Feeling like I should be doing more around the house?

[Newmum0987]

Currently living at OH parents for a few months with newborn until our first home is built and we can move in. Nothing at all has been said and this is my own paranoia talking, but I feel like I should be doing more housework? I haven't been asked to, but everyone else in the house works full time and I fear I might be 'taking the piss' a bit seeing as I'm home all day with newborn and not doing any housework. Do you think I should be trying to do more around the house? Such as general cleaning etc or would you not expect me to do it?

I will ask mil but I'm sure the answer will be 'oh of course not!' But I still feel like I should be! Opinions? We do keep our room clean and take out our rubbish/clean up after ourselves in kitchen etc. Btw

[TulipsInbloom1]

Not doing any is taking the mick. Doing some as and when you can would be much better.

Its not difficult to give the kitchen a wipe or prep veg for dinner etc.

Do you at least do your/dps/baby stuff?

[user1493413286]

How old is your newborn? I can’t say I did anything in the first few weeks, DH took up the slack but once I was able to put DD down and had some form of vague routine then I started to so once you’re at that stage or if you’re already at that stage couldn’t you run the hoover around or clean the kitchen etc

[Doghorsechicken]

I would try and get some things done, they’re being wonderful letting you stay over. It’s not the easiest in the first couple of weeks but a quick hoover round or clean the bathroom whilst baby naps would be nice.

[Newmum0987]

He's only 11 days, I've suggested that I do our 3's washing and drying but been told 'don't worry just chuck it with the rest of the laundry' but as LO is going through so many clothes I feel a bit mean doing this!

I will try to do a bit more if I can. I think the main thing is the laundry and I'm happy to pop washes on and run downstairs to switch into the dryer etc but keep being told not to worry about it!

Very difficult as I'm so grateful for being here but don't want to interrupt a laundry routine by just doing it when I'm told not to!

[TulipsInbloom1]

Ah ok 11 days is incredibly early. I was thinking like 1-2 months. Your body is still recovering.

[Newmum0987]

@TulipsInbloom1 yeah I had stitches too so still in pain but some days, but some days are better than others! I'm going to try do bits I can but I won't push myself. Thanks :)

[user1493413286]

11 days! Then no! I had a c-section so I was out of action in part to that but just getting to grips with feeding and lack of sleep (and everything being turned upside down) was enough to mean I didn’t do any housework for good few weeks. In that time my family also helped so this is just the equivalent

[Monday55]

I think when you've recovered you should just take initiative and just do whatever you can without asking. As someone said above, whilst baby naps you could put a load of laundry or wipe something down etc. At least then you'll know you've done everything you can & that should remove the guilt.

[heather1]

Yes definitely no housework at 11 days old. To put it in perspective when I had second DC my DH had two weeks paternity and I did 0 housework. I would put my dishes in the dishwasher and small mundane things but no cooking, no housework. Rest and concentrate on your beautiful baby. Congratulations. There will be more time for housework soon enough!

[crazychemist]

Rest and recover. I think they're presumably trying to let you have a break! There will be time to help once LO is a bit older and into a routine.