My partner is also working through early labour as far as we can get away with so I share your worries. I’ve done a to-do list of things I want to leave as close as I can to birth that I’ll do while I’m on my own to try to distract myself, like change the bedding on our bed, put the sheets on baby’s next to me crib and Moses basket, pack the bits of my hospital bag that I’m still using, hoover and mop etc. So I’ll just start working my way through all that stuff once it starts xx
With my first I started with pains around 2am on a Saturday I sent hubby off to rugby that afternoon as I didn’t actually want anyone there at that time he came back at 6pm and didn’t go to hospital til around 11pm
I've categorically told my husband to stay at work till I'm in active labour so he gets more time off with us. Have you tried going on a course? We went on one with an amazing lady called Louise called the honest midwife. She reassured us so much about labour and that the early stages can last days or weeks and you might not even know you're in labour. She's full of reassuring and honest advice for first time parents. I feel a lot more relaxed and confident about it after going to her classes and I'm a anxious person.
With my first, his dad was off work from the moment my waters broke. Baby wasn’t born for another 2 days and then we spent 4 days in hospital recovering 🙉 basically lost nearly a week of his paternity leave to the hospital. This time around he’s booked baby’s due week off just in case and his mum is local if baby wants to come before or after but I plan to do early at home in peace but we shall see.
Thanks for the advice think I’ll make a list of things to do to keep my mind of things when in early labour and enjoy time just me until the husband is needed x
I know this might not be possible but I wonder if he could work from home for a day or two if your labour starts? Some organisations would be understanding that he needs to be nearby in case you need to be taken to hospital / birth centre. Just a thought! X
He’s an electrician so that wouldn’t be possible thanks for the thought though x
Early labour wasn’t painful for me. Exhaustion is the killer as you think it’s gonna kick start any time! You could be lucky and not have it long drawn out but you can’t predict it. Hopefully it all happens for you at a weekend so you don’t have to worry 😀