to feel very stressed and anxious about this?

[homebirthmummy4]

my baby is due in 3 weeks. several months ago i received a letter from national grid saying they are to do works outside my house, cut gas off, dig up drive etc etc at around this time. i called them and explained that i cannot be without gas as i am having my baby at home and need water and heat for birthing pool and hygiene and that with a new baby pneumatic drills and shouting men outside my house would not be acceptable and that they didnt need to dig up my drive as we had new gas pipes fitted just 12 months ago. i was promised they had put the works back to end of august and this morning i got another letter saying works due to start between 17 and 26 may (baby due 20) and will last 2 weeks. i called them and they have said they will 'see what they can do' i am feeling very panicky and tearful now as i can really really do without this anxiety. what can i do???? please be nice as i am hormonal anyway....

[dreamingofsun]

email the national grid and copy in the regulator. ask for confirmation that they have received the email and that they will delay the work and ask them to respond by a certain date. if you aren't happy with their response contact the regulator; and also suggest you will contact the local press. Might also be worth pointing out that if you need to be rushed to hospital due to any complications the ambulance will need access (prob won't happen, but will strengthen your argument)

[TheAgentZigzagLoonyParty]

When they promised to put the work back was it by letter? If so they can't really be going back on what they 'officially' said.

They need to be sorting it ASAP if it's due to start in a couple of weeks, I think you might need to get on to them pretty much every day, or they wont be prioritising you.

[homebirthmummy4]

thank you dreamingofsun. i have no idea what a regulator is if you could help me out there....i am so tearful about this i cant think straight

[TheAgentZigzagLoonyParty]

You could try pinning them down if you're ringing them. Like making sure you take the name of who you're talking to, when you called them, get their contact number, when they're going to get back to you etc.

If it's all anonymous it's so much easier for them to start umming and ahhing about what's been said.

[nion64]

If it is the Gas Mains Replacement works and you are in the Midlands area the Customer Care number is 01902 826106.

Don't know any of the others though sorry

[homebirthmummy4]

there is a nice man trying his best to sort things out. wish HE was my husband as mine will not even think about how we will cope with a gasless labour (no method of heating water or room for newborn) until it happens. he said oh well we will have to go into hospital then. he knows how totally distraught i get when i even need to go in for ante natal checks (hospital phobia) . he seems to be putting his head in the sand and now i have told him i worry that he will not be supportive when i have this baby and will send me off at the slightest thing. i am so terrified of hospitals i would even consider free birthing before i go in. told him not to bother coming home but i know he will just ignore me..i do want him home but i know it will mean a row and i can do without it. this is supposed to be a 'stress-free' time

[homebirthmummy4]

i think i might just go for a hot(ish) bath with some lavender oil and a natal hypnotherapy cd.

[omnishambles]

homebirthmummy - try not to worry (so much easier said than done I know) - you wont need to heat the room for the newborn at the end of May (and congrats btw) so you're just looking at the water.

I take it that there's no immersion? could you run a hose from next door?

The noise etc will be awful but tbh I think I might rather have it when the newborn is very tiny rather than a couple of months later...

Am a bit more concerned about your dh not being on board about the hospital situation tbh. I have hospital phobia as well and so know how awful it is.

Good luck.

[dreamingofsun]

hi homebirth - its ofgem.gov.uk. it might be worth contacting them anyway to see what the situation is. if you google them you should find quite easily

[Fel1x]

Is there a relative or good friend who would swap houses with you for a couple of days to let you have a homebirth elsewhere??

[howmuchdidyousay]

Am a bit shocked that they can dig up your driveway without your permission.Have you had legal advice ?