Childbirth and childcare

[Ma123]

Hi all,

I am expecting BB2 in August. I have no family around and nobody I can count on 24/7 to look after my 1st child (3 years old). I am really worried about who will look after my child while I am in hospital.
How do you mums do? Is there such a thing as 'emergency' babysitter that can be called anytime day and night?
Thanks for your advice.

i had no family around but local people who are good friends stepped in, One mom was french (am irish) and she had been through similar so offered early to be a backstop. As it is an emergency, I would suggest you think about who would do daycare for you and ask your neighbours would they help in a real emergency. I do live in rural area so probably people here more tolerant and prepared to help each other. wishing you well, ps am about to have number 3 and have asked one set of neighbours to be the midnight call out and have lined up mix of babysittters and friends for more normal hours, It is a big worry

I'm in pretty much the same situation as you Ma123; I'm thinking it'll have to be different people for different days/time of day, whilst we mobilise Granny (6 hours away + work commitments).

I had friends who could have covered but I got my mum to come and stay around my due date. She's retired though
home birth an opition at all?