Please or to access all these features

AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

AIBU to say no to FIL visiting around the twins’ birth?

111 replies

craicandcats · 25/08/2026 16:00

DH and I are expecting our first children (twins) at the end of the week. As you’d expect we’re obviously excited but also nervous and trying to make sure we’re both as prepared as you can be before the twins arrive. I’ve had a really healthy pregnancy and everything is looking good, but because it’s twins we may be staying in hospital after birth for a little while and possibly a NICU stay depending on how the babies are. Our family know this and have basically said they will come to visit the babies when we’re at home and ready. For context, we live a couple of hours away from our family so it’s not like they can just pop round, I know some family are going to come up on a weekend when we choose so they can spend a couple of days with the babies (but will stay in a hotel so we can have our own space when needed).

Anyway, FIL has a habit of booking things up or coming up without telling us. It’s not been that much of an issue, but there’s been a couple of times where it’s caused some annoyance. However, DH had a call today to say that FIL has booked a hotel for this weekend, he’s said he’ll keep himself to himself but if the twins happen to come along then it’ll be good because he’ll be around. It’s really annoyed me, he’s framed it in a way that suggest he always planned on coming up this weekend as a sort of holiday and it had nothing to do with the babies being born, but it’s obvious that isn’t the case considering I’m scheduled to be induced.

DH has told him that we’re busy getting ready for the babies and he won’t be visiting if I do go into labour until we’re ready, which we thought was the end of it, but now SIL has called to say that FIL has complained to her about us not letting him come over if he’s in our city because he doesn’t know the next time he’ll be able to come. I just don’t know what to do, if I feel ready for visitors and we get home before he leaves then of course he could meet them, but that just doesn’t seem likely and I’d really rather not have visitors in the hospital or until I’m slightly more settled at home. I’m not saying it will be weeks (as long as the babies are okay) but literally just a day or so at home before people come and visit. Maybe I’m being a bit pfb about it. But it’s just really got to me. It feels like we can’t tell him not to come because his argument is that it’s just a city break that he was planning for himself, but at the same time I know we’ll be getting constant texts to see if he can visit.

How would you handle this?. I really don’t want any extra stress and I don’t want fall outs but I also want to make sure he knows he cannot visit until we’re ready.

OP posts:
McGregor33 · 27/08/2026 09:22

I know in the NICU my daughter was in, we were limited on visitors. The maximum to a bay per day was 3 including parents and it had to be the same 3, you couldn’t chop and change.

If you continue to get pressure maybe say it’s 2 visitors per day and you can’t alternate who they are and given yous are the babies parents yous will be there. Just an out if everyone starts saying yous are being unreasonable, I don’t think yous are for what it’s worth.

HeneralClux · 27/08/2026 09:05

Would you be able to give FIL a job to do, or errands to run? I agree with other posters about the hospital visit. I was in the extra care bay as I imagine you may be and in hospital a few days. Staff were great at policing visitors and I had my parents, SIlL, aunt, DB, MiL and FIL visit briefly during visiting hours and then when I got home complete peace for 2/3 weeks because they had done their baby meeting!

JJWT · 26/08/2026 22:48

How unfortunate that you have to turn your phones off in the hospital! Also the midwives are usually very good at managing unwanted intrusion if you warn them. Relax and enjoy your babies.

SweatySpider321 · 26/08/2026 21:55

YourWittyLion · 26/08/2026 20:02

I'm a twin mum, my babies had a nicu stay and personally I would have been very anxious having family visit when I was so vulnerable with my babies in the nicu or immediately after we got home... even close family. We specifically sent a message to everyone stating we didn't want suprise visits and would let them know when we were ready. 100% was the right decision for us!
The pressure of keeping up appearances for visitors & hosting them was a firm no for me personally.
People seem to forget that giving birth whether naturally or via c section is a massive physical and mental toll on a woman and time to adjust, recover and heal in comfort without worrying about outside influences is so important. You may have the babies and be full of it and ready to have visitors, but you very well may not.
Follow your gut and stick to your guns. Make it clear that you will inform everyone if and when you're ready for visitors.
Good luck and congratulations!

Exactly, it’s a big procedure which people conveniently seem to forget. When eise are you expected to have major life event / procedure / surgery, straight away care for another tiny human (or two!) and then have people round socialising?! Imagine Uncle John has just had major abdominal surgery, l would not be racing round to see him and expect him to socialise or host. I would check in with him BT phone or text but l would have no expectations of him.

GreenCandleWax · 26/08/2026 21:10

craicandcats · 25/08/2026 19:01

The difference is I’m having twins. There’s a higher risk of complications, there’s a higher chance that my children will be in the NICU, I might not want visitors until I’ve got my head around that.

I’ve also not said I definitely don’t want anyone there, I’ve told family that as soon as we’re ready they’re welcome to visit. I’ve assumed it will be when babies are out of hospital and I’m home, but if it’s sooner then I’m happy to have visitors. I just don’t want to feel pressured into having visitors if I’m recovering from a possibly difficult labour.

