We're expecting our first baby in march and have just told my partners mum and dad the joyful news, they are understandably very excited. They live in France, and my mother in law in particular is very overbearing, bossy, and obsessed with babies. Their first reaction is to come to see the baby as soon as its born, and are expecting to stay with us in our small 3 bed semi, likely for a week or more. I've mentioned to my partner than I'm worried she will interfere, take charge of our new baby, my house, everything really, and I'll be forced into hiding! I'm worried we'll miss out on vital bonding time. Am I overreacting? Is there anyone else out there who has similarly interfering parents in law and could offer some advice on how to mediate this situation?! I'm scared this is going to create a big argument between my partner and me because he's very protective of his mum.
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My mum had this situation when I was born, DGPs and Auntie came to stay 2 weeks before I was born and stayed until a week after I was born. My mum had to sleep on a mattress in the living room at 9 months pregnant! Eventually she went to stay with her sister as she was so stressed. Then when I was born she had the total opposite of what you are fearing, no one did anything to help, so she was expected to look after a newborn, cook and clean up after my dads family. (My dad couldn't take any time
off work as he had a new business so it was a cruc
ial time.)
Anyway, 26 years later and the memory of it still stresses her out! So I'd say that if you think it's not going to work, then stick to your guns and do what is best for you and your baby.
Congratulations, babies are amazing 
Oh Op I totally feel your pain. My MIL is overbearing, opinionated and judgemental don't get me wrong even though she displays all these characteristics I do like her. We are due to have our first 2nd January and even though I am strong willed, I had similar concerns of her coming over taking over, making me feel inadequate, turning up as and when she pleases lives 10 min drive from us etc. DF soon to be DH tomorrow and I discussed my concerns and he told his mother straight that we needed want tie alone with the bay and not to just turn up. He told her in the initial weeks we would invite people round. She wasn't happy about it but has now accepted the situation. I have to say she is on bet behaviour at the moment and I can only put it down to her wanting an invite round.
Can your DH speak to his mum? Old they sty in a hotel or with other family members?
Kitkatz thank you. I am so excited and nervous but this time tomorrow I will be a married woman . Your post sounds like you are describing my MIL. Ha ha ha.. My thoughts, my MIL was offended too when we addressed it but she has come to accept it. Ultimately you need to do what is right for you (as a new mum with all the valunerabilities that we will face at that time). What matters is you feel comfortable in your own home at such a special time. Don't worry about offending her, she will get over it. My MIL did.. 
My MIL did this. Was planning on staying for a week 2 days after giving birth. When I objected (bad birth, forceps, episiotomy plus had to inject twice daily) because I was just in no fit state to have a houseguest, she flipped her lid. Two days later she insisted that DH took DD on his own and stay at theirs where she had a crib next to her bed for DD ( I might add I was breastfeeding, and was told, well, the baby can have bottles for a few days) 
She's a nutter. We now don't talk. Just saying!
oh my word.. I have same issues!
We are originally from the UK but currently live in the states, only been here since January and got pregnant in February (due in 4 weeks ). My PIL followed us to the states and only live half an hour away (that's a story for another day, but to say I wasn't happy is an understatement).
My parents still live in the UK and are coming to stay with us for a fortnight 5 days after the EDD, and my mum has already stated that she is purely coming to help with cooking/cleaning/relieving me of baby when I get stressed etc, and she is the kind of mum that will go out of her way to help so that we get all the time in the world to bond with baby and as a wee family (this is our first), so I'm really excited about them coming over!
My PIL are the complete opposite, they say they will arrive at a certain time, and then turn up a couple hours later (with no 'sorry we're running late' texts or anything) and then plonk themselves on the sofa and expect to be catered on for EVERYTHING! Both my MIL and FIL have lectured me about breastfeeding (it was sooo weird coming from FIL) and how 'they' did it, I.e only breastfed for a few weeks and then went on to bottles, and when I stated I wanted to express and breastfeed there was the 'oh, but how are we going to feed baby, that's nonsense'. urgh! Also, my DH brother and sister have booked to fly over 1 week after EDD to meet the baby, without even asking us if that's appropriate, but MIL has enabled it 
so I've made it clear that baby might not have even arrived and they should push the trip back a bit (they are also expected to be waited on hand and foot) but MIL never spoke to them and has said everything will be fine. they are so overwhelmingly selfish and all about themselves and can't even see that we don't want to be bombarded with people! The whole visitor thing stresses me more than the thought of labour! I don't want to still be establishing breastfeeding infront of a gaggle of people who want me to make them cups of tea, nor do I want to feel like I have to hide away in my.own home so that they don't feel uncomfortable with mt breastfeeding! So many issues, not enough tissues!
Oh god, sorry.. total essay there!
Kate we must remember to be like our own mums when our kids decide to breed, and not take after our MILs
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