Birth of daughter's first baby

Definitely not. We lost deposits on flights to Vancouver because I couldn't bear to be away when DD's first baby due. DH a bit miffed!

Never any chance of us going away in summer months anyway, which is when mine is due. Otherwise, I would only go away with that timetable if I had booked and paid, but wouldn't want to actually make plans anew

I was on tenterhooks two weeks ago as DD1 was 12 days overdue with her 2nd and we were due to go on holiday. DGS3 was born on the Wednesday and we went away for the week on the Saturday...we were lucky to get a cuddle before our holiday and all went smoothly. We had booked the holiday straight after returning last year before DD was even pregnant. I would never have booked if I had known her due date.

We are booked to go to Australia for a wedding only returning two weeks before our daughter's first baby due. I feel that baby could come a month early as my son's firstborn did or baby could be late. There are so many things which could happen to prevent you being there anyway so I would just make your plans and fingers crossed you are back in time!

My first GC was born in the town we live, but after a couple of miscarriages and a premature birth, the parents didn't want us around too much. They stayed in hospital for quite a while after the birth, and we visited for an hour or so every other day.

Second GC was born a five-hour drive away and we went to see her as soon as we could, but didn't have much opportunity to help with the baby.

I suppose it makes a big difference if it's a DD or a DiL having the baby, but all four are very capable parents and managing beautifully.

Am with you GrannyRowe, I never truly forgave my Mum either and she compounded it later by saying she had no idea why I wanted a 2nd baby when I got pregnant with my DS, after all 1 baby had been enough for her!!

Not a chance! MY parents were visiting and due to go home the day my waters broke with their first grandchild - they went home anyway! I was devastated by their detachment and would hate for my children to feel like I did! Later found out it was my MUM who was so distant, my Dad wanted to be involved, but sadly died 4years to the day later?

We went on holiday as DD2 wasn't due for a while with her first baby. Mother Nature had different plans. The baby arrived 7 wks early. Thankfully he's now a healthy nearly 3 yr old.

Not wanting to be judgmental, but absolutely NOT.
My sister and I were pregnant at the same time way back in 1981, my Dad and Stepmum stayed for the arrival of my sisters twins, but then went off for an extended holiday in Australia. I had had a difficult pregnancy throughout, hospitalised several times, and was rushed in again on New Years Eve for an emergency C section. My daughter was born safely, and I soon got over the trauma. But, call me petty, or not, I arranged her Christening a few weeks before they got back to the UK. And to be honest, although I never said anything to them, I never really forgave them in my heart.

When my younger daughter had her first baby she had to have an emergency Caesarian and it was a very difficult time for her and for her family. I live 2 hours away, but better than 2 days away in these circumstances. Of course she had her husband, but a poorly young woman needs a hug from her mum at times. It's nice to see the baby early, but for me it's more about offering support to the mum and dad if they need it. How quickly could you fly home if something happened ?

if you don;t go she'll be late ( most first time mums are) and if you do she'll have the baby

No. From experience the birth was early and went badly wrong. I was able to cancel the holiday and claim the cost on insurance.

My DGD was born a few hundred miles from where I live and I didn't think of going there for the birth. If I was close by, tho, I wouldn't have thought of going away.

Good news, mutti!

Oh I am pleased your husband understands how you feel mutti. You can relax now and look forward to your new little grandchild. (When is it due?)

I was invited to my step grandson's Army passing out parade when my 2nd GC was due - I let my husband go without me and he took another of his Grandsons with him instead.

Thank you all for your helpful replies. We won't now be going away; DH has now understood my need to stay close. It was reassuring to see that others feel the same way as I do.

I must be very odd.
My first GC was born in Germany (daddy army) I didn't see him apart from photos until he was 3 wks. I didn't even considered being in Germany for the birth. Though I would have if D had asked.

Would you actually enjoy the holiday; I think your mind would be elsewhere and you'd just be waiting for the phone to ring?Your DH needs to understand that.

No! I would want that early day cuddle. It was next day for both of mine. I was on toddler minding duty for #2 and that new baby was born 7pmish.

Although not the same as DD, my DiL asked that I be available for when her first child was born, in preferance to her own mother. We were in Cyprus and I flew back the same day they told us she (GD) had been born, so arrived the next day hours after DiL came home. I agree with the sentiment that the time immediately following the birth is very special to the parents, but I was very honoured (sorry if this sounds a bit old fashioned) to be asked to be part of the first few weeks, DH followed three weeks later.

We travelled to New York to be with dd1 for the birth of her first child. We took off three weeks and towards the last week when DH had to return to work still no baby. Her obstetrician was also equally pregnant and was doing daily tracings. I pointed out that to me dd looked as though she was in labour. She was delivered the following day and DH got to see his granddaughter before going home. I stayed on for a while longer. It was very hard leaving. But babies come when they want . They really can't read calendars in the womb.

I answered this on one of the other threads which has probably gone now. Anyway, I would not want to go away so near to the birth but my DH would think nothing of it, like yours. Men! However, first births are often late so if it is going to cause trouble between you and your DH perhaps you could go away just for a week? It's not as if there's a first child to be cared for whilst Mum is having Number 2, is it? It's really the father's job to be present at the birth, not yours. I do feel the birth of a baby is a precious time for the parents to bond with the baby and to get used to being a family, plenty of time for Grandma to get involved a little later.

Not a cat in hell's chance would I be going away so close to my DD's due date. If you really don't want to go (and I suspect you feel quite strongly that you don't) then you must stand up to your husband. I simply don't understand why he would even suggest it! If you go, you know you will feel on edge throughout the holiday, worrying whether your DD will go into labour. It wouldn't exactly make for a relaxing holiday!

I wouldn`t go , she could go over as it is the first baby and anyway you may be needed which would be nice ! Why does your Husband want to be away at this precious time ? I find that strange .. If you ask your Daughter she will probably say to go because she wouldn`t want to spoil your holiday but may regret it when you are not there .

Personally no I wouldn't but how about asking your DD what she thinks? And why on earth is your DH so keen to go at this time?