I'm currently 34 weeks pregnant with third baby, just recently moved to a new location and partner works FIFO.
Partner has time off from my 38th week.
However I've been having lots of what I think are braxtyn hicks contractions (they're quite painful, but aren't regular), sometimes I get a dozen in a hour, sometimes they don't hurt at all and other times they knock the wind out of me.
What I'm wondering, if I happen to believe I'm going in to labour while partner is away working and I know nobody in the area to watch our two kids (6 and 21 months), what's happens in those situations? Do the kids just come in the ambulance with me and a nurse/someone at the hospital can watch them?
I went into early labour twice before with previous pregnancies, so it's a possibility and something I want to be somewhat prepared for. Should also add both previous pregnancies ended up with c-sections due to complications, so I haven't actually had a natural birth, which obviously creates a little more stress as to what will happen with the kids if I'm rushed in for a c-section and nobody is there to watch them.
Can kids come in an ambulance if no other options?
Can kids come in an ambulance if no other options?
Posted in:
Pregnancy
13 Replies
Children's services will be called for emergency care, if it's life threatening and urgent they will be taken in ambulance and a carer will be arranged at the hospital. You're best off taking yourself now to see if labour has actually started, if a carer is needed it will be a little less traumatic for the kids as you will have time to explain it to them without an ambulance being involved which can be quite scary.
Thanks for your reply. This has been going on for a few weeks now, last doctor visit there was no change to cervix ect.
Master 6 has anxiety/sensory issues/ADHD amongst other things, a complete stranger having to care for him (even for a short time) would be a disaster. If partner is away working and something happens, ive obviously got no choice, but fingers crossed it doesn't have to come to that, and baby stays put for a few more weeks.
I've never had a baby away from family before, it's a little daunting.
Yes it is not good without family support, I had to use babysitters for my births but luckily they were quick naturals, it is probably too late for you to build enough trust for a babysitter. You could try a local mother's page? A lot of mums would be so happy to help you out, maybe you will find someone that works with kids so they will have their wwc card etc. Won't hurt to try even if you decide no in the end.
Can you hire a nanny and have some introduction days for your son? Just someone to be on call should you need them?
On that Ambulance show I think it’s called paramedics if the kids have to come along they will put them in a MICA car and take your car seats out of your car.
A lot will depend on the level of emergency and the level of monitoring and intervention you may need in the ambulance. They will make sure your children are looked after but that may delay life saving treatment for you and the unborn baby etc.
I would explore a few options. Can a family member come stay with you for a while until hubby has time off? Or can u hire a person who has experience in your sons diagnosis through mable or hireup. You could be having them come to get to know your children now, just in case.
I think seeing as you know it's likely you'll deliver early, you do really have a responsibility to make some kind of arrangements before it gets to this point (which, believe me, I get your options are limited).
I would really try and organise a babysitter who can be on call, maybe hubby will need to come home a few weeks earlier, even ask your prenatal care team to speak to a social worker who may be able to help you arrange something suitable.
I really wouldn't just leave it and hope for the best because taking the kids in an ambulance with you should be an absolute last resort.
My partner was in a car accident with my daughter a few years ago. She went in the ambulance with him. Nurses looked after her until i was able to get to her. They also gave her one of those knitted teddys that are made and donated. Is there any family or friends that can come down to get your children?
I don’t think this is a situation where you just hope for the best.
Find a babysitter, let her take the kids for a few hours, spend some time in your home with you even.
It will take the stress off all involved.
Please don’t leave it to chance.
Pay for a family member to come stay with u (ie travel costs) atleast u will b at ease and they're there to hold the firt till hubby gets back
As a nurse who works in a busy hospital, we don't have time to watch your children!
You'll need to find someone to watch them. Get your parents, siblings, in-laws, someone other than leaving it to the nurses who are already super busy and under the pump as it is!
Where are you located? maybe a local mum from sons school - who he know can come and get him?
I would suggest organising/advertising for a babysitter to ring when the time comes. or ringing DOCS as they can organise for the children to be collected and go into foster care for a few days whilst your in hospital, it is a mutual agreement and nothing negative on your file, infact it is considered responsible parenting.
Please ignore all the judgy people. Have no idea why they think being dismissive and rude helps you. I really feel for you. I really think your husband going on leave in a month is unrealistic if you have a history of early labour and getting strong Braxton hicks now. Some good suggestions about family day care worker on call, teacher, social worker for advice, looking at planned c section early, finding a nanny on call and getting to know a neighbour or asking family to come stay with you for a few weeks. It must be so tough but plan for the baby to come soon then you can relax more and enjoy these last weeks! Good luck hun! Fingers crossed for smooth sailing and a lovely healthy new babe with all the support you and your family need. ❤️🌼💐👍