On-Call Sibling Care During Labor in New Haven

On-call sibling care during labor gives families a dependable childcare plan when it is time to leave for the hospital or birthing center. When labor begins, the last thing you should have to worry about is finding someone you trust to care for your older children.

This service can be especially helpful for families who are new to the New Haven area or do not have local loved ones who can arrive at a moment’s notice. Your doula will remain on call so that when it is time to leave for the hospital or birthing center, she can come to your home and care for your older children for as long as needed.

Before your on-call period begins, your doula will meet with your family and get to know your children. Parents can share important information about their routines, meals and snacks, favorite activities, bedtime needs, allergies, and anything else that will help the children feel safe and comfortable while their parents are away.

Preparing Children for On-Call Sibling Care During Labor

Because your children will meet the doula before the on-call period begins, they will already be familiar with the person caring for them when labor starts. Parents can also share routines, comfort items, school schedules, and other details that help the day or night feel as normal and reassuring as possible.

Familiar routines, consistent goodbyes, and trusted caregivers can help make separation easier for young children. The American Academy of Pediatrics offers additional guidance for parents on easing a child’s separation anxiety.

Whether labor begins at 2 a.m. or 2 p.m., your family will already know who to call and what the plan will be.

Many families need support in two places at once: someone dependable at home with their children and someone beside the laboring mother during birth. MothersCare can coordinate on-call sibling care along with labor support, giving parents reassurance that both the birthing mother and the children at home are supported.

Please contact MothersCare Doula Services for rates, availability, and scheduling information.