to naturally induce labor.  And this was not for lack of effort on my part.  Fortunately, I almost always went before my due date.  One time I did go five days past, and considering this was meant I was pregnant several weeks longer than was normal for me, I was truly getting desperate.  The only way I ever figured out how to possibly get things started was to have my in-laws take a vacation.  My mother in law was one of those women who was just dying to take over after I had a baby...if we would have allowed it, she would have come to the hospital and managed my labor, too.  So, its not surprising that I managed to give birth when they were out of town or away from home almost every single time.  

Those last weeks can be very trying.  No hernia for my husband, but about a week or so before my second delivery, he developed an abscessed wisdom tooth.  I'm an understanding soul...but I might not have been as charitable to him as I could have been at that time...fortunately, a round of antibiotics bought us some time.

There are people you can hire, sure, but you have to find them. Your midwife/doula friends strike me as the kind of people who might know someone.

For the peeing problem, I suggest maxi-pads. Then at least you won't have to wash so many pants.

Perhaps your brother can be put in charge of tending to the husband? And you say you need to unpack so you won't fall over crap, but perhaps he can help move stuff out of the way? Having a wall lined with boxes isn't great, but it may be less dangerous. Anything you don't have to do, don't do.

Any other moms with 2 year olds nearby? Again, maybe the doulas/midwife can hook you up? Another mom might be happy to do some playdates... and then at least you can sit quietly rather than having to do active amusement.

Stupid corporate vacation rules. I never have understood them.

Good luck, and take care.

Off the bat, I would let the "small" things go -- like the house. A little messiness is not going to kill you.

But I am wondering: can you hire someone at all? Could your midwife refer you to a doula? I would also ask her if any of this is covered by your health insurance.

I would also ask your dear brother to pitch in since he is living with you. Perhaps he can care for his brother-in-law in lieu of video games? at least for a little while. :)

I feel for you. My husband is going in for a cat scan tomorrow and I am dreading if it is anything serious that will require surgery. I have already enlisted my childhood best friend to come out from Colorado in the event that it is. It is difficult enough to care for small children, and then one's spouse too? You're right. Only in this country do we expect women to do it all.

Sorry to say this like a worried Mom....

but i moved when i was 32 weeks pregnant.  I moved something too heavy and did not know that I tore the placenta loose.  DD came a week later (at 35 weeks) by emergency c-section.

So please, please take care of yourself, your hip dislocation is a blessing in disguise, a reason for you to slow down.

Can you take a breather, rest with feet up and do some planning for your  next plan of attack?  My 2 yo loved to put paper back in the box when i unpacked my kitchen.

it sounds like you're really jammed up. i agree with others, if you can minimize the unpacking to just what absolutely has to be done that would be good. is there anyway you can trade rent for your bro's help right now? since he doesn't have a job at the moment, maybe you could kind of hire him to help you.

another thought is, can DH's mother or father take any time off work to help you guys? even for a few days? they must have some sick days stored up or some vacation time that isn't being held hostage like your husband's. WTF???

as for the VBAC and scheduling the c-section, i think there is a lot of pressure on women to resist the c-section. i think if it brings you peace of mind, get it on the calendar. frankly, i think having it scheduled isn't going to make a bit of difference as to whether or not you have a successful VBAC.

i tried for a VBAC last december and went two weeks late. i tried everything to get that labor going. nothing worked until they broke my water and then whoa, man did labor kick in. maybe that's one thing you could talk about with your midwife. the thing is, if they break your water and it doesn't get things going, then you'd have a c-section. but if you're okay with that, then maybe it's worth a try.

but I agree with the advice to take it easy on this thread. You don't want to cause yourself more problems by overdoing it.  The unpacking will be there when you are ready.  

And, I totally get your DH's issue with general anesthesia.  I'm crap with that too.  I've only had it a couple of times in my life, and HATED it each time.  I don't know if I was overdosed each time... but it took me hours to come out of it and I was a mess afterward.  Some people have a harder time with it than others.  

I hope you find some help whether it's family or someone your midwife can recommend. And I hope things go smoothly with your VBAC.  Are you in touch with your local ICAN group?  They might be able to give you support and maybe some tips for naturally starting labor.  My midwife recommended Evening Primrose Oil...500mg, one in the morning orally and one before bed vaginally.  I don't know if it helped or not, but #1 was 2 days early and #2 was three days late.  Best of luck to you.

hang in there!
i hired a gal to help out around the house after my son was born, and i came down with a nasty uterine infection.  i also called my girlfriends, and the godparents of my children.  oh, and my neighbors.  

my parents are far away, and my inlaws are useless too.  i really depend on the godparents of my kids, my neighbors, and my girlfriends.  

i've met a few other moms who are also alone in my city without other family.  we trade tips on babysitters.