Lockdown advice

[Berry278]

My partner is currently working overseas and I'm at home on my own pregnant with two young children. I have always followed the lockdown rules, I have my shopping delivered and I haven't mixed with any other households since the rules have been in place. I'm 31 weeks and I'm getting very tired and achey. It's hard work homeschooling, keeping the house tidy, cooking, washing/ironing and keeping the children happy and content. I understand being on my on my own I'm allowed to create a support bubble for help. I really miss my Mum, we talk on the phone everyday but it would be nice to have some help with the children just so I can rest abit. I've spoken to midwives, GPs and anyone really and they've all said support bubbles can only be local travel only. Although they have said that around my due date (April), she can visit to look after the children so I can get to the hospital. I don't have anyone local to me, we moved to be closer to my husband's work (when he's in the UK) and my Mum lives about a 2.5 hour drive away. She has had the vaccine but I'm aware it makes no difference. I don't want to break any rules and I appreciate that I'm high risk with my pregnancy so if she can't visit she can't and I'll accept that. Just wondered if anyone had any knowledge on this and what I'm allowed to do. Appreciate your help. Bx

I don’t know exactly how it works with the rules etc, but I’d personally disregard the “as long as it’s local” advice if that’s not an option for you, which it sounds like it’s not!

For me personally, I’m a single parent to a one year old, but her dad sees her every other week. He lives 2 and a half hours away from us, so has to travel that distance in order to see her. Obviously she’s too little to stay with him (and would still mean travelling a distance every other week), but that’s just how our bubble has to work. It just doesn’t work as a local thing!

I think as long as you’re in a closed bubble with just your mum (who has been vaccinated so even more safe), then I really don’t understand how you’d be breaking any rules or posing a threat to anyone. It seems to me like it’s the best option for you and your pregnancy, and help with the little ones! You must be exhausted, can she not stay for a few days to help? I’m sure that’s allowed within bubbles. All the best to you!x

If you’re allowed a bubble then I don’t think it has to be in the local area, but it’s better if it is. I’m in a bubble with my mum and she’s about 1 hour away.

Isn't the advice for it to be 'local if possible'? If it's not possible for your support bubble to be local then go as far as you need. Also no rules on how far you can travel to 'provide care' which your Mum coming to give you a break or to help out would class as

I never knew they had to be local? Tbh I would just get on with it, not everyone has someone local and you need the support so go for it.

I really appreciate all the replies, they're really helpful. Thank You :)