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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to expect some help when taking 8 week old dts for jabs?

17 replies

Ewemoo · 18/02/2009 14:42

My dts are going for their first jabs next week and because dh has his own business to run is not able to come with us. I remember taking dd1 for her jabs and what a nightmare it was just with one. They are not the most placid babies anyway and the thought of the whole ordeal is making me sick. There is no-one else to go with me so I'll have to do it there is no choice. AIB a wimp or should I expect dh to take time off?

OP posts:
nickytwotimes · 18/02/2009 14:44

Poor you.

Is there anyone else who could go with you? If not, you could phone and ask if one of the HCAs or reception staff can sit in with you then they can hold the one that isn't crying! A friend I know with twins did this. They were falling over themselves to hold the lovely wee things!

Sullwah · 18/02/2009 16:17

Can you get an appointment first thing or last thing so that DH can go with you?

Otherwise agree with nickytwotimes idea. Everyone goes mushy at the idea of twins - and although I didn't / don't quite understand it - they are all waiting for your permission to hold them and I'm sure you won't get a shortage of volunteers at the surgery.

Other ideas .... do you have a cleaner? ... mine loves the boys and will do almost nything for her hourly wage - you could organise at start or end of her shift with you.

You could try www.sitters.co.uk - they are very reasonable for night-time baby sitting and will provide emergency day-time help too - you could ask them if there is anyone in your area (all people with childcare experience) who could meet you at surgery - they may have a minimum booking requirement - so then take them home and have a really long bath for the remainder of the time!

How about homestart - I thought they would provide two hours of help a week for multiples - are you taking advantage of this?

Do you use dummies? Take them with you to surgery - will help calm them down.

normansmum · 18/02/2009 16:25

Can you take one next week and one the week after. I know you'll still have both with you but at least they wont both be howling indignantly. (might make for an easier evening too ).

ShortPedant · 18/02/2009 20:49

Ewemoo, I took my DTs on my own to just get it over with in one go. When DT1 had her jab, I left DT2 strapped in the pushchair (alongside me), comforted DT1 and then distracted her with something while I strapped her back in her seat. It was over so quickly. Got DT2 out, did the same again, and got the heck out of there!

Although now your post is making me feel a bit mean! Seriously, they were absolutely fine (one didn't even cry), and they would actually have been more unnerved by being passed to someone they didn't know than from sitting briefly on my lap.

Sullwah's idea about dummies (or anything else that your DTs are comforted by) is great. Our area doesn't have enough Homestart volunteers for families with multiples, but the receptionists at the surgery were always happy to help me if I needed it. Hope it goes ok, good luck!

clare21 · 18/02/2009 20:57

We've got 5 year old DTs. When we had their jabs the health visitor said she'd come and help, or get one of the receptionists to help, if I needed it. It turned out that I didn't, and the last time mum came. I did make sure DT1 couldn't see DT2 when she wsa being jabbed and vice versa. The GP also volunteered reception staff to help when I couldn't get the double buggy in her room - saying I could carry one baby in and leave other with receptionist. I must admit I wasn't happy with that offer, but it does show that they can help you out if they want, and that it might be asking them to help. Good luck.

duckyfuzz · 18/02/2009 21:01

I took mine on my own for all their jabs, HVs v helpful and understanding, you'll be fine

myfunnynametaken · 18/02/2009 21:01

YABU - I managed to take my twins for all their jabs single handed.

RachelMur · 18/02/2009 21:42

I took mine on my own and it was fine, took longer than normal but then that's the nature of DT's. Everyone at the Dr's very helpful and DH made to feel guilty and got me chocolate.

mrswoolf · 18/02/2009 21:56

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

ShortPedant · 18/02/2009 21:57

Just thought, too, as your DTs are so little, how about taking one in a sling and the other in pushchair or car seat? Then you wouldn't even have to get the baby out of the sling for the jab (if legs can be easily uncovered).

SP x

Sullwah · 18/02/2009 22:03

Sp - you obviously don't have twins

How do you do the one in the car seat when you are carrying one in a sling?

PaulaMummyKnowsBest · 18/02/2009 22:07

Ewemoo

Where are you?

I'll help if you're close to St Albans.

ShortPedant · 19/02/2009 00:16

Sullwah
I do have twins (see post upthread).
It is possible to hold and comfort one 8 week old baby while another is strapped to your front (you may need to shift DT in sling slightly - and carefully - to the side for a moment).
Trust me, I've done it! And my DTs even lived to tell the tale...
SP x

mm22bys · 19/02/2009 09:22

I think YABU, sorry.

Are they in a double stroller yet? Do one at a time.

I think you're going to find that you are going to have to do a lot on your own with your twins - why not start off as you mean to continue?

pointydog · 19/02/2009 09:24

Not worth dh taking time off work for, no

ChampagneDahling · 19/02/2009 10:35

Hope you find someone to keep you company.

Give them Calpol before the jab not wait until afterwards.

Original poster
Ewemoo · 19/02/2009 10:58

Thanks for all the opinions and advice. I think I made dh feel guilty so he's asked mil to come with me. I know it sounds wimpy but my dts scream blue murder at the drop of a hat! Thanks for the kind offer PaulaMummy KnowsBest

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