Mothercare expecting parents event with Dad...

[DanaVolcaana]

27 weeks pregnant and have booked a place at the mothercare expecting parents event for tomorrow. DP is away with work and not back until Wednesday so he can't come with me :( my dad wants to come and I'm more than happy for him to. I think it'll be nice to go together.

My friend has basically ripped me for this saying that it's weird and why the hell would I want my dad to listen to them talk about breastfeeding in front of me etc etc.

My dad is a GP, I don't find this stuff embarrassing, I've spoken about childbirth with him and it just isn't an issue for us.

AIBU to think it's not all that strange and my friend is being a little dramatic? Or is it weird to go with my dad to something like this (as opposed to on my own)?

Your friend is weird and your dad sounds lovely.

I do think it's a little unusual tbh. However your friend was particularly rude if she did indeed 'rip' in to you.

I think it's fine, I'm close to my dad too and he's not squeamish about baby/birth stuff in the slightest. As long as you're ok with correcting people who might assume he is your partner go ahead.

Its definitely not strange. How odd to think it would be. I've seen partners, parents and parents in law attend and everyone has seemed to leave unscathed

Enjoy the event with your dad.

I think is nice that he would like to go.

I think it's lovely you have that bond with your dad and you are very lucky. I think your friend maybe projecting her own issues onto this situation.

Your friend is weird it's lovely your dad wants to come to that kind of event with you. Maybe she's jealous?

It’s not unusual at all, it’s nice your dad wants to go with you. I went to the event and found it useful as a first time mum, but they really don’t go into much detail about breast feeding / child birth ect.

The event is designed to sell their products / give parents information about what products to buy. They also give you 10% off to spend in store.

When I went they did a session on safe sleep and car seats.

I think it's lovely, your friend is the one with the issues here do do not let her ruin this for you

Your friend is weird.

Why does she even think they’re going to talk about breastfeeding at this event - they are going to be trying to sell you a million things and there may be a few breastfeeding related products (nursing bras, breast pads, nursing cushion, breast pump if you want to try expressing) but I doubt very much that they will be the main focus, they’ll probably be flogging the big ticket items like pushchairs, car seats, cots, cribs etc.

If you do want to breastfeed you will presumably be doing it in front of your dad. What’s the big deal?!

Sounds like your friend has issues. I can’t imagine feeling so awkward about pregnancy, birth and breastfeeding that you don’t want to discuss any of it with your dad or involve him at all

I think it's lovely. I would have no problem going to something like that with my dad. Your dad sounds really nice 😊 Enjoy that special event with him.

Your friend is weird and should mind her own business

Hahaha!! Your dad probably see’s all sorts of things that would make most people blush on a daily basis, so I’m sure a talk about breastfeeding (which any sane person would not find shocking) will bore him!!

My husband went to our local mothercare event without me, enjoy your freebies!

It’s not weird at all

However, watch out for the staff and other expectant parents assuming that he is the father! Might cause some awkward conversations

not weird at all, it's lovely to have a supportive parent, she sounds jealous!
they certainly do not go into any detail about birth or breast feeding (i used to work in Mothercare a few years ago and helped at those events)you get a little goodie bag with samples, they show you what you might need/want to buy, you get a discount if buying on the night, there's staff there to give advice etc, it's really nice and worth doing x

Your friend is a drama queen. It’s lovely that your dad wants to support you.

Thank you! Any believe I even doubted myself. It's not like I'm inviting him to the birth. I just want someone there with me to reign me in from buying a load of stuff I don't need!

She really did go to town. She laughed at me, told me it was weird and what was I thinking, that it would just be full of couples, that it's weird to talk about breast pumps in front of your dad etc etc.

Having done this this time last year, they will talk to you about:

1. something for Baby to sleep in
2. something to push them around in
3. something to transport them in the car

Because why're trying to sell you those things. They will then give you a 10% off voucher which only lasts for about 2 weeks, so don't go if you're not yet ready to buy stuff! I had to go to twice because our voucher ran out 🙈

Your friend is weird - expect faces if you choose to breast feed in front of her 🙄

So. Many. Typos....

I think it's lovely that you and your dad can go to something like this together.

I'd love it if my DDs or indeed my DS had the sort of relationship with their father, my exh, that meant they would do things together like this.

Your friend obviously has some issues if she thinks talking about breast pumps in front of your dad is weird.

Like the majority I do not think YABU at all OP

Your friend is a dick. It’s lovely you have a father who is wanting to be involved and help you.

Also as a GP I imagine there might be some things that might be useful on a professional level, even if it’s simply saying to his patients “oh yes Mothercare do this event for expectant parents. I went with my daughter when she was pregnant it was very interesting and helpful”.

YANBU

My dad was almost with me when I gave birth to DC2. There's nothing weird about it.

I think it’s very lovely that your dad wants to go with you.

Just read your update. This person is not your “friend”. Seriously.