No one to watch kids while birthing

[belle_m]

What's the normal "etiquette" for bringing kids with you to Labor and Delivery

Comments

[morning_stand]

Make sure that your hospital even allows children to come, a lot of hospitals have a ban on children because of flu and other things.

Other than that, I'd say it's just really up to you. My hospital allows only siblings of the new baby and they must have an adult to watch them so your husband will likely have to be focused on them and not so much on you during the delivery.

[belle_m]

That's my fear! I'd really, really hate for him to miss the birth.

[curieuse]

So understandable. How tricky! To be honest, if you want your husband at all focused on you, I would try to find someone to watch the kids, even if it is via care.com or something like that. If you explained your situation I bet you could find someone, especially if it were "just" for the 4 hours or so until family arrived.

Possibly call your local La Leche League leaders and ask for recommendations/advice? They're usually a tight-knit and baby-focused group in any new town.

[kristi116]

Hire a babysitter or doula specifically for your kids. Most hospitals are going to have a policy that says any kids need an adult specifically to look after them and you don't want that to be your husband when you're in labor.

[belle_m]

I don't know how much a babysitter will help if my water breaks at 4 am or something though. :\

[karmik]

Hire a babysitter or a doula who is ready to come to your place on short notice even at night?

[bubblytoes28]

On sites like sittercity.com you can put an ad up that specifies you need someone you can call in that situation.

[acheuleanhandax]

I'd make sure you are allowed to bring your kids, first of all.

I'd also try to find a babysitter just in case. What if you give birth in the middle of the night? Would you want to pack up your sleeping kids and take them with you? What if there are complications and you need a surgical birth? Would you be OK with your husband staying behind to watch your other kids in that situation? Do you know for sure your family is OK with being on-call and would definitely start the drive as soon as you call?

[acheuleanhandax]

If I remember correctly, you said there was a chicken pox outbreak at your child's school? I know the women's hospital in my city does not allow people who have been exposed to illness (specifically chicken pox) within the last three weeks to visit the maternity ward. If your child happens to come down with chicken pox, you will definitely need someone to stay home with him.

[snuck]

Is there a dial a nanny or other agency child care type service in your area