Just Need Advice - No Babysitter (What do you do?)

Rachel · 04-04-2006, 11:49 PM

Hello everyone, I didn't really know where else to post this since this is only my second time on the site. I am feeling extremely stressed out because I have two children of my own and I care for my sister's daughter who is very afraid of strangers. I took my training last year, but got nowhere until I met a group of wonderful women who have given me three volunteer births.

Sorry, I am rambling. Anyhow my question is this: If you have no one in your friends and family who you can call if a client goes into labor at an "inopportune moment" what do you do? For those of you that have children do you have a babysitter on call? Both my husband and sister have been kind of giving me a lot of grief lately, because honestly I think they thought I wasn't really going to get three births so fast. My first one is due next week, after that I have one due in June and after that my last one is due in September. Anyone have any ideas?

DL · 04-05-2006, 12:02 AM

Wow....I can see the reason for your stress. I'm afraid that I cannot help you much, as my boys were both teens when I first started attending births nearly three years ago. They're big enough to take care of themselves when my dh and I are away. The first thing that comes to mind is maybe you could see if there are any other doulas in your area who might be willing to swap babysitting with you. You could help them when they are at a birth, and vice-a-versa (hmmm.....don't know if that's spelled right or not? ).

There are other doulas on here with younger kids, so maybe they can help you with some more ideas. I hope that you can figure something out that you're comfortable with!

Btw....I LOVE your quote in your siggy! Yep...that's the way I figure it, too!

1stimestar · 04-05-2006, 12:41 AM

Wow. You better get a back up babysitter or a back up doula and fast! You have to realize that doula work is well, work. If you don't take it as such, as in not charging, then these are the types of things that you will run into. Friends and family tend to not take it seriously unless it is bringing in some cash. As it is now, it seems that this is a hobby and maybe that is what it is to you. Perhaps you can get your sister to watch the three kids. Good luck.

fearlessbirth · 04-05-2006, 10:45 AM

I agree with Lori. Cortney (needtoread) sits for another doula so maybe you could ask her exactly how they work it work....

Good luck! Hang in there...these snags are sometimes difficult, but they are just that...snags! Don't let it discourage you or get you down.

raspberrymoondoula · 04-05-2006, 11:18 AM

i have a friend who's a midwife apprentice and we trade for eachother. i also found a lady who does in home care who is my back up sitter (that i try to avoid using cuz she costs $$$$ lol)

~Tranquility~Doula · 04-05-2006, 11:40 AM

I have a lot of support from my dh and my mom. I can also take my kids to another SAHM across the street if I thought I didn't have time to take them over to my mom's house.
Doula work can be difficult if you don't have a good support system around you. You'll need to find someone that is willing to take your kids at the drop of a hat.
If that isn't possible then you should get a backup doula that is readily available to be there for your clients.