Last minute childcare due to IVF. In a panic.

[Summ3ers]

Hello.
I’m due to start a 3 package IVF treatment soon but I’m really panicking about childcare for my toddler.

I have to travel 2 hours every other day for scans etc and then all being well, have the egg collection at the end. I do this for 3 months in total, eggs being frozen and then the fourth month an egg is transplanted.

Although I can take my toddler with me for scans (not ideal as it involves train journeys into London) I don’t know what to do regarding egg retrieval’s.

Closet relatives who can help are nearly 4 hours away. Most of my friends work and although we have a childminder on standby, she can only help on certain weekdays. I don’t really know where to start especially as we might need childcare last minute or at the weekend. I guess we need to go through an agency but even the thought of a stranger in my home, looking after my child is causing me anxiety.
Thank you.

Is your child at nursery? Would be worth asking them if they know anyone? Otherwise Sitters.co.uk might be able to help. You could book in for an initial session while you are there/nearby. They don’t guarantee the same person usually, but if you give them a ring, they might be able to. I’ve always had lovely babysitters from them. Good luck with the treatment

Firstly, good luck with the IVF!
What about going to an agency and seeing if someone would be available to cover all of the appointments so it wouldn't be a stranger?
You could also advertise through an agency/gumtree for someone and essentially have a part-time nanny for the duration?
Another option could be getting an au pair for those months, if you have room to accommodate them? Could be useful for you to have another pair of hands around to help if you're tired etc from the process?

Thank you so much for replying and your kind wishes. Feeling a little overwhelmed and anxious. Did think of an au pair but we are totally stretched funding IVF.
Yes, my child is at nursery but only one day a week and they are full up on other days.

Can your partner not cover the childcare for those times?

I know they will need to be there after your egg retrievals but couldn't they be looking after the toddler during the retrievals then you all go home together?

Hope you figure it out. And don't stress too much!

I'd second using sitters we've always found them reliable.

lots of nanny agencies do emergency nannies, they often have a 24 hour mobile number on their website. won't be cheap though. good luck and