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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To be so disappointed in my husband

555 replies

LetItRain88 · 29/09/2017 11:33

So a little over 3 weeks ago I had a horrific birth experience resulting in 4th degree tears. Lost bladder control which is slowly coming back and almost lost bowel/sphincter control but fortunately all seems ok in that department now thankfully.

Still in a fair bit of pain and got quite bad baby blues, but this seems to be subsiding thank god.

Husband and I have been married for almost 6 years, together for 7. We both work full time (me past tense until maternity leave is over). We own our house and wanted to have a baby so we tried and after a number of years I got pregnant Smile I knew it would be hard work, I was under no illusion, but what I didn't expect is to feel like I'm in this all by myself.

I now feel like I have a flat mate who occasionally picks up the baby for a minute or two but other than that doesn't have any interest in him.

I am exhausted naturally from generally having a baby, but the trauma of the birth and the resulting injuries mean I needed a little extra help- but I'm getting literally nothing.

He had taken two weeks annual leave after the baby was born, I presumed to spend time at home helping with DS. But he literally has gone to the gym every single day since the day we came home from hospital for at least 3 or 4 hours a time. If he's not at the gym he is having a nap(!!!!!). And now he's back at work he is still fitting in a number of hours each day at the gym around a full time job. If he decides to have a rare rest day he will spend that time sleeping, not helping with the baby or around the house.

He does cook dinners on the days he isn't on late shift but that was usually what he did anyway before the baby.

Even before he went back to work I've been sleeping in the lounge with the baby while DH sleeps in the bed upstairs. I didn't mind at first because I kinda just presumed that we could take it in turns to do night shifts. But I literally had to ask him if I could please have just one night in bed while he looked after DS (he wasn't at work at this point). He did get a bit huffy but knew he couldn't protest so agreed. I was so excited and thanked him so much so he knew how important it was to me and got myself into bed. He managed it until 4:30am when he came and got me saying it's better to get me now as DS would be waking up for another feed soon so I could just do that and then go back to sleep on the sofa. I protested saying please just let me sleep I need to rest but he got narky so I gave in and got up.

Since DS was born I have asked to sleep in bed twice and both times he got me up at 4 oclock/5oclock ish even tho the second time I asked him to please let me sleep until at least 6am (I'd have loved a lay in but could tell there was literally no point in asking).

I have literally been in tears crying at him this morning because now both DS and I also now have full blown colds. DS can't sleep properly, wakes up every hour or so and I have a massive head ache and sore throat and haven't been able to even wash myself for two days.

He is on late shift today, had a rest day from the gym and instead of saying to me I could have an hour to sleep while he watched DS he had himself a nice long lay in and long shower before getting ready and going to work. His response to my crying was to say "aw babes you're doing a great job". Which is nice of him to say, and he does say it regularly, usually just before he leaves to go to the gym again. But I need physical help.

He says "sleep when baby sleeps", which is easier said than done. I'm trying to get my baby back on breast too (long story to do with the 4th degree tears making it almost impossible to BF at first) and having to bottle feed, wash and sterilise bottles, offer breast to DS and also express. It's like feeding triplets as I'm doing three time consuming things at every feed.

And the house is disgusting. Trying to keep on top of it too while trying to remember to even eat is a task on its own while I have baby blues and pain from stitches and bladder control loss on top of minimal sleep.

I know house work isn't important right now but there is a standard of cleanliness I am not willing to give up on.

I say to him often "I need a bath" or "I've not had a chance to wash since yesterday" or something along these lines but he just goes "oh right" and brushes it off.

I don't feel like I'm expecting too much. An hour in bed here and there, for him to change a nappy for once, offer to do a feed while I eat dinner instead of letting it go cold, not even to run my bath for me but to just say "ok you go get in the bath I'll watch the baby". Maybe do the washing up!?

I mentioned it to him a few days ago that I need more help with the baby and that while I appreciate the gym is important to him his priorities need to change at least for a few months while the baby is so little and I am in such a state while I heal. He got immediately very defensive and quite angry saying he's stressed and it's his only release and he's not willing to stop going or go any less than he already does.

I know there's no point in talking to him about it again, I guess I don't even really know why I'm posting this, I just need to vent I suppose. I am fully at the end of my tether. I don't want to nag him I just want him to know already what is needed- it's not rocket science and he's a clever guy and he does already know, but it's like he's making a point of not letting the baby affect his life in any way.

My mum helps out when she can at the moment but she is moving back to America next week and I have no one else that can help nearby.

Anyway my industrial double breast pump has just been delivered and DS has finally nodded off so I'm gonna go milk myself.

