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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:
Runningpear · 29/09/2017 13:13

Bloody hell Op, I don't think I've read a newborn story with a DH as selfish as your op ☹️ You need to make some big changes right now:

  1. get back in bed, tonight - baby is a Moses basket. If the baby wakes him up tough shit. He should also take a turn at weekend having primary responsibilities for wake ups / feeding. This is a normal arrangement and he needs to step up. No more long lesuirely lie ins for him. He needs to pull his weight starting right now.

  2. lose your shit about the gym time- you literally cannot cope doing it all on your own anymore. It's fucking ridiculous he has guilted you about this.

  3. tell him you are having a bath now and he's looking after the baby - no discussions, it's happening and he's taking his turn.

You need useful practical help from him, he's been utterly selfish whilst you are on your knees recovering from a massive birth injury.

Motherbear26 · 29/09/2017 13:13

Oh you poor thing, I'm so sad for you right now. I can't tell you what to do and I think it's quite obvious that you love him and don't want to leave him but please read back your op and really look at the type of person you're describing.

You have asked to sleep for a full night in your own bed only twice since you had your baby and he got huffy. He then woke you at 4.30am, and even when you were still exhausted and protested he made you move and take care of the baby. Even worse, he watched you sobbing and didn't offer to help in any way. This man doesn't care about you. If he did he would do anything to support you so you didn't cry anymore. Maybe I'm being harsh, but you know him better than any of us. Ask yourself if he has ever put himself out to help you? If he has this might be worth saving. If not, I'd get a passport for your baby and go and stay with your mum for a few weeks.

I'm so sorry that you're going through this.Flowers

QuackingHell · 29/09/2017 13:13

And if you're even partially formula feeding then he needs to be doing the 10/11 o'clock feed and telling you go to bed early while he bonds with his own fricking child. Its not babysitting and doing you a favour. It's parenting and he needs to pull his weight

Excited101 · 29/09/2017 13:14

He sounds disengaged, unemotional and lazy. What was he like when you were pregnant? His obsession with the gym is unhealthy.

Anyone can say the 'right' things, it's easy. But it has absolutely no meaning behind it, that's clear from his behaviour. It's not to say that he's lying when he says those things to you but he's saying what he thinks he should, to keep you happy and placated.

You need to lay down the law, he's not contributing enough, he's going to the gym too much and is not supporting you. You're not saying he can't go to the gym at all, but once or twice a week for an hour or two would be more than enough, then both of you need to make sure that you get equivalent down time. There's no excuses if the baby will take a bottle either.

Don't take any more crap. Lay down the law, let him know just how serious this is and be strong.

Good luck and Flowers

AlexsMum89 · 29/09/2017 13:14

OP I am so so sorry for you and the situation you are currently in. It really is upsetting to read what you're going through. Huge hugs xx I honestly think this is a worst nightmare scenario - you've been through a terrible birth, you're in pain and need to heal, coupled with the demands of a new baby and an unsupportive husband.
The main problem I think is quite a common one, and one that I faced with my (now ex - surprise surprise) husband. He assumes you will be looking after the baby and that he is free to come and go as he pleases.
For your sake, the balance MUST be re-addressed and I think the key is to take a little step back and remember that the baby was wanted and created by both of you, but ultimately you have made the most sacrifice.
When he's at work, your job is to look after the baby. Much later your job can include things like cleaning during that time but definitely not right now.
Outside of both of your 'jobs' if anyone wishes to take time away from the baby it must be agreed. Eg, if he wants a shower, he must say to you 'Would you mind looking after the baby while I have a shower'.
If you want to have a shower you would probably already say 'can you have the baby while I have a shower?' Of course if he tried to say no I would be plonking the baby in his lap and having a shower anyway. Later followed by divorce...
The reason I put it like that is because it assumes joint responsibility whereas I bet right now he just does what he wants without checking with you because he assumes you're looking after the baby.
If you're not feeling up to the argument, I totally understand that and it might be helpful if you write everything down in your own time. Think it over, and hand it to him. Then tell him you want to talk about it calmly after he's thought about it.
It will never get better by itself, I can promise you that, and you will end up worse off for it. Please look after yourself xx

DavetheCat2001 · 29/09/2017 13:14

I've actually sent the link to this thread to my OH at work to read as it's made me realise how lucky I am.

OP if you are anywhere in the south London area, let me know. I am more than willing to help if I can x

KERALA1 · 29/09/2017 13:16

God I felt like crying reading that OP.

When DH was on paternity leave with our PFB he got up with me for every feed in the night and didn't leave my side except to do grocery shopping/chores/other useful stuff. The fucking gym Angry

I am so sad for you. I would rather be on my own I think

Fairylea · 29/09/2017 13:18

I know this maybe isn't helpful but I had an ex exactly like this and I left when dd was 6 months old. I too had a horrific birth - 67 hours start to finish, 4th degree tear etc - and he was back at work after a week and down the pub every night (replace your dh going to the gym with pub and that was my life)! I was so resentful of him even if he changed I couldn't ever love him again. That was 14 years ago now and I have never regretted leaving. It was hard managing on my own but at least I didn't have anyone to hate and resent and sap anymore energy from me.

I am now remarried and 5 years ago we had a baby together and my dh was every bit the man my ex should have been. Equal in every way. Our son went on to be diagnosed with disabilities and we have coped together because we have each other.

Do not put up with this shit. He is nice to you because it's keeping you nice to him. Controlling arsehole.

Mittens1969 · 29/09/2017 13:18

No, definitely no nice words can make up for doing sod all of the work. If anything he's being manipulative, saying it just before he goes to the gym.

