Childcare when in labour with DC2?

[chloechloe]

DD1 is 20m old and DD2 is due on Boxing Day. Due to emigrating a few years back we don't have any family or close friends nearby, although my PiL are 2 hours away by car (assuming it's not snowing!)

I'm just curious as to what plans people put / have in place? We have a babysitter who DD1 loves and who we can leave her with without any worries but she has another job so won't necessarily be available when the time comes.

I think the only option is for MiL to come and help out but I don't want her here for days on end before the baby is due and certainly not around me when I'm in labour!

Dc2 was a home birth, but dc1 had been sent to friends for the day (although took a few goes to get then to answer phone at 8am Saturday morning - couldn't wait though, dc2 arrived 9.10am).

Dc3 was due boxing day so no way could ask friends to be on standby to poss host 2 small dc on Xmas day. So mil came to stay, 10 days early in case I was. Dc eventually arrived 6 days late. Poss longest 3 weeks of my life...

I can imagine YNWA! Loving your user name by the way, how very true! (This time round I had to POAS with my toddler holding onto my ankles )