Sleep when the baby sleeps...what a pile of bull Envy

OP posts:
gluteustothemaximus · 01/10/2017 00:21

Very glad you have talked about it OP.

These early days are tough, and there are many more challenges to come.

All you really need to make things work is to be a team. For your DH to see housework as much his responsibility as yours. That he is the other parent. That he is not ever helping you out, he is just being a parent.

There are no girl jobs and boy jobs. You can play to your strengths.

It's just being an adult, and having respect for your partner.

Please don't allow yourself to be the one to ask/remind/tell him what to do. He is an adult. Presumably has lived on his own at one time, and knows how to wash, clean, tidy, cook.

Also, it's not rocket science. You see someone desperate for a wash, or sleep, then you step in and say 'why don't you have a bath, I got DS'. Not because he's helping you...but because he wants to spend time with DS as his other parent.

Good luck OP. I really hope he listens and you can be happy x

LouHotel · 01/10/2017 00:53

OP his response was.not perfect, being able to sleep in your own bed shouldnt be a fucking victory, its the norm!

But echoing what a new poster said; now is the time for you to heal and enjoy your new baby, hopefully with better support.

In a few months time when the the newborn cycle has settled you might have time to revaluate how he has treated you and discuss the nuances of 'well im not a mind reader' which is effectively blaming your for his shitty behaviour.

Really glad you got your bath and walk, sleep well until you know 2am, 4am, 6am .... :p

Italiangreyhound · 01/10/2017 01:37

Rain good result. Please keep an eye on him, and make sure he is pulling his weight.

He does not need to be a mind reader to know that his wife and child need care. Believe me when the child is a teenager there is not going to be any "I am not a mind reader" defense. And long before that the child will realise if he is being ignored by dad.

Hopefully he can tune in more.

Get well soon. Thanks

CommanderDaisy · 01/10/2017 02:03

Wishing you crossed fingers and toes that he finally gets with the programme and that things improve for you.

peanut2017 · 01/10/2017 06:09

Best of luck OP. Hope things improve. Agree with other posters that the mind reader bit is a load of bollox as surely anyone who has a baby knows that the mother needs support and the baby is both of yours.

Glad you got a rest. Mind yourself and see how things are in a few months time.

SittingAround1 · 01/10/2017 08:05

That's great things are improving.

Don't forget though that the baby is as much his responsibility as yours so when he's not at work you should equally share the household tasks. If he has a few hours down the gym then you should have a few hours free to do as you please.

Fairylea · 01/10/2017 08:09

“When he's not working he will make sure I am fed, rested, washed and happy before he goes to the gym”.

I’m sorry this is going to sound so harsh but that sentence actually sounds like he sees you like a pet that he’s leaving for the day, not an equal human being.

I don’t think he’s going to change at all, sorry. I don’t believe it.

bastardkitty · 01/10/2017 08:15

I'm astonished he intends to carry on working AND going to the gym. Gym has to fall by the wayside with a newborn and a partner with traumatic birth and injuries.

PoorYorick · 01/10/2017 08:18

he's not a mind reader and if I need him to step up I need to to tell him

No! Don't fall for this! Unless he's deaf, blind and terminally stupid, he doesn't need to be told that a baby needs feeding or changing or you're recovering from hideous injuries. This is mental load beginning, he can't be expected to realise that basic household and childcare duties need doing, it's your responsibility to oversee them and not his fault if he doesn't do them!

He's not as terrible a prick as he could be but this isn't good enough! Don't let him go down this road!

AdalindSchade · 01/10/2017 09:02

I can’t believe he came out with the mind reader shit
Isn’t it obvious that having a new baby and an injured wife means he has to do something to help? Why should he have to be told this?

Fairylea · 01/10/2017 09:07

I really hate all this “I’m not a mind reader” crap these men come out with. You don’t need to be a mind reader to know that someone who has had a severe intimate injury and is recovering and trying to care for a newborn actually needs some help and should be a priority. It’s not rocket science.

PoorYorick · 01/10/2017 09:08

If he's so indescribably stupid that he needs to be told he can't fuck off to the gym for hours every day when he had a new born and a wide in serious recovery, that basic household tasks need doing and you need a rest, he's a Darwinian nightmare who should never have bred. He needs to be locked up in a bubble for his own protection.

It's just the beginning of mental load shit, OP. In years to come it'll be your fault for not telling him the laundry basket is overflowing or the cheese has turned green.