I know you say you're happy with the sofa, but no way should he have refused to let you have the bed when you asked him, that was abusive. And so was waking you up, he should have taken care of his DS and let you sleep.

KERALA1 · 29/09/2017 13:19

Also tell him that because he is not cleaning up and you cannot you are getting cleaners in and he is paying.

Londoncheapo · 29/09/2017 13:21

Personally, I don't think he should be going to the gym AT ALL until his wife is better and the feeding situation is going more smoothly.

He wants exercise? Well, it's a nice idea. You know what's good exercise? Taking out bins and scrubbing out floors and bathrooms and hanging out laundry and running up and down stairs tidying and putting things away. Let him come back and do the bloody housework for a start if he wants some exercise.

AutumnalLeaves38 · 29/09/2017 13:21

OP,

Nothing useful to add to what PPs have already said...just that I'm really sorry you've had such an overwhelming and hard time.

Hope the situation's improved by whatever means necessary, from now on. Sending thoughts to you, your baby and your Mum. Flowers

Mittens1969 · 29/09/2017 13:22

He wants exercise? Well, it's a nice idea. You know what's good exercise? Taking out bins and scrubbing out floors and bathrooms and hanging out laundry and running up and down stairs tidying and putting things away. Let him come back and do the bloody housework for a start if he wants some exercise.

This 100%

Cornettoninja · 29/09/2017 13:24

Oh op, I felt so angry and sad for you reading that SadFlowers

My dp was pretty shit for the first year of my baby's life and there were lots of tears/nagging/arguing. He didn't really take any notice till I asked him to leave.

It wasn't an empty threat, like you I have no where to go/no one to go to, but the massive sense of constant dissapointment as the support I needed and clearly asked for wasn't forthcoming was worse than the thought of just relying on myself. It was like he thought I was just trying to shirk my share instead of temporarily struggling.

I wouldn't dismiss the possibility he has his own issues right now, it's a massive adjustment for you both, but you don't have to be his support right now.

He needs to either step up, hard as it is, or give you some space to find your own way without being let down by him.

Resources in my area are shite, but it's worth a chat with your healthvisitor about if there are any resources available to support you and with your GP.

Mamabear4180 · 29/09/2017 13:25

This is really bad for your mental health op. You need a lot of extra support right now and you're not even getting the basics here. You're not a single mum so having a bath and getting some sleep should be totally possible. This could very easily turn into PND (if it hasn't already) because you're feeling resentful and upset all the time.

You've had so many good suggestions here, I would echo that you need to be very clear with your dh and say "I'm going for a bath' rather than 'I need a bath' and the same for sleeping in bed etc. He obviously lives in cloud cuckoo land! Please don't put up with being 2nd to the gym after a traumatic birth, you're worth so much more than that. I hope things get better very soon Flowers

Fairylea · 29/09/2017 13:25

Yes to what Londoncheapo said.

No gym. Where's your "release"?! I'm so angry for you.

dangermouseisace · 29/09/2017 13:26

my ex was an arsehole but at least he actually helped out for a couple of weeks when the baby was born. Your 'D'H sounds completely self absorbed. You should be in a lovely soft comfy bed, especially with your traumatic injuries. Any fool would know that. He's showing his true colours (an uncaring git). What are you getting from this relationship?

Miserylovescompany2 · 29/09/2017 13:26

OMFG - he's the star of his own show with all the additional perks! He might well be saying the right words, however, his actions are the polar opposite.

What a selfish pitiful excuse of a man - ME ME ME and some more Me!

Seriously, get rid! He is telling you exactly who he really is. Stick him on mute and study his actual actions.

The only thing he is suffering from is Selfish-itis!

Cornettoninja · 29/09/2017 13:26

In the interests of full disclosure we're still together but it seems to have impressed how serious I was on him.

And although this feels like this is your life forever now it isn't, honestly it gets better xx

pallisers · 29/09/2017 13:27

I've actually sent the link to this thread to my OH at work to read as it's made me realise how lucky I am.

You are no luckier than your dh is.

Imagine a day when men routinely say "I'm so lucky my wife is really helpful with the baby"

DavetheCat2001 · 29/09/2017 13:29

I guess it's that I just despair that men like this exist at all.

It always shocks me how many women post on threads like this saying they had similar struggles, and often the 'H' is now an 'ex'

Landy10 · 29/09/2017 13:30

If you feel the message that you need more support isn't getting through by speaking why not send him an email? He might take it in more if it's written down. Sounds weird I know.

Also in my experience my husband has to be told specifics of what to do. I've got 10 month old twins and he went to sleep in the other room when they were 3 weeks old and only came and helped when he got woken by the house being screamed down (not very often). But we had an agreement that at 630 every morning when he was not working he would sneak in the room and take the baby that was awake at that time away and I'd stay in bed another 2 hours with the sleepy baby. Make these sorts of arrangements and stick to them such as - you get an hour to yourself when you get home, he gives the baby a bath every couple of days, he takes baby out in the pram for an hour every day he isn't working. Agree at the start of the week when he goes to the gym, make sure he combines this with a trip to the shops etc (time limit his trip out). When we make agreements I text my husband what we agreed and if he doesn't do it I show him the message! Stops any subsequent argument!

zen1 · 29/09/2017 13:30

You poor thing Op Flowers . Your H is an utterly selfish, lazy arsehole. This is absolutely not how it should be and I can see why you are on your knees physically and mentally. Do you have anyone you can talk to about his behaviour in real life? Do you have a supportive health visitor? I bet your mum is not impressed. I second what everyone else has said here and would re-evaluate my future with such a man.

expatinscotland · 29/09/2017 13:31

This is so sad to read.

randomer · 29/09/2017 13:32

Don't leave. You are not well. You don't need a man. Get a female relative.

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