Who will take me to the hospital or birthing center?

[missmich]

I don't have anyone that could take me really. The only friend I know with a car would take me I'm sure,but he lives far from me,if he's at work then he can come to me faster. I suppose I should ask him if he can make a plan with me that he's the one to take me to me. I don't go all alone in a cab or an ambulance. They both sound scary and a cab driver would not help me feel comfortable or calm on the way there. I have another friend,though she she doesn't drive I may ask her to do some sleep overs at my house closer to the time I'm due.

[MammaB21]

I'd highly, highly, highly recommend a doula in this case. Driving issue aside, you'll want someone there that you can trust to be there for you and only you during your labor and birth. My mom is a doula, and she will ask moms if they would like her to go to their house before heading to the hospital. I don't think it would be weird to express your driving concerns with them. Hey, they may be willing to be your driver as well, or jump in a cab with you.

[missmich]

I'm looking into getting a doula right now actually and I guess this is one of the concerns I should talk to her about.

[lunarlady]

I'd second the doula! That way you can call her in early labor, she can come to your house and support you during the cab ride or whatever. Since you are paying them to be there for you night or day, I think it is easier than calling a friend at 2 am and telling them you will most likely need a ride or their support sometime in the next two to five hours. Remember that most trips to the hospital are not nearly as rushed as they make them seem in the movies and on TV. Most people have several hours of early labor to get that figured out.

[elus0814]

I know this isn't recommended but I've driven myself to the hospital in labor twice now without any problems. The second time I did it (because my husband was deployed at the time) it was 70 miles in the snow - a solid hour and a half. Both times I drove myself and the baby home as well, I just left my car in the hospital parking lot while I was there. The second time they tried to claim I was 'allowed' to drive myself home but I asked to see the rule and they couldn't find it. As long as you feel up to it why not drive yourself?

[missmich]

I don't drive. lol So I really can't drive at all.

[maciascl]

If you are going to hire a doula to come to your house before you go to the hospital anyway I wonder if they would drive you. They would be going to the hospital as well anyway.

[etsdtm99]

i totally agree with the doula plan .. i would talk to a doula about meeting you at your house and driving you - then you could have your friend as a back up plan if for some reason the doula wasn't fast enough or ended up being unavailable or something, though i guess maybe the doula would have a backup? another good thing to ask about ..

[MacKinnon]

A doula is a great option! Also, remember that in most cases labor is not the mad rush to the hospital it is on TV! I was in labor with DD from 6am to 3pm before we left to go to the hospital, then it was still another 5 hours before she arrived. Having your friend as back up is a good idea, and the distance most likely won't be an issue. Certainly though make sure your doula knows the situation, and can plan for a back-up, etc. in the event she is unavailable, if you won't have a support system there to help.

[organicpapayamama]

just wanted to add that some doulas will NOT take you to the hospital for liability reasons. (what if you give birth in the car and something happens to either you or baby? or what if she gets in a car accident and god forbid something happens?) They may make an acception if you sign a waiver. Im just speaking for myself (a doula) and the doulas in my area i know. Good luck.

[Purple*Lotus]

Awww, I wish I lived closer, Michelle. I would take you to the hospital

[MammaB21]

Originally Posted by organicpapayamama

just wanted to add that some doulas will NOT take you to the hospital for liability reasons. (what if you give birth in the car and something happens to either you or baby? or what if she gets in a car accident and god forbid something happens?) They may make an acception if you sign a waiver. Im just speaking for myself (a doula) and the doulas in my area i know. Good luck.

That's what I was thinking when I made my first post, but I think it would be worth asking. They might at least be willing to ride with you in a cab. Or there might be a loop hole, like they have a friend who could drive you both. Someone who isn't actually being paid for any services, therefore not liable for anything.

[umsami]

With DD, I ended up having to take an ambulance. I started having contractions early, DH was in surgery (resident), and I had no other options. I ended up having to beg my upstairs neighbor to watch my kids, while off I went. (They were not welcome in the ambulance.)

It actually wasn't scary.... the EMTs were really nice... and they kept me busy filling out paperwork, asking me about my previous labors, etc.

When I got to the hospital, I was put on a monitor and IVs to try and stop the contractions--which they did. DD ended up cooking about another 1-1/2 weeks.

[missmich]

The doula that I might meet with,I don't think she drives or not,but she may be willing to ride with me in a cab. My girlfriend doesn't drive,but her mom does and if she's available she might be willing to drive me. My guy friend has a car and is a great driver and his work is pretty close to me and I'm sure he'd be happy to leave work (and they'd let him) to come take me to the hospital.

Now I don't feel so nervous that I have a few ideas about my ride to the hospital. Thanks for the ideas.