Have you looked after a friends DC while they're in labour?

[addler]

We don't have family we can to ask to watch DS when I go in to labour.

A while back I was talking to some friends about who would watch our DC1s while we're in labour and a non-pregnant said 'I'll have him!'

I think she could actually be serious, she's a very thoughtful person and often thinking of others.

I'd like to ask her properly so I can take that worry off my list, but I'd like to make it as easy and stress-free as possible. It would only really work for the nighttime or weekend I guess as she works full time.

If you've watched a friend's DC while they're giving birth can you tell me what worked and what didn't?

She has a DS the same age as mine, nearly 2. They live on the way to the hospital.

I haven't actually done it but I've been on standby a few times, more for people who have family far away but the family made it in enough time for me not to be needed.

To be honest I think anyone will be happy to help if you're in labour. I'm pregnant with my third and expected to have a very fast labour so I have mentioned to a few people on our road that I might need to call them in an emergency if DH is too far away, and everyone is happy to help. I'm just going to pack a bag for the kids in advance and keep it by the door, probably with a note in it about their rough routine. That's what I did for DS1 when I was pregnant second time, but ended up having a home birth while he was asleep so wasn't needed in the end.

Yes and also of a virtual strangers children as well!

The stranger. We were at mother and toddler when she was taken ill (late in pregnancy). Another parent took her to hospital (we lived very rurally) and I kept all the children (mine, friends and pregnant mothers)

She was in labour, her DH went the hospital and her mother set off from SE to get the child but didn't make it due to the weather that day and so I had them overnight. Took child to hospital the next morning to hand over to granny and meet their little sister.

Yes I looked after my friend's 4 year old twins when she went into labour. We all lived abroad though so she wasn't near family to ask. I didn't mind at all and I would do it for any other friend if they needed it.

Yes, it did not go that great to be honest. My neighbour went off to hospital in an ambulance, I went to hers to be with the kids and found myself there for 6 days as the new baby was not well. Her partner was overseas and unable to travel due to covid restrictions.

Life was complicated enough, but when someone is in need you do what you can. Can't imagine she would have chosen any of it.