To wake four sleeping children, then drag them to the shop in the pouring rain?

[PomBearEnvy]

Okay I need advice, have posted here because its the busiest place. My Dc are all sleeping, aged 7yrs nearly3yrs and 18months.

I have an aquaintances newborn with me who I am looking after unexpectedly after a frantic phone call. Newborn is three weeks old, mum has been taken ill, rushed to A&E. She is a single parent and has no family nearby, I only know her through mother and toddlers.
Baby was dropped to me half hour ago by her very elderly neighbour, there was no-one else to take him when she was taken ill, he would have gone into emergency care

I have nappies and clothes, but baby is usually breast fed. I am no longer feeding any of mine. I dont have formula.

Its pissing down outside, all the kids are fast asleep and will object to being woken or walking anywhere,I dont own a double buggy, no longer have a sling, and dh is working away.

How the fuck am I gonna get a newborn a 18month 3yr old and poorly 7yr old to the shop and back. aggggghhh!

Its a 6/7 min walk there, I could run in under 5mins, should I do that do you think? Leaving them sleeping? Or waking the seven yr old and talking to him on the homephone from my mobile? would that be insane? or is it more insane to try and get them all up and there with only one buggy and torrential rain.
Someone HELP!!!

Oh I definitely agree with you in spirit Strictly, it's just a bit iffy without knowing why she's a single mum. It's intrusive to ask questions like that, I know, I'd just be wary of involving people you're not sure of with such a tiny baby.

I knew from the way you posted you certainly wanted to help though, so I hope you didn't take offence to my post!

POMBEAR I have inboxed you my number I live in West Wales I can hop in the car, Tesco is 24 hours I like bring bottles/milk whatever you need.

Mumsnet is awesome.

Great news that the Community MW is coming out. Hope you hear from the baby's mother soon.

is baby distressed Pombear?

you could try giving cooled boiled water.

it's 10pm now... so hopefully midwife will be there soon

have the hospital rung yet?

Have you tried the penrhyn taxi firm? Can't remember what they're called but very helpful. They may be able to get something from town.

fantastic news that a MW is coming out :)

I am glad that help is on the way, wish I could be more helpful, but I live in Milton Keynes and dont drive so as about as much help as a chocci teapot. Its great and reassuring that there are so many lovely MNetters out there to help, it really is great that people are rallying round.

Pombear, there are a couple of mn-ers who have offered to help so I hope you get everything you need quickly.

Poor mum, poor baby and poor you. We done though and keep us posted.

Pombear - when did you stop feeding? You might still have milk and even the sucking might be enough to comfort the baby in the meantime - obviously as long as you are comfortable with that!

Wow, what an amazing thread!

Have read with my heart in my mouth, but so glad things seem to be getting sorted for OP and baby.
MN gets too much bad press, but when it comes to the crunch nothing beats the solidarity of mumsnetters.

Tainted also, if the Mum wanted the Dad to take the baby, surely she would've contacted him directly or even indirectly and not PomBear in the first instance...I know I wouldn't want my exes contacted under the same circumstances.

So pleased that the mw is on the way.

Well done Pombear.

Do let us know if we can help any more though.

xx

Pom, have pm'd you. Hope you're offline because help has arrived!

Pom have you seen there are some mn here in your area please contact them god knows when the midwife will arrive

Pom Let me know what's going on! The MW could be a thousand years-we all know how unreliable they can be. I'm happy to give you formula and a bottle (i can pick up en route) but I'm not sure HOW far you are away from me I don't want you to leave it too late and the baba wake up and leave you more in the lurch

So glad that MW will be with you soon and that GP is willing to help out with a seemingly impossible situation. Hoping for a good night for you and all your LOs tonight! Take care - lots of us rooting for you, and the LO and poorly mum.

Pombearenvy - have you managed to speak to the hospital to find out how the mother is. Must have been dire emergency if you sent you the baby with a means to fed it.

Hopefully you've got some formula by now.

Good point solo, I didn't even think of that.

PomBear, you're dealing with this wonderfully, I only hope if I was in a similar situation, I would be half as good as you at coping!

Please keep us updated if you can.

Oh no I wasn't offended tainted don't worry :) Horrible situation for everyone. Poor baby must be getting hungry, they feed so often at 3 weeks, especially at night.

Sorry I can't help. Fingers crossed milk arrives soon.

Yes, when did you stop breastfeeding? You mihgt still have milk.

Best wishes.

Thank you for all advice, waiting for community midwife now. Baby is ( thankfully) still sleeping, seems oblivious bless!
I am in contact with a lovely mner who has pm'd me with her mobile number and has family who will be willing to help in the area, phew, thank you!! GP has phoned back once again, to say that he is trying to chase up mothers admittance to hospital, and is trying to find someone to correspond with in social services.

Have boiled the kettle, and in absence of steriliser have put an old bottle in a saucepan on the hob to sterilise just incase I am still waiting for MW when baby wakes, at least then he can have cool boiled water.
My 18 mth old is stirring now, so i;m going to settle, will try and keep you updated. THank you to all who have helped especailly the pm messages with practical help xx

So glad you have managed to get some help.
Some MNers have offered help too - please take them up on it if needed.

Hope the baby is soon asleep with a full tummy and reunited with its mum tomorrow morning - really hope she's OK :(