Anyone have people fly in from a distance for your homebirth?

[Overthemoon]

If so, how did you set up the timing?
My parents are 2800 miles away, a 5 hour flight but add drive time to the airport for them and to my house once they land. I'd love for them to be here for the birth, but they are unable to just come and stay and wait it out because of their jobs. My Mom has never been able to see any of my dc be born. With first dd she missed it by a few hours . I'd so love for her to be able to be here for this.
My midwife told my Mom when she was here visiting that it's best to not even try to get her for the birth, but plan to come after. I understand that thinking, but a part of me is torn.
I was thinking to just give her call once I feel labor coming, no matter how slight, or if dh notices a change when we are intimate. (sorry tmi) but the day before I went into labor with my first dd, dh said it felt far different for him and the next day, labor began.
Any wise words? Or is is best to just call her after and be happy with that?

[redsfree]

no advice here, just and : i completely understand because my family is on the other side of the country, too. i wish i could easily have my mom at the next birth. it makes me cry to think about it. i hope someone here has some good ideas. best wishes to you.

[Vancouver Mommy]

My sister came for both of mine - about a five hour drive. She came on my due date and I was 12 days late. I felt terrible as she had taken time off work to be here with me. But she stayed till the birth and then a few days after that to look after us.

[dancindoula]

I have flown once across country and once across the ocean to be with my best friend for her births. Both times, based on what we knew about her personal history, we planned the dates to fall one week before to one week after her due date.

The first time she kept having BH for weeks ahead of her due date and scaring us, but didn't go into labor until 2 days before I left to fly home. It was a good time, though for us to just be together and for me to help her around the house when she wasn't feeling up to it due to being GREAT with child. She had lots of nearby help for after I left.

The second time we booked for similar dates and again she had lots of pre-labor activity. She went into full blown labor 24 hours after I arrived, had a healhty birth, but her son was admitted to the hospital the next day for jaundice. I spent that week taking care of her older son and helping around the house until she got home and then enjoying some good time with her and the newest little one for the following week.

For my other best friend we planned for me to arrive 2 days before her 39-week scheduled c-section (truly medically necessary situation), but her little guy wasn't having it and she went into spontaneous labor a week earlier than planned. It actually worked out really well though because her mom was able to be there for that first week and my two weeks were greatly needed to help with babe and house while she recovered from surgery.

All that to say, chances are if you plan around your own personal history and the circumstances of THIS pregnancy, your family will probably make it. But even if they arrive late, you will still need the help and they will still get to spend good quality time with you and your newest little one.

[XanaduMama]

My mom came from South Africa (20+ hour trip) to be there for my HB. It was really important to both of us that she be there, so we were happy she made it on time! She was scheduled to arrive 5 days before my EDD, ended up getting there a day-plus late, and I went into labor at 39w6d!

We knew it might happen early, and she might miss it, but we hoped for the best. She didn't have to worry about her job, fortunately...I understand the challenge and hope it works out for you!

[Overthemoon]

Thanks girls. I appreciate your sharing!
Here's hoping that she makes it : )