I have no support network. No one to call upon, without it being a liberty. Would you advertise for a "Mrs Doubtfire"

[Oblomov]

Neither of our mums live nearby. My sil is moving soon. My neighbours are lovely, but I don't want to impose.
I am a diabetic and dh is a type 2 diabetic aswell. My mum has expressed concern that I have no support network - I am currently pregnant , although may have miscarried. My mum worries how I will cope.
What do others do, who have no family round them ?
I have considered placing an advert, so that I might find a nice older lady who could be called upon, or for babysitting, or in an emergency I would have someone to call upon.
What are the alternatives ?

Haven't read all of thread, so apologies if I'm repeating what has been said, but I saw a mention of Homestart. I would say they could help you - my HV recommended them to me simply because we have no family in the area. That situation is recognised as being a difficult situation, never mind having diabetes or not.

I have just moved opposite Kings College hospital and have a nice spare room so if it would help to spread the journey over a couple of days you would be more than welcome! My DP and I live between the flat we've got opposite Kings and my place that I'm selling in Clapham at the moment so the flat is often completely free. Then in Feb I'm moving back to Surrey so won't be a million miles away!

I work full time so would be of very little use in terms of helping out childcare wise I'm afraid. Good luck with everything!

I don't think you are making things too complicated either and I do think Kings are not helping matters but that is by the by. It's good that you are thinking about this now, so at least you can get something sorted. Also agree about the Mrs Doubtfire, I would definitely have a word with local church and put up an advert and see if you get a response. The beauty of this would be cover for times if you aren't feeling great at home, someone could just come round and help, do some shopping etc.

ImBarryscott, you are lovely offering to help

I knew there was a reason why I should posted this on mumsnett.
ClaphamLauren - what a kind offer.
I can't thank you all enough for all yuor sympathy and good suggestions, whilst I rant and rant about why I WANT I WANT
another child....
the perfect life.....
to have it all.
Mumsnett is the VERY VERY best for this.
FANKS to you all

Haven't actually had to ask for help from Homestart, other than going to the weekly drop-in group, but must say that's been great in itself.

would you be willing to go to a more local hospital oblomov? saying that, i have diabetes & know how much i valued going to a team i knew when pg. hope this pg works out.

The only pump clinics in the UK are Kings, Bournemouth and Manchester.

bugger .

There is one in Cardiff (University Hospital)..

There are organisations that exist to put children into retired peoples lives and vice versa when those links don't exist within the family or at a distance. No idea what they are like but think they are a fab idea. If you google 'adopt a grandparent/adopt a granny' or some such you will find some links.

May be that way you could have a 'nan' type person?

good luck

Not that that helps any sorry your situation sound shard and you are trying to overthink everythingk I think but very sensibly ...good luck

My mum suggested that rather than seeing Kings as a negative thing, that I should appreciate that Professor Amiel is not only the most highly respected Diabetic specialist and pump specialist in the UK, but aloso apparently the WORLD. And she cares for me. It is her I see every time. She visited me on the ward, atleast once a day.
I am getting the VERY VERY best.
Maybe the reat of my life, even our ds, has to work around the fact that my health is a priority and that I could not be anywhere better.
I think my mum has a point. Maybe I need to adjust my view of kings and place other things accordingly.

oh yes, stephanie amiel is excellent (i used to work for diabetes uk, she is super-well respected).

Oblomov - Tinies is one that I have heard of - I am not sure if they are a national network. I imagine if you google (or yell) 'nanny recruitment agencies' you will find some near you.

Maybe an advert in The Lady!