I realize this is a few days late (I was due 2 days ago), but it occurs to me that I don't have a good plan for getting to the hospital when I go into labor. I kind of assumed I'd use the same Brooklyn car service I've been using for all my doctor's visits (so many in the last week!).
Anyway, I've been thinking about using an ambulette service instead. Does anyone have an opinion and/or a recommendation? I'm happy with the car service, but am concerned they might not be the best bet when I'm in labor due to potential wait time and lack of medical knowledge. What do you think?
I should note - I have gone through a child birth preparation class and know that I could be in labor for hours before I actually have the child, making wait time a minor issue ... I just wondered what other folks have done.
Thanks so much for all the responses so far - very helpful!!
Wonder how many updates I'll put here?? I have not yet delivered and am now scheduled for a c section tomorrow morning. My mom is on her way and will drive me over to the hospital in the morning. Wish I wasn't having the c, but at least my transportation needs will be taken care of! :)
Thanks again,
~KJ
Well, I haven't delivered yet (can't wait!), but I've had two developments:
1) One of the car service drivers specifically offered to take me when I'm ready to have the child - he's taken me home from two dr. appts this week and is a bit like my grandpa, so that is a good option.
2) My mom decided to rent a car to visit her dad a couple hours away. If she is here when I go into labor, she can take me. Fantastic!
Thanks for all the responses, I really appreciate it. :)
~KJ
I took a CAB, just hailed it and it was late at night - also I had to go home and then get another cab again the 2nd time in the middle of the night. It worked out perfectly. If cabs frequent your area, I'd just go w/ that.
And a car service will work fine as well - even if it takes 20 minutes to get there (besides the pain of the contractions), you'll be fine getting to the hospital within an hour's time from when you call them.
Dear K.,
I think a car service will be fine unless you have a high risk pregnancy.
But if I were you I would give your doctor a call since you are past your due date just to make sure everything if fine.
When I start having contractions on my due date it was 1AM and I just grabbed a regular cab. I had 1 minute apart contractions in the cab. When I got to the hospital it got to 3 minutes apart.
I had my baby only 1PM, so 12 hours in labor.
Don't worry, when the time comes you will know what to do.
Just be confident that everything will be just perfect!!
Have a great experience your your little one.
D.
I'd make a call to the ambulette service as soon as possible. They often have a wait time that can be up to 4 hours. They might be able to do better than that in your area but it is better to have a plan as soon as you can. Best of luck to you. I'll send some happy thoughts and prayers your way.
:)
The car service should be fine. I assume you'd only have about a 45 minute wait time, and believe me - you'll be in labor a lot longer than that !!
Hi K., I'm reading your post on 6/6 and wondering if you had your baby yet. Where in Brooklyn do you live? and where is the hospital? I'm sure a car service could get you there in time. First babies are not always so fast. Anyway, best wishes, Grandma Mary
