to expect DH not to go to SA...

[muddler]

I can't say much for fear of outing, but DH's work have asked him to go to SA for the World Cup (to work). Trouble is DC2 is due on 30 July. For me it was a no brainer and he can't but as the day goes on I am feeling uneasily guilty about it - he would be there for the length of time England stay in (no not a player!) so would be at the longest June 11 to July 11 final.
WWYD?
Oh and we had stressful end to first pregnancy and induction a week early, which is probably what is making me a bit nervous about saying go for it.....

God let hom go.
I can't bear it when women get all precious about 'the birth', insisting that everyone remain on high alert for 6 weekso n either side.

My dh was abroad and was planning to be there until a week before second baby due. It so happened that the baby came early so he got a flight home and arrived a few hours later, missing 'the birth' but so what?

I'm interested in the father he is going to be for the long term far more than if he was haniging around the hospital.

My dh would be out of the door before I even had time to 'grant him permission'. It is rarely as bad as it seems when they are away - after a few days, you may actually start to enjoy the change

Has he said how he feels about leaving you and your younger child for a month? And possibly missing the birth?

I'd like my DH to go to the WC finals, but I'd also like him to think about me and our children when deciding what he wants to do. So I wouldn't stop him, but I might be a bit miffed at his priorities and sense of responsibility if he actually disappeared for a month over my due date.

PMSL at baboon attack and the sense of relief.

Oh, let him go...you can sit glued to the TV watching for glimpses of him. And it'll make a great story in years to come.

Just seen the baboon attack bit.
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hello, my dh is also going to 'work' (erm) at the Worldcup, leaving end May back around 17th July and am due on 11th August (we already have a DD, 2). We don't live in the UK and don't have any family nearby but am looking at this as a massive load of credits for me hahaha which I can use when I need to. Have already had a great w/e back in London thanks to the Worldcup. I would say let him go and make sure he's ready to drop everything to come home if need be.

I think he should go...he'll be back by the time you're 37 weeks, at the latest, won't he?

If he wanted to go and watch the football, I'd say no way, but for work, I think it's a different matter.

I don't think he should go with the idea of coming back if you go into labour though, I think that would be silly. You wouldn't have him on a flight at the first twinge, would you? And once you're in established labour, it's unlikely to be 11 hours. Also, you can't just count the flight time, it could take days to get a flight...the world cup will be on!! I think if you agree to him going, it should be on the basis that he's back when he's back, regardless of what happens at home.

How does he feel? Is he 'torn' or just waiting for permission?

I think he should go.

does he need to be there when the baby is born? Considering he'll have a lifetime to spend with the child it doesn't really matter if he misses the first day or so of it's life for a great opportunity!

I am laughing at this thread. i got royally flamed on another thread for daring to suggest that the OP was being unreasonable for her dh to be away for a weekend work piss up 2 hrs drive away.

And here you lot are being so sodding reasonable.

He is torn - wants to go of course, but not waiting for permission. His first instinct is no unless I encourage him otherwise. I know it is chance of a career for him (you would possibly all see his 'work') but having him here for support a huge deal to me too.
Re 'the birth', at 36 wks we had a very close call with DS, didn't realise how close we were to losing him until later, and was induced at 39 weeks for everyone's safety. No reason why it should happen again but of course we are more anxious than if it had been a straightforward time.