single mum to a toddler and go into labour

[ArtfulCat]

Hi!

I'm almost 7 months pregnant and high risk, I could give birth earlier than expected.
I have a two year old toddler.
The baby's dad is not allowed near me or children, I don't have any family or friends aroun and I don't drive.
If I were to go into labour prematurely, what would happen?
Would I have to find childcare on the spot, would my child come with me to the hospital?

Thank you

Do you have any family or friends who could be on call for childcare?

@BuffaloCauliflower she said that she doesn't have friends or family.

@ArtfulCat could you afford to pay for a registered babysitter through an agency.

I don't think taking your child to hospital with you is a viable option.

Not here unfortunately
I have my mum but she lives in another country and there's no direct flight

If your toddler's dad is not allowed near you, possibly there has been social services involvement? You could ring social services and ask about emergency, short term foster care.

Could a registered babysitter come on a very short notice?
I could do that
Thank you

Oh that's brilliant, thanks so much

Does your toddler attend nursery or playgroups? Is there anyone there you could ask?

If not could you make contact with a local registered child minder and ask if they would mind being on call for you? I had this provisional arrangement with a childminder near me when pregnant with DC2 as DH was away a lot and limited family / friends back up (didn't need the childminder in the end but it was reassuring to know she was prepared to help at any time of day or night).

Could your mum fly over and come and stay with you for a bit?

You’ve got a couple of months to meet a few babysitters so that your child is familiar with them.

Does your toddler go to nursery? Are there any nursery workers who might be able to do it, depending on the day/time?

Having a few possible options would be good.

If you are due during the school holidays, a school TA or early career teacher might be able to do it too. When I first qualified as a teacher, I used to work in the school holidays to boost my income.

it’s good that you’re planning this now.

There was a thread recently about Doulas stepping in during labour, apparently some will.

Here's a link to the thread
https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/pregnancy/5012316-would-a-doula-mind-my-toddler-while-i-go-to-hospital?page=1

Good luck with everything OP.

Definitely talk to Nursery if your toddler attends. One of the workers may be willing to do it. - You’d probably want multiple possible volunteers in case one is not available. The big advantage here would be that your toddler already knows them.
Also you can talk to your social worker and midwives about this. They’ll know the protocol for if you can’t find someone. It would be an emergency foster care situation for the time you are in hospital.

Thank you all so much for all the help!

In addition to your own hospital bag, I'd also pack one for your toddler. IF no other care is available, they 'might' admit him/her to the childrens ward until social services find a foster placement.