You are being ultra reasonable to tell them they can come when you are ready, and you will let them know when. Any normally considerate person completely understands that this is your call, and they should fall in with whatever you want and need. Forget everyone else, you don't need the stress. It is good that your DH lays down a firm boundary.

springtome · 26/08/2026 20:53

Wait until you have the babies and see how you feel. My first was an emergency section and we still had visitors in hospital that day and my second was a really fast VBAC, home the same day and we had people come that night. Nobody stayed long, just w ough to meet the baby and say hello to me. We couldn’t wait to show our baby off each time.

FlipFlopVibe · 26/08/2026 20:36

You say you want to be able to rest but you’re about to have twins, you won’t be resting for some time!

Given the option of an hour visit in hospital when DH and FIL can hold a baby each and you can shut your eyes briefly and no hassle to do drinks, or a home visit whilst deep in the trenches having had no sleep for a week or two and your nerves are on their last edge. I know which I’d pick!

Bababear987 · 26/08/2026 20:19

ThatBreezyScroller · 25/08/2026 18:56

It’s your body so your choice but I don’t know of anyone who didn’t have their immediate family members come to the hospital the day or day after they gave birth.
It’s pretty common.

And on MN it seems pretty common for grandparents to book a place close by to the birth date and make sure no holidays etc are booked around that time.

Ha most people i know didnt have immediate family up to the hospital! I literally had my mum and only because I was extremely ill with my first and needed extra supplies, with my 2nd my mum was at home with my oldest child. Very similar for most of my friends, nobody really had family up unless they were in for 3days

dancehysterical22 · 26/08/2026 20:14

the babies 🥰

YourWittyLion · 26/08/2026 20:02

I'm a twin mum, my babies had a nicu stay and personally I would have been very anxious having family visit when I was so vulnerable with my babies in the nicu or immediately after we got home... even close family. We specifically sent a message to everyone stating we didn't want suprise visits and would let them know when we were ready. 100% was the right decision for us!
The pressure of keeping up appearances for visitors & hosting them was a firm no for me personally.
People seem to forget that giving birth whether naturally or via c section is a massive physical and mental toll on a woman and time to adjust, recover and heal in comfort without worrying about outside influences is so important. You may have the babies and be full of it and ready to have visitors, but you very well may not.
Follow your gut and stick to your guns. Make it clear that you will inform everyone if and when you're ready for visitors.
Good luck and congratulations!

Ghht · 26/08/2026 19:10

I completely understand how you feel, he’s added pressure to you in a new and uncertain situation. One where you just want feel safe and be with your husband to enjoy your new arrivals. I would just ensure you stick to your boundaries and don’t have him over if you aren’t ready. Leave it at that, don’t stress about it and let your husband be in charge of the communication.

I will add from experience, sometimes it can be easier having people come to meet the baby at the hospital. I know it’s an unpopular take, but it means that you can use the excuse of “the midwives have said all visitors can only stay for 10 minutes”. People come, meet baby briefly and leave, then you can leave the next visit until you’re ready without any pressure of people ‘needing’ to meet the baby.

nutbrownhare15 · 26/08/2026 19:03

Fil has complained, so what. And why is SIL stressing you out so close to the birth. Let DH handle it as he already has been and ask him not to talk about that side of the family stuff/drama to you as you need to relax for the birth. Ignore FIL.

Joey1024 · 26/08/2026 18:59

Completely agree with you. I was in for 4 days with a premie and i was too overwhelmed for visitors. I would have been fine with my parents but as i wanted to keep it fair i had none. I knew i would just spend the time crying or feeling anxious and i wasnt ready to pass a premie round other people

Bananacrepewithnuts · 26/08/2026 18:55

Can he visit at the hospital - at least that way it will be short and sweet.

Good luck btw.
X

jdb9803 · 26/08/2026 18:09

For me - he has planned this despite you being clear about your boundaries - I wouldn't let him manipulate you and do not see him at all during his visit - if he wins he won't stop

WeDid2 · 26/08/2026 15:04

You need to do you - but we let grandma and great grandma come and visit our prem twins in hospital. Babies are only new born a for such a short time - I think it’s nice key relatives see their future generations at the exciting phase. Would you feel the same way about your own family?
if you are being induced how close to term will your twins be?

Holeymoley28 · 26/08/2026 14:05

Get relaxing as much as you can. Enjoy these last few days of pregnancy.

Make sure you take that bump picture, enjoy a nice relaxed meal in peace, a long bath/shower, binge watch some rubbish tv of your choice.

Get dh to order in a big shop of long life faves.

Enjoy and good luck.

mumumental · 26/08/2026 13:53

ShowOfHands · 25/08/2026 16:03

It sounds like you've told him and the fact he's complained to sil means he's understood. That's it. If he asks again via text, you simply repeat your "no". Let dh handle it.

