What to Do with 2 Yr Old While Giving Birth

You could at least ask your friends. You might be surprised by the response. They might feel quite honored to be asked to watch/keep your 2 year old on such a momentous occasion.

We had a friend keep our almost 3 yr old when his little sister was born. It was late at night, but they drove 40 minutes to meet us at the hospital and then took him home with them. Brought him up to the hospital the next morning to meet his sister. :)

You never know until you ask. And the important thing is that he is safe.
Congrats on your pending "addition". :))

If it's at a hospital... I can see why you'd not want your toddler around all those germs and medical devices. Other than that - he'd get really bored.

If you are having a home birth or birthing at a center - I'd recommend bringing him. Home births are very comfortable and family friendly as are birthing center births.

Why not ask SIL if she could be at the hospital with you (I'm assuming that is where you are going) and a huge bag of games and DVDs with a dvd mini player and for her to watch your child in your room while laboring?

If your SIL's bipolar is controlled with the meds, and if she lives close enough that you (or a friend) can get the 2 year old to her in the chaos of getting to the hospital, fine. If she is not well-controlled, or if the transportation is an added issue, then ask friends. She doesn't need to drive your child anywhere. I agree they might be flattered to be asked, to know that you trust them and need them. If you have 2 possible friends lined up and your child knows both families, they should be able to manage even though they work. Working people get personal time they can use, and sick time they can get in an emergency. Since they have their own children, they are used to having to do things on short notice when one of their kids gets sick. They may also have babysitters and can be a resource to you in that area as well. Try to reach out to others - you are so used to having to do everything yourselves because you have such compromised relatives that it may be hard - but actually rewarding - to realize there are others who will fill the role that families traditionally do. Good luck!

You could check with local doulas (you can find local doulas at the DONA website -- www.dona.org) -- I know that here in MA, there are often requests on the doula list for childcare during births -- doulas are used to being on call, and are often sometimes willing to do so for childcare as well, or might know someone who can.

You also might find someone on sittercity.com, or similar babysitting websites.

If you do either of these options, I'd try to do it early enough that your daughter can get to know the sitter in advance.

I would ask friends if they have any college age sitters or maybe they even have a sibling out of work who is responsible and does not have a schedule to keep. I would go out on a date with hubby once or twic and use this sitter so your child is comfortable. Explain your NEED which is, you will be calling them at any hour of any day to say it's time and you NEED them to be there. It may be an over night deal too, so you need someone that comes highly recommended. No offense, but from the way you described the family, I would do my best to stay away from them ;)

Tough situation to be in, but I would REALLY try to find a sitter that is will to "help" you and be very flexible for this one IMPORTANT event.

Best of luck!!

Wow, well that is a pickle. I think your SIL is probably fine as long as she takes her meds and you feel comfortable with her. Being bipolar doesn't necessarily mean she is untrustrworthy. I might consider having your husband pick your older child up at night and stay at home instead of at the hospital with you though. Maybe she'll be interested in keeping her during the days you're at the hospital as long as she stays at home overnight, that way you get a little bit of daddy too!

I would also see if you can't find a babysitter for the future. You'll probably like to have one that you can call upon for those few months of the baby's life to help entertain the big sister!

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We were in a similar situation having moved 4 months before giving birth to our 2nd exactly 2 years apart. We didn't know anyone in the area before moving there so I would have to say that I was pretty intentional about meeting other moms and finding kids for our daughter to play with since I had no idea how it would be to have 2 little ones and thought I could use all the help I could get! As it got closer to the date I realized I had to nail someone down and ended up asking an adult who was a babysitter for a church small group I was in...she was very happy to do it and wouldn't even charge me! (we gave her something anyway). When others found out I was doing this I was flooded with moms who said they would have helped out and would be back ups for me. I know every situation is different but I wanted to put this because I was surprised at how many moms would have inconvenienced themselves for us to help out. I realized that I would likely do the same...we are moms, we know that we need each other. Obviously not just anyone would do but so what you can to make mom friends, playdates, library or bookstore storytimes, etc. I found that my growing belly would even often be an icebreaker when getting to know others at playgrounds, etc. Don't be afraid to put your needs out there and spend a little time helping your little one be comfortable with the other mom and their little ones...your little one will probably have a great time playing with other kids and learning about a new place while you are having your own new miracle! I worried too much about the issue and wish I would have relaxed more and realized my little one would be fine and there are good people out there would with a little time and caution would love to help you! Best wishes!

Ask at a local church, try asking a neighbor for a referral, post a listing on craig's list (and interview the person of course ahead of time). Try posting a notice on the senior center bulletin board. Ask at a daycare center for a referral.

I am sure you could find a sitter. It might be costly but well worth it if you know your daughter is going to be safe. You might not be having the baby on new years anyway, ask everyone you know if they have a sitter or know of anyone.

I wish I were close by. I would gladly take care of her.

I know we have been in similar situations each time I have given birth. In the end it's surprising how it all works out. God seems to provide. Ask your friends if they have any ideas. Chances are one of them would be happy to help you out.

If you are due during school vacation call the local preschools. Most teachers supplement their income with baby sitting and they have CPR and early childhood education as well. Or you can call the local "newcomers" club if your town has one. They have lots of information for new families moving to town including child care info. Congratulations, and may your labor be short and your happiness long!

Ask your friends/neighbors who they use for a babysitter. Certainly with it being summer, there is a responsible teen babysitter in your area that you could call upon. Congrats and Good luck!

Does the hospital have any suggestions?

Ask your friends or a neighbor.
Plus you will be in the hospital for maybe a night, maybe 2.
Set her up now in a daycare so that she has a place to go in the daytime. Also you will need to make OB appt's that she is not allowed to be at.
I'm sure there will be other moms at daycare who can help out too.
I used a drop off care facility.
Maybe have SIL come to your house. That way all the kid stuff is there and all she has to do is call hubby if she needs anything.
Good luck and congratulations!!!

Talk with a neighbor. Talk with their daycare provider. That way, when you do have to go, your daughter can go to the neighbor's for the day and then the neighbor can take her to the neighbor's sitter.

M.

We have 4 children and a similar situation. Basically we request an induction so we know that day to expect. Then we bring our kids with us with some one to help when the final birth occurs. Maybe that is how you handle it with your daughter, just bring your daughter to the hospital then when your are at about 7 to 8 cm dialated go pick up the SIL to come be with the 2 yo while you actually have the baby. That way you still have total control of the situation.

This worked beautifully with 2 of our 3 kids. One of them came so fast that my husband had to miss the actual birth. Strangely, we love her and enjoy her just as much as the others, my husband missing it did not affect him, myself or the baby. = )

Now that I think about it, my dad wasn't even allowed in the delivery room when my brother and I were born and we are fine too.

Whatever you choose, it will work out just fine, enjoy and congrats!!!