I'm afraid I don't hate him any less right now.

pilates · 01/10/2017 09:25

"I'm not a mind reader" is a cop out but good luck op I hope it works out for you. I would be heartbroken if you were my daughter ☹️

flutterby12 · 01/10/2017 09:29

'I'm not a mind reader' is code for 'I'm a selfish and lazy twat'. Keep an eye on him.

Will he still be going to the gym for 4hrs?

inmyshoos · 01/10/2017 09:59

I really hope things improve for you op.
I've just come out of a marriage with someone who didn't see the obvious and constantly needed things pointed out. It was so tiring once kids came along. Like having a stroppy teenager. I'm happier on my own doing it all because there is no one to resent. I felt constantly cheated and bitter when he was here. Now I feel empowered.
You shouldn't have to cope with all this on your own. It's as much his responsibility as yours. He needs to realise that.
Good luck op. Flowers

dangermouseisace · 01/10/2017 10:15

'Not a mind reader'. It really doesn't take a mind reader to know that an injured person, who has just been literally turned inside fucking out, should not be sleeping on a couch with only a tiny scream, feed and poo machine for company.

Not a mind reader is code for I'm going to get away with whatever I want unless you explicitly pull me up on every single thing. And if you do- well, you're a nag.

Making sure you're ok before he goes to the gym. He's not intending you spend time together as a family then? Normally hobbies are out the window practically completely for first 6 weeks and then extremely curtailed afterwards. I'd be concerned if the mammoth gym sessions are still going on most days.

It's best to go forward mindfully OP. There is a real danger of it becoming him and his needs, and you and the baby lumped together.

TheWernethWife · 01/10/2017 10:16

I still don't think you've got it yet OP, he needs to keep away from hours at the gym and become a decent husband and father. All this, "tell me what you need doing" malarkey. How does he manage at work, does he need constant input from his boss telling him what to do, as "he's not a mind reader". What a load of crap OP, tell him to step up or step the fuck off. Of course he's saying all the right things now, he'll be hoping to get back to sex soon.

LannieDuck · 01/10/2017 10:18

"I protested saying please just let me sleep I need to rest but he got narky so I gave in and got up."

"both times he got me up at 4 oclock/5oclock ish even tho the second time I asked him to please let me sleep until at least 6am"

"I mentioned it to him a few days ago that I need more help with the baby and that while I appreciate the gym is important to him his priorities need to change at least for a few months while the baby is so little and I am in such a state while I heal. He got immediately very defensive and quite angry "

I'm glad he might have finally deigned to help you, but as others have said the 'I'm not a mind-reader' is crap.

I just wanted to highlight (above) that you have been telling him what you need.

dangermouseisace · 01/10/2017 10:21

^^this

BillBrysonsBeard · 01/10/2017 10:27

I agree with others that the mind reader thing is bullshit, a partner clearly sees when the love of their life is struggling. BUT it sounds like a good result OP Smile and keep reporting here on progress! It'd be really nice to get an update on a thread like this where someone promises to change.

Elendon · 01/10/2017 10:30

My exh used to say 'I'm not a mind reader' when I asked him for help.

Runningpear · 01/10/2017 10:32

Glad you've talked about it Op, whilst his response isn't ideal it sounds like a step in the right direction.
TBH the gym should be knocked on the head until you are fully healed & recovered from your birthing injuries. You should take priority over the damn gym Flowers

Shadow666 · 01/10/2017 10:34

Yes, I'm guessing a bit of lip service to keep the missus quiet and back to normal.

Good luck OP. The relationship board here is really great for help.

pegdot · 01/10/2017 10:40

Echoing what everyone else has said about the 'not a mind reader' excuse. You told him you needed help, so why didn't he help? And why should you have to ask?
What time does he start work if he works until 1am? If it's any later than 12pm, then why is he only offering his services for two hours in the morning? Likewise after early shifts, why can't he help until 6pm? I bet he's making time to go to the gym before/after work. Don't you see the irony in him giving you two hours 'help' then giving himself 3-4 hours in the gym? It's clear who's his priority.
Assuming he works 8 hour shifts, and an hour for travelling, he's giving himself 11-13 hours a day for sleep and 'me time'. I bet you don't get that even now he's agreed to help. It should be equal, you are working hard too, whilst recovering from a traumatic birth.
Don't be grateful for what he's 'offered', tell him that's not enough, you need sleep and 'me time' too.

pegdot · 01/10/2017 10:43

Oh and my soon to be exDH was like this so I know exactly how you feel. I also work full time shifts so I know how that is for him too. I'm no superhero but if I can manage to work and care for DS almost single handedly in the early days (and almost all the time now) then he has no excuse.

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