Childcare for Labour

[mum2c]

I am expecting my second baby this summer. Unfortunately, we do not have anyone who we can ask to take care of dd1 when I go into hospital to give birth as our siblings are not local and all work fulltime in any case and both sets of gps are planning to be away on holiday. We are also quite new to the area and don't feel we know anyone well enough to ask. Any suggestions for what to do. I am especially worried as I needed to have an emergency cs last time!

How old is your dd1? Could you talk to the midwives at your hospital to see if they have any ideas.

She's only 1.

I know that if it comes to it my dh will have to stay at home and look after her but I would like to have him with me even if it is only at the end.

have you tried social services, they can arrange for her to go into foster care even if only for a few hours, they may be able to find a foster family that live near by, so you and your DD can get to know them beforehand.

where abouts do you live? Social services sounds like you best option

Do you have time to get to know a few mums through mums & toddler groups? I'm sure that people would be happy to help out, if they know your other option would be social services. You could even offer to pay them if you feel like you won't be in any position to return the favour in the immediate future.

Try talking about it somewhere in the hope that somebody volunteers - then bite their arm off!

What about a neighbour? You say that you are new to the area - have a small housewarming party, just invite people from your street and find out who has small children too! You have enough time to get to know them well enough to leave your dd with them.