssemble · 13/01/2024 11:18

My very dear friend looked after my oldest while I had my second, years ago now but I'm still grateful. I had to call her at 5am, and her husband drove around in a thunder storm to pick up dd1. Aside from actually doing it, the nicest thing she did was take some videos, so afterwards I could see that dd1 had been happy while I was away. She had 2 similar aged kids herself so had all the kit already.
Good luck, you sound awesome

Toodles2023 · 13/01/2024 11:29

You sound like such a caring person OP. This post has made me smile. it's lovely to see how much you want to ensure her child is comfortable in your home. Your an amazing friend and I am sure you friend will have the safe knowledge her little one is with an absolute diamond.

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