Help: best time for family support after birth?

[kitkat2022]

Hi all

Questions for experienced mums:
I have no family in the country I live in and am due to have my first child in September. A dear family member has offered to fly here and stay with us for one month to help (eg cook, clean, shop, take the baby when we need a break etc). They suggested they arrive a couple days before my due date. My husband will be here too but will only have two weeks of paternity leave.

So the question is: is immediately after the birth the best time to accept this help? Is that when we’ll need the most support or would you suggest a little later down the line?

Appreciate your advice 😊

When my daughter had my grandson I booked to go over for a month 2 weeks after her due date just in case the baby was late.
Baby arrived on the due date so it worked out perfectly as her hubby went back to work just after I got there.

Thanks @Babs1937!

I personally would try to time it for when your husband goes back to work. So perhaps a month after due date to account for possible late baby? I remember enjoying the little bubble we were in for the first two weeks and then when DH went back to work I really appreciated the help from me parents. Best wishes for everything :) x

Thanks @SpringSunshine09 😊

I second after husband back at work - that way you get some time bonding as a family then you have practical support as well

Thanks @meow1989 🙏🏽

I agree. it will give you time to get to know your baby and enjoy him/her on your own. You will have your husband to help. Once he lives, your relative can take over.
Congratulations by the way!

Thanks @OneCup!

Agree, after your dh goes back to work would be the best time.
If they need to book in advance that will obviously be more difficult to predict, as a baby can arrive up to 2 weeks early or up to 2 weeks late and be well within 'normal' timings.

Thanks @Kite22, I'll suggest a couple weeks after my due date 😊