If you live far away from family, will have any help after the baby is born?

My family lives 3 hours away and DH's family lives 1 hour away. Although DH is planning on taking 1 week off after the baby is born, that may not happen if he's extremely busy at work.

My mom probably would've stayed with us for a week or two to help out, but as of now, it looks like we're not moving before the baby is born. Our current place is a 1 bedroom. I wouldn't expect my mom to stay on an air mattress at our place.

My parents have been pushing me to get a nurse for the first two weeks and even offered to pay for it. I know it will be tough without any family nearby to help and possibly without DH for 12 hours per day. I'm reluctant to take my parents up on their offer. I don't know if I want a stranger to come in and help take care of the baby.

If you don't have any family nearby, are you getting any type of help after the baby is born?

Re: If you live far away from family, will have any help after the baby is born?

My family doesnt live far away, but everyone is busy with their own stuff- so i dont think- or there is nothing planned, where someone will be available to help us. I did it with DS alone, DH went back to work the day after i came home from the hospital. Its doable, just dont expect to do much else other than take care of the baby.

Re: If you live far away from family, will have any help after the baby is born?

My parents are in SC. They plan to drive up once I am admitted to the hospital and they will stay for a week.

I would be very tempted to take your mom up on the offer to have a nurse come by if no one else was around.

Re: If you live far away from family, will have any help after the baby is born?

Both of our parents are on LI (3 1/2 hours away) and although Im a little nervous, Im sure it will work out. My MIL will probably stay for a week or so. I can understand why you are hesitant to have a nurse stay with you, but if you could meet them before or get a recommendation, you might feel more comfortable

Re: If you live far away from family, will have any help after the baby is born?

I basically have no family so I will have no help or support.. My best friend is offering to watch my other 2 kids the day of my c-section then after that my DH will be with them while Im in the hospital.As for when Im home DH is all I have and all I need.

Re: If you live far away from family, will have any help after the baby is born?

My parents are going to come when I'm in the hospital and then my dad will go back to LI while my mom stays for a week or two. I think I will need the help. Is there an inexpensive hotel nearby for your mom to stay instead of the nurse?

Re: If you live far away from family, will have any help after the baby is born?

Re: If you live far away from family, will have any help after the baby is born?

My parents live in Floriday. My mother will be here to help me once am home from the hospital. DH will be off for a week, his family works full time. So, limited help for me.

Re: If you live far away from family, will have any help after the baby is born?

we are a 12 hour car ride away from ALL our family. DH will call my mom when Im at the hospital and she is going to fly down for about a week (more than enough time....trust me) and DH who works from home with take "off" a few days. He has a crappy paternal leave with his job and MUST use vaca time. His mom may come down for a week or so (maybe) and stay in a hotel. I am not really big on having anyone here but I know that will not fly, Im just capping their visits for my own sanity.

Re: If you live far away from family, will have any help after the baby is born?

My Mom and my sister will come when have them but more just to see the babies. My sister offered to help whenever I need her but she has her own baby so not sure if I want to have her do that. My MIL and FIL are coming when they are born and then a couple of weeks later but only staying for a few days.

Re: If you live far away from family, will have any help after the baby is born?

I would definitely take your parents up on their offer. I know a few people that have had baby nurses and were very happy. It's great to have someone wake up with the baby overnight so you can get a little extra sleep. trust me, you'll be needing your energy.

Re: If you live far away from family, will have any help after the baby is born?

Just like Jenn, we live 12 hours away from family.

My feeling is, as long as you're not working RIGHT after the baby is born, I don't see why a nurse is necessary. Especially if DH will be around for at least a few days so that you can work in shifts.

I know that I'm about to get hit really hard in the face by reality when she comes home, but if they're offering to pay, I'd ask them to get something a little more permanent instead. Baby nurses can be pretty expensive!

Re: If you live far away from family, will have any help after the baby is born?

I would get a nurse.

sure, you don't NEED one...but here are things that you will need

showers
food
SLEEP
laundry

I am in NC, my mom came for 3 weeks...she was wonderful.

You can do it all, but if given a choice, i would take it. Mine was up every 1.5-2 hours...for WEEKS. I was a zombie. My DH was in baby shock. I was engorged beyond belief.

Re: If you live far away from family, will have any help after the baby is born?

My parents live 4 hours away and will be staying for 2 weeks. We have plenty of room though. You should DEFINITELY take them up on the offer of hiring a baby nurse. Shoot- I'd do it in a heartbeat if DH would let me.....

Your only job for those first few weeks is to: eat, sleep, feed the baby. Let someone else do the rest.