Pregnant with DC2 and after a shoddy time after having DC1, I'm trying to better plan and prepare for after the birth.
One of the things I struggled with hugely after DC1 arrived was other people! Well meaning parents wanting to 'help' but not really helping at all. My DM stayed for us for 2 weeks after DC1 was born and I just couldn't wait for her to leave. She had no interest in doing anything other than holding the baby whilst he slept! I then felt guilty asking her to help me tidy/clean because I could tell that she really didn't want to. At one point I asked her if she would mind dusting around and she did it whilst huffing and puffing. I guess she was excited about having her first grandchild, but I really could have done without her constant presence. Whilst MIL took it upon herself to rearrange my entire kitchen/drawers whenever she was 'helping'.
DH has to take less time off work this time around, maybe just a few days, so DM has offered to take 2 weeks off work when DH returns to 'help' me again. I wonder if I'd be better off on my own as opposed to her staying with me sitting around holding my new baby all day. She did cook a few meals, but again, at my expense as she doesn't eat until 9pm, at which point I was ready for bed and having to pin my eyes open just to eat!
Maybe I'm being too critical?
what things did you find most helpful after your babies were born? What can I do to get DM (and others) to be more helpful?
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How can others 'help' when baby arrives?
30 replies
moonamay · 31/10/2017 10:47
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