Good luck with the birth and congratulations.

This nails it.

Mycatmax · 26/08/2026 13:47

He’s a bully.

SweatySpider321 · 26/08/2026 13:45

@craicandcats yes, make sure you make the most of it and try to get some sleep! Mind you by this point l wasn’t able to do much anyway -by a week before the birth l couldn’t drive anymore (legs too swollen) and not long after walking was too tricky

craicandcats · 26/08/2026 13:29

DuckbilledSplatterPuff · 26/08/2026 00:30

Respectfully OP.. It sounds like this is really stressing you out.
It doesn't matter what the norm for relatives visiting is. It only matters what you can deal with in your particular circumstances.. and the fact is that no one knows when or how a birth will go and whether they feel like having family round and at what point.

Your DH and your SIL sound firm and supportive.. so I would just say to DH, I'm handing this over to you. No one is to come until we are ready. No more messages or arguments about it.

SIL can deal with FIL, from now on so that neither of you have to hear any more about his complaints or his wishes. He's been told what your wishes are and that is the end of it.

Please don't let this stress you.. Get as much rest and relaxation as you can and wishing you the very best of luck and a good delivery with your new babies

Thank you, it seems sorted now and SIL won’t be telling us anything if FIL does say anything. I suppose I am quite stressed about it, but I’m letting it go now and am going to enjoy the last couple of days just us two!

OP posts:
DuckbilledSplatterPuff · 26/08/2026 00:30

craicandcats · 25/08/2026 19:01

The difference is I’m having twins. There’s a higher risk of complications, there’s a higher chance that my children will be in the NICU, I might not want visitors until I’ve got my head around that.

I’ve also not said I definitely don’t want anyone there, I’ve told family that as soon as we’re ready they’re welcome to visit. I’ve assumed it will be when babies are out of hospital and I’m home, but if it’s sooner then I’m happy to have visitors. I just don’t want to feel pressured into having visitors if I’m recovering from a possibly difficult labour.

Respectfully OP.. It sounds like this is really stressing you out.
It doesn't matter what the norm for relatives visiting is. It only matters what you can deal with in your particular circumstances.. and the fact is that no one knows when or how a birth will go and whether they feel like having family round and at what point.

Your DH and your SIL sound firm and supportive.. so I would just say to DH, I'm handing this over to you. No one is to come until we are ready. No more messages or arguments about it.

SIL can deal with FIL, from now on so that neither of you have to hear any more about his complaints or his wishes. He's been told what your wishes are and that is the end of it.

Please don't let this stress you.. Get as much rest and relaxation as you can and wishing you the very best of luck and a good delivery with your new babies

Lunde · 25/08/2026 23:28

Wherestheteenguide · 25/08/2026 23:05

Slightly different take on this - also had twins first time round, was very poorly and induced. Babies were absolutely fine. My in laws were staying locally to support my DH. You will be taken care of by hospital and obviously your DH will be with you, but my DH really appreciated his parents with him for what turned out to be a traumatic time. My mum was there the day the twins were born. Equally for emotional support for me. My DH is great but I actually needed my mum to share the woman to woman stuff with!
No one was there wanting cups of tea and cuddles. They were supporting us.

But OP has said that her DH doesn't want FIL around

Wherestheteenguide · 25/08/2026 23:05

Slightly different take on this - also had twins first time round, was very poorly and induced. Babies were absolutely fine. My in laws were staying locally to support my DH. You will be taken care of by hospital and obviously your DH will be with you, but my DH really appreciated his parents with him for what turned out to be a traumatic time. My mum was there the day the twins were born. Equally for emotional support for me. My DH is great but I actually needed my mum to share the woman to woman stuff with!
No one was there wanting cups of tea and cuddles. They were supporting us.

SweatySpider321 · 25/08/2026 22:37

Lunde · 25/08/2026 19:51

She's having an induction of a high risk pregnancy that might take several days and the babies could be taken to NICU - are people really so selfish that they can't see that OP might want to know everything is OK before inviting people for social calls?

I had 2 inductions and with the first there is no way I could have done social calls during my 7 day stay and the second took 3 days but in the end I went home 12 hours later.

All of this guilt tripping to put the needs of people not giving birth makes me happy that my 2 inductions were a a Swedish hospital that focussed on mother and baby and didn't allow any visitors that were not birthing partners on the ward.

Err this. As someone who had a high risk pregnancy with twins then giving people their “newborn cuddles” wasn’t top of my priority list! OP needs to put herself and the babies first. I had mine at 37 weeks, was basically the size of someone probably 45 or 46 weeks or even more pregnant with a singleton (they were 5’6, 6’7 plus the 2 placentas and 2 lots of fluid). I was exhausted by the end and could barely move. The last 3 nights before l had them then l barely slept. God knows why the FIL is being tone deaf but l wouldn’t give him any thought