How to manage childcare during birth in a lockdown?

[bananamonkey]

Sorry if this sounds stupid in the grand scheme of things but I’m trying to run through scenarios in my head of how this will work practically so it’s a bit of a brain dump. Currently 36 weeks so baby due anytime in next month. Had planned a home birth with DC1 to go to GPs (live locally, early 60s, no health issues). Now what will we do?

If the home birth is still allowed, give birth with the MW in 1 room and DH occupying DC1 elsewhere in the house? It’s only a 3-bed house and DC is 3 so not easy, would only really work if it happens overnight I guess.

Go the MW unit but give birth alone? DH would have to drive me to the hospital with DC in the car and drop me off as couldn’t come in with me I guess? I really don’t want to go near the hospital at the moment but needs must. No siblings are allowed so not sure how he’d pick me up afterwards or if I needed to go to the ward as he couldn’t visit briefly.

Any other ideas?

It's not stupid at all! I have these exact worries although I'm only 28 weeks but the grandparents we were going to rely on are over 70. I've asked my childminder if she can help and provided that's ok to do and we still need it, we will use her.

Obviously you don't have as much time to sort it out. I would contact your midwife first thing. This lockdown was inevitable so I expect midwives have some plans in place already.

Following as in same position, such a difficult time for everyone x

I’ve just spoken to my midwife and she said children should not be going to grandparents of ANY age or childminders as they are not part of your household and you should not be interacting with anyone outside your immediate family on lockdown. The govt advice on that is clear. 34 weeks here so if I go in to labour on lockdown I assume the only way really is for husband to have the toddler and I go alone!

Not stupid at all OP - we all the same worry. I'm only 29+4 and with the lock down not sure what we will do as my sister is about an hours drive away and I assume our usual sitter is out of the question.

I don't see any other solution besides going it alone and DH stays with DD (3)

I hope you are still supported with your homebirth, many births happen overnight so cross your fingers DC sleeps through it.
If you still have a homebirth but DC is awake will they watch tv or play on an ipad or build lego in another room and DH can pop in and out occasionally keeping an eye on both of you?
If you have to go to hospital it would be safer for the rest of your family for you to go it alone. Do you have a close caboo or another sling suitable for a newborn? Do you have a hospital bag on wheels? When DH (and DC) come to pick you up you can carry the baby in a sling and wheel your bag so you don't have to carry anything heavy, and meet him in the car park?

Following as am also having to think about this too!

Thanks all, heard today that home births are still being supported for the time being so fingers crossed. DC1 was born overnight so hoping this one will too. That’s a great tip about swapping my bag for a wheely one and I do have a close caboo I will pack. Have joined my local hospital maternity services FB group today which is really up to date and one of the MWs posted that if possible they will come meet you downstairs if you’re coming in alone.