For those of you with kids and established pilots

[Imachickadee75]

Has anyone had their pilot miss the birth of their child b/c they were on a trip? We are due in late October and a natural, non medicated birth is important to both of us, so inducement really isn't an option. But, I've often said that I could not have had DS unmed without DH's support. As we get a little closer, I'm afraid that I'll be facing this alone and DH is going to miss out on the birth of his child. Any thoughts? At this point, the hope is that we'll be able to bid the week before and the week I'm due pretty light with day trips and just hope I have enough warning to get him home. DH is in training still and just not able to think about stuff like this right now, but its weighing on my mind.....

Jackie

[Regina]

We have 6, and he hasn't missed one yet...almost the last one, but he arrived about 30 minutes before pushing! My first was induced for medical reasons, and my husband was called home from a trip to induce that night (but turns out I was already in labor before the induction), 2nd one (my body was ready so induction was scheduled), 3rd (induction because body was ready and convenience of him being home), 4th (I was dialated to 8 and doctor didn't think I would make it to hospital in time because my pushings go so fast, so she broke my water in the office. I walked over to labor and delivery, and then less than an hour later, baby was born), 5th one (I go into labor...hubby on trip...makes flight home, but turns out I was in labor all night...there for that one), 6th one (a lot of false alarms....One night we go in...false alarm...I called hubby on trip and tell him to come home...false alarm. Goes back to work....call him again because I think I am in labor; hospital says I am, but it might be awhile and to go home for a little while...This is the third time I am there, so I tell doc I am not going home and to stip the membranes. Well, she is okay with that because my body is ready and such...call hubby, once again to come home....she doesn't want to strip membranes until he is off the plane and on his way....the nurse does a check and accidently breaks my water...He makes it there right before push time).

[roz]

We know of a Fed Ex pilot who was in China when his wife called to say she was in labor. He missed the whole event. But, not everyone is in China during the event!

My DH was in the air and it took hours to get him down. But he made it.

But, in anycase, I had a back up to support me. She was a great help as she often had to remind DH what to do (or else I might have killed him on the spot!)

[Imachickadee75]

Originally Posted by roz

But, in anycase, I had a back up to support me. She was a great help as she often had to remind DH what to do (or else I might have killed him on the spot!)

My mom will be here but for physical reasons, I just don't see her being able to be as physical with me as DH was. I know she will be a great support emotionally (as she was the first time) but not so much the other stuff...

And, I'm having trouble thinking of a friend that I feel close enough to that shares my non med beliefs who could stand in. I've considered a doula, but since I haven't done it yet I'm thinking its not something I really want to do. (usually if its something I want, I make it happen ASAP). Plus if DH were here, I'd still have to pay her and $300-$500 really isn't in the budget.

Jackie

Jackie

[christykay]

My DH was a line pilot when we were expecting baby #4.

DH was present at the previous 3 deliveries so in our eyes there was absolutely NO way that he was going to miss this. How unfair for him, for me, and the baby. So we spoke to the Doctor about our situation and he absolutely agreed that DH should be there at the delivery and an induction would be scheduled on one condition. That the baby must weigh a certain amount before the medical team would induce. So under the Doctor's supervision I was given Ensure about 2 weeks before the scheduled induction to drink daily and it worked well! I NEVER thought I would have ever had an induction, but considering the alternative- I would not want to give birth to our child without DH present. So our baby #4 was born 1 week early and weighed in at 6 lbs. 14 oz. Not even our smallest baby! That honor goes to baby #2 who was born natural, unmedicated, and on time- She was 6 lbs. 4 oz.

It's a personal choice for sure, but for us the choice was an obvious one. Good Luck!

[Rebes]

I was a week late with my son. Luckily, DH was home when I went into labor. I did have a good friend to be back up if I needed someone. It wouldn't have been ideal, but I felt she would be a good support through the birth if need be.

With my daughter, she came a month early! I was sent to the hospital with high blood pressure and they kept me for observation. During the "observation" she came flying out! In that situation, DH called in sick! He did plan his vacation around her initial due date, so he probably would have been there for her birth if she came on time.

Do what is best and feels most comfortable for you as a family. It will all work out somehow!

[amelia]

When is he done with training? does he still know if there is a month long wait for the start of IOE? I don't know if you remember me saying this before, but if your DH is doing IOE when you get close to your due date, the woman who schedules IOE will really work with you. She is so nice and has worked with DH both times he was on IOE and we had a baby due. With DD, she scheduled him once about 2 weeks before my due date. She then told DH to not call her again until a week after the baby came. So in all, he got 3 weeks off between IOE trips.

[Imachickadee75]

Originally Posted by amelia

When is he done with training? does he still know if there is a month long wait for the start of IOE? I don't know if you remember me saying this before, but if your DH is doing IOE when you get close to your due date, the woman who schedules IOE will really work with you. She is so nice and has worked with DH both times he was on IOE and we had a baby due. With DD, she scheduled him once about 2 weeks before my due date. She then told DH to not call her again until a week after the baby came. So in all, he got 3 weeks off between IOE trips.

That's so nice. We still don't know when IOE will come up. He'll be done with training like the third week of September. So maybe if there is a delay we could work something out with her. I know last year, it took FOREVER to get his IOE done. He had trouble scheduling, then a captain get really sick, then had trouble scheduling again.

So we'll see. Thanks for the good thoughts.

How are your kids? The baby must be getting big and BUSY!

Jackie

[amelia]

Originally Posted by IMACHICKADEE75

That's so nice. We still don't know when IOE will come up. He'll be done with training like the third week of September. So maybe if there is a delay we could work something out with her. I know last year, it took FOREVER to get his IOE done. He had trouble scheduling, then a captain get really sick, then had trouble scheduling again.

So we'll see. Thanks for the good thoughts.

How are your kids? The baby must be getting big and BUSY!

Jackie

I'll keep my fingers crossed for you that there is a delay between training and IOE and that she will help the two of you out. I hope he can be there for you, or at the very least, hopefully the baby will hold out for him to get home!

The kids are doing good. DS will be 6 months in a few days....where is time going??

[jr_lenz]

are you completelt against being induced, you can still have a non-pain med delevery, I know alot of women who have done that. We are already planning to be induced, ther is no way that DH is going to miss this. And its too big of a risk if he is flying. It would be differnt if we lived in our base town. They promise to get him there but then he has to commute home. NO WAY, not enough flights close enough together worth the risk! Plus we get to pick the date anytime after 38 weeks. Lance wants a April fools baby, I don't think so!