Relocate stockpile or save it?

[Thistledew]

I'm 37 weeks pregnant. We live in London. We have made the decision to relocate to my mother's house which is in a very rural area so that there will be someone to look after DS whilst I am in labour without having to risk my 70 yr old mother coming to London. Also, she has a large garden so if we are in lockdown for any period DS can have some outside exercise rather than be cooped up indoors.

We are going to self isolate for 7 days starting tomorrow before we travel to minimise the risk of taking any illness with us.

The plan is that we will stay with my mother for at least 2 weeks post birth- while DH is on paternity leave. We will re-evaluate at that point whether we stay there or return home. He can work remotely if necessary.

I have a modest stockpile of things that are in short supply (loo rolls, tinned tomatoes, pasta etc)- I haven't been panic buying as I've had them in store for ages over no-deal Brexit concerns. My dilemma is whether to take them with us to my mother's when we go or whether to keep them at home to have as backup when we return.

Mum has a reasonable amount of provisions already, but probably only enough to last us all 2-3 weeks. The supermarkets near her have been stripped bare.

WWYD? Take the stash with you or hope to shop and stock up with another couple of weeks worth whilst away?

Take it. You can bring it back if it's still around.

Bit off topic but are you having a home birth, will your midwife travel to you in this rural area? I realise people do end up giving birth in unexpected places to where they had planned to give birth but just wondering how that all works.

Anyway, I think the relocation is a good idea. I'd take the stash, you may be there for some time.

Definitely take the stash and your Maternity Notes

Take the stash, and use it, it's fair to expect your mum to use up everything that she has in.

Post in your local Facebook mums group in London, someone can help stock-up for your return.

What is it like in her area though? We are outside of London and people are thankfully still sane. We’re slightly affected by shortages in the supply chain but no visible signs of panic buying locally.

Thanks for the suggestions.

I'll need a hospital birth as I had a haemorrhage with DS so would want to deliver in hospital regardless of the fact that I will now be 20 mins away from the nearest one. It may be a bit of a pain to transfer but should be doable.

Friends who live locally have said that the supermarkets have been stripped of some items but fortunately there are a couple of local and very small farm shops so fresh food shouldn't be an issue.

The limiting factor will be how much we can cram in the car. I'm thinking to not bother taking the buggy to save space and just using a sling.

Take the stash.

Take the stash. Strip the buggy down to individual frame pieces etc if needed. I can get shit loads in my car if needed.

take it

Don't bother with the buggy. If you're still in lockdown you won't be going anywhere and will need the food more

How long is the journey? DH could always go back and collect your groceries at a later date, also the post. I have been commuting between counties (4 hour journey each way) and the roads have been eerily quiet and I can do it with out a loo break if I minimise my morning coffee intake

But remember the car seat!

Take the stash, leave the buggy.