Conference moira::parenting

770.0. "In home pre birth assistance?" by RANGER::STETSON (Bill Stetson) Thu Jun 30 1994 01:34

Hi,

I'm looking for advice.  We have 2 sons.  Our 1st was born very fast on
schedule.  Or second was born slowly, but a month early.  His lungs wern't
fully developed and he ended up in the intensive care nursery for a week.  We
came close to losing him.  She had braxton hicks (BH) contractions throughout
both pregnencys.  

Anyway... My wife is in her 32 week of pregnency with our 3rd.  Yesterday she
went in for a scheduled checkup and was sent straight to the hospital.  She's
still having the BH, but she's also diolating and becomming somewhat afaced. 
They gave her fluids via IV, some other drug to slow things down and kept her
over night for observation.  She's home now but under strict orders to take it
easy.  Not really bed rest, but more like couch potato.

I have no complaints at all with the care we've recieved, in fact I think the
hospital, doctors, and nurses have been excellent throughout.  

My concern is getting my wife the assistance she needs so that she can take it
easy, as ordered.  What we're hoping for is some at home child care/assistance
while I'm at work so she can stay on that couch.  My sons are 3.5 and 1.5.  I
thought that our insurance co. (HealthSource NH) would help.  In that our
2nd cost them around $25,000 in hospital bills last time, I thought they'd be
interested in doing a little preventative maintenance this time.  A couple
hundred dollars a week for 8 weeks of child care instead of the possible
$20,000 or more in hospital bills for another premature baby.  Not even
considering the stress of going through the ordeal.  HealthSource says they
won't cover child care because it's not an illness.  They'll cover in home
assistance after a child birth, but not before.  I explained that I was
trying to save them money, but that doesn't change policy.  They suggested that
I send a letter explaining the situation.  That doesn't help me tomorrow or
next week.  I do intend on sending the letter, but I was wondering if anyone
else has been in this situation and has any recomendations?

Thanks,
bill

PS: sorry if I mispelled any of those fancy medical terms.
    

Hi Bill,

Just a suggestion.... for the next couple of weeks and perhaps all summer
if your HMO will not assist....

How about the young daughter of one of your neighbors helping out?  My
daycare provider has two daughters (too far away to help you) who are
age 11 and 13, and both would make a terrific mothers helper!  Since
this is the summer kids that age are not in school and most of them
would love some pocket money.  Maybe you could get two girls to split 
up the week (a 13 year old might not want a 40 hour work week!).  Just get 
them to help out out playing with the kids and getting diapers changed.  
The rest, you can do in the evening (make dinner, give baths, etc.).  
The heck with a clean house!  Just do maintenance cleaning or perhaps 
elicit the help of relatives over the weekend.  

Good luck!

Karen

You may want to check out the note on pre-term labor (20.*).  I'm not sure it
addresses your specific question, but it may spark more questions (and may
provide answers to questions you haven't asked yet.)

re .1

Suggestion well taken.  

I'm on vacation next week, so that's covered.  After that we could use
some help.  We do have friends and neighbors that are more then willing
to help, but we don't want to overburden them.  So... We'd like to find
someone that would be interested in helping my wife care for 2 young boys,
2 or maybe 3 days a week, starting July 11th at our home.

    The boys:	Kile will be 4 in October (completely potty trained)
		Gregg will be 2 in September (in diapers)

    Hours:		9 AM to 6 PM.  (approx)
    Location:		South Nashua
    Transportation:	I can provide.  Willing to go to Merrimack.
    Compensation:	Negotiable

This would last 2 to 5 weeks.  Karen's due August 20th.

If anyone has a young daughter or knows of someone that's reliable, good with
kids and would like to make some cash over the summer please contact:

    Bill RANGER::Stetson
	DTN: 226-6591  outside is 508/486-6591
    Karen Stetson
	home: 603/888-7114

Thanks,
bill
    

    We've found someone.  Thanks to all those that responded.
    
    bill