Childcare when in labour

[RoseGoldEagle]

Sorry if this is a stupid question. Due a baby any day and the friend who was going to come round and look after my older children when I go into labour is in an area that’s just about to go into local lockdown. Can she still come and look after the kids when I go into labour- or does that count as non essential since theoretically DH could stay and look after them and I could go in alone?? Thanks for any advice.

I would look at that as essential, good luck!

Yes absolutely. I had a baby in may when we were in full lockdown still and my parents cared for my children whilst I was in labour. Its essential childcare....informal childcare is allowed in my area which is in local lockdown too

I'm in an area that's in local lockdown and we are allowed to leave for care. This is definitely a valid reason, you need someone to look after your children. It's not as if you are having a house party, it's important that your children are being cared for when you are in hospital.

That’s great to know, thank you!

I think the government should make situations like this much clearer for people to save worry. My friend was pregnant In April and her midwife told her that her husband had to stay at home as her mother wasn’t allowed to look after the older children it caused a lot of upset for her (v high risk situation) when it shouldn’t have done.

Of course it’s a necessity for children to be looked after in this situation.

Definitely. My baby was born in full on lockdown in early May and there was no way I was doing it on my own and my partner missing out on the birth of our last child so my mum had our 3 year old.

One of the midwifes was really against it as it broke the rules at the time but I didn't care. I think in those circumstances it's fine!

Also in local lockdown areas you can still have family or friends help with childcare it's one of the exceptions to going in other homes.

Hope it goes well.