Worried about mum visiting after one night in London meningitis outbreak

[Haventgotthefoggiest]

I have a 4 year old and a 6 week old baby and I am abit worried about my mum going to london for one night. She is travelling there today and coming back tomorrow. My worry is with the meningitis outbreak.
I have said to my mum about us staying away from her for 2 weeks as I don't want to risk it with my children.
Am I overreacting with this?

I wouldn't make a fuss about myself and not being able to see the grandchildren. I would be worried that my daughter was overreacting so much in a way that suggested seeking some mental health support would be beneficial and would recommend that to her.

Yes, it is an overreaction. It is understandable to feel worried for the health of your children, especially when they are so little, but the way that meningitis is transmitted, and the fact that the spike was not in the area your mum is visiting, mean that she is at low risk of contracting and passing it on to your family, and a two week quarantine would be excessive

The dismissive and mocking tone of some of the replies you have received is what makes people think twice about reaching out with their worries

Massive overreaction. It sounds like you might have anxiety issues though, have you spoken to your health visitor?

Usually when people are over anxious and hyper vigilant they need straight firm talking to help them understand the logic of a situation and come right back down and enjoy life.

Thats what compassion is, not woolly wishy washy stuff.

Hi Op, your post reminded me a bit of me when I was quite unwell with anxiety. This was before my child was born but I did have to guard against some intrusive thoughts after I became a mum.

How was the birth? Do you think that the level of anxiety you’re feeling is just hormones (fleeting, easily manageable anxieties and intrusive thoughts that pop up but don’t really linger) or is it affecting your mental health in a more prolonged sort of way? There is no harm in having a chat with your GP or health visitor if you’re worried.

I think people on here are forgetting that not everyone feels at ease pre-immunisations and while your mum doesn’t pose a threat it is a reasonable enough question to ask.

And Mumsnetters, I think we forget sometimes how high child mortality rates used to be. To an extent that fear is a rational one in that it’s still encoded in us as humans. It especially comes out postpartum! Be gentle with this woman.

Is your mum planning on going clubbing in Kent and kissing / sharing vapes with students?
Probably be ok if not.
Ask her to wear a mask on the tube if you are really bothered.
And kindly, calm down. Schools are germ riddled nightmares you will need to just used to…..

There’s no outbreak in London, I live here. You need some help with your health anxiety.

The trouble is that some of the responses were so rude (in fact the 'yes' ones whilst blunt, were not the ones I was referring to) that some of us feel we have to over compensate to counter the rudeness.
I don't think anything wishy washy about common courtesy, particularly at such a vulnerable time. I can't see where anyone has tried to muddy the water. We have stated facts (eg transmission) but with empathy not rudeness or goading.

I understand that when you have a tiny baby worries can get heightened but banning your mum for 2 weeks because of a trip to London (not where the outbreak is) is ott.

I haven't got any postpartum depression and I don't need to speak to any one about my mental health... although I would do if I am not able to see my mum over the next 2 weeks with it being half term.
This is why I wanted to just ask the question on here.

I have had serious postpartum depression before so I know that this isn't it.

I am saying this kindly OP, being worried about your mum being in London and catching meningitis isn’t rational. It’s not normal. It comes across as sever anxiety.

That’s why there are comments asking about your mental health.

Hopefully you realise now that you are overreacting?

No one is shaming the OP. She asked the question 'Am I over-reacting?' and people said Yes because she is. Her mother is no more likely to contract meningitis in London than anywhere else.