Older child while in labour

[Newmumin2017]

Hi ladies, I am wondering what to do about childcare for my DD while I am in hospital after giving birth as I don't have anyone I can realistically ask to look after her overnight. I will be having a planned C section so I know I will have to stay in and wondering if there is any possibility of having her brought in to stay with me once I am out of recovery. Have any of you heard of this happening before? I know I will need to discuss it with my midwife but I know it will be an unusual request!

It wouldn't be allowed OP...I'm really sorry you're in this position. There is a service offered by social services though where a foster carer will look after your DD until you're home again.

Since you have nobody at all, you would definitely qualify for help after the birth from Home Start who are there in situations like this....someone would come to your house after your birth and just be there to help with basic things like washing up and cooking...give them a call now.

www.home-start.org.uk/?gclid=Cj0KCQjwjN7YBRCOARIsAFCb934FVvXd5fyvCOVihXDbdsVcslczJ0spreCrv438jOWZeFvAibLH0GkaApIxEALw_wcB

Speak to your midwife urgently about the care of your DD whilst you're having your baby.

Sorry, OP, that definitely won’t be possible. I second Aja’s suggestion to talk to SS.

Do you have a partner? Is DD’s father around?

Yeah the hospital can't allow this because if you were to get unwell while in hospital, someone would need to take responsibility for your child and that's no up to them to organise.

Speak to your midwife and see what they suggest. I'd do it sooner rather than later !

You won't be allowed to take her with you - sorry.

How old is she? Does she go to school or nursery? Perhaps one of the other mums could look after her? My DS is older but we live far away from family and one of our plans is for him to go to a school friend as I felt that would also be easier for him for school.

And yes speak to your midwife. Usually if there is literally nobody they would do short term foster care, it's no question about your ability to care for your DD, just emergency childcare when there are no other options. As you're having a planned section it's nice and easy to organise as well.

Yes definitely not allowed I'm afraid. Do you have a partner?

Thank you all, I didn't think it would be possible unfortunately but I do understand why it isn't. I'm sure I can sort something else out rather than resort to SS, it's just going to be very tricky. Thanks again.

Call Surestart! Make sure you do...they're amazing. Even if you sort out some childcare for the birth, you can still have help afterwards....they don't interfere or anything...they're volunteers...all police checked...experienced and often Grandmother aged. They will do whatever you need.....sit with you or wash up...if people have older kids, they help with homework and things.x

As Shark said above, do you have a partner? Bevause if you are going through this pregnancy by yourself you will need some help when you are home after you are discharged, particularly with a baby and another one too?

if you can afford it, you can also pay for a nanny - a friend of mine did this. Nanny came to see the house & meet older child before the birth, then stayed home with older child & bought her to hospital to visit baby etc. but she was only in hospital for 1 day - a week would get expense.

my DD went to stay with a nursery friend when DD2 was born, but again only 1 day so not too long.