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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To uninvite ‘DM’ to birth?

68 replies

Soontobemama1 · 06/10/2018 01:13

First time poster and long thread but please hang in there!

For background my DM is a very very difficult person to put it nicely. My DP’s split when I was 4, the typical mother stopped father seeing child because she was bitter scenario took place and my father got to see me EOW on the basis he paid CSA and extra in cash on a certain date (if he didn’t , he didn’t see me, court order or not, this was years ago when police wouldn’t of done anything) . Anyway, she is a good mum in many ways, but has major demons/problems and was very manipulative, controlling and emotionally and sometimes physically violent towards me. For example , when I was little she would tell me if I slept at my dads she would be in the house alone and he would sneak out when I was asleep and kill her. Therefore I was terrified to sleep at my dads, I wouldn’t tell anybody why as I was so scared and she ‘won’ because everyone thought I just didn’t want to spend time with my dad (I was a huge daddy’s girl and her behaviour still affects me to this day- anxiety etc)

She cut herself off from all 4 of her sisters, her father (basically all her dads side), most of her friends , all my godparents, hates her neighbours, my grandmas neighbours, anyone really! Could start an argument with a cardboard box! Grin

I went to live with my DF when I was 10 through a court order where I was old enough to be part of the decision making, we then didn’t have much contact at all for years and then whatever contact we had was difficult/traumatic etc until I got back in contact properly when my grandma and grandad died 6 weeks apart 2 years ago. Since then a lot has happened and she has been great in many many ways, supportive of my DP (older and dad didn’t approve Hmm) helped me with all sorts and I am obviously grateful.

Anyway this was years ago and I thought she’d changed a lot, however now I know this isn’t true!
I am 28 weeks pregnant with my first baby, However, I didn’t tell my DM I was pregnant until I was 10 weeks (me and DP wanted to make sure all was actually okay first at early scan, just my way of thinking) and she was annoyed rather than happy when we told her that she had been informed after my cousin (who is basically like my sister and was told at 3 weeks as I needed to tell someone!). She straight away said ‘well I’ll be annoyed if Im not in the room when you give birth’ and I said oh you can be if you like. 1. Because I was on cloud 9 announcing the baby and was feeling very positive about mine and my DM’s relationship 2. I didn’t want any arguments if I said no (which there would be)

Since being pregnant for the last few months, my hormones and thoughts have changed a lot and she has acted strangely on many occasions throughout my pregnancy. A few examples, she rang me in hysterics (knowing I’d only just been released from hospital hours earlier due to horrendous pains in stomach thought I was miscarrying etc) about some colleague at work and starting saying ‘I’ve definatley got baby brain my hormones are everywhere’. when my grandma paid for our nursery furniture my DM wanted it delivered and assembled to her house (???) however on being corrected she didn’t argue just sulked, she is also point blank refusing to be called grandma, nana, nan or any of the appropriate wording for a bloody grandmother, she has come up with some ridiculous nickname she expects my little boy to run around calling her, which wouldn’t do him any favours when he gets to school. Whilst in the car with me and DP she starting talking about how she’s still having periods and could easily still get pregnant (she’s only 50, DP didn’t know where to look and commented on how strange it was), she’s insisting she hates every name we come up with and has a list of about 5 horrendous names and when we say no she sulks and says she needs involvement in the name choosing and that we need to adapt his middle name to her name!! the latest one has been discussing child care and stating she doesn’t trust my DF to look after the baby and that his partner shouldn’t be involved at all and that she wants to take a year off work to stay with me and baby,to ‘help out’ take over .

The most worrying thing is im having a boy and I’m my DM’s only child (obviously female) and she has always told me throughout my life she always wanted a boy and when her sister got pregnant with my cousin (boy) she stopped speaking to her for ages through jealousy and said she had taken the life she always wanted. We had a gender reveal and When we found out it was a boy you can hear on the video she took that she was sighing. I may sound neurotic but I’m adamant she’s jealous. a few years ago she asked to have said cousin overnight (aged 6 at the time), she had agreed to return him to my auntie at a certain time the next day, the certain time came and she had turned her phone off and taken him out all day, my auntie clearly going out of her mind and my DM didn’t return until around 4 hours later and acted as if nothing had happened. She has also done similar things recently with our dog (I know I know it’s a dog, it’s the principle please hang in there!) But she’s insisted on me giving her a key so she can take him out and then we have returned home 2 hours later expecting her to have walked him and gone, yet got home to her and the dog gone and us waiting around (actually missed an appointment) and she had turned her phone off. Rocked up 20 minutes later saying she had taken him on another walk as he was crying (hasn’t cried since he was 10 weeks old, he’s 10 months old now) I think it’s a power thing. These are obviously a few examples and my DP has agreed as great as she is with kids, he’s worried she would do something stupid like take him out for the day pretending he’s her son and then not return back until 10 pm at night or even just take him back to her house overnight and just not tell us, then make up some excuse as she always does.

Thank you if you’ve got this far!! My AIBU is that I’m actually worried that she will start to take over from the start basically with the baby, I know I’m going to need help etc but I’m a VERY independent person and have OCD and this baby has been longed for after a lot of heartache. Not to mention my DP is amazing,will be so supportive and is already very hands on with his other 2 children etc, and I’m possibly going to be out of it and not able to voice my opinions to her at the birth , ie could you just not hold my baby first as he is you know, my baby (she has stated if I have a EMCS or I’m too ‘out of it’, she could be first to hold him) and I just know she would start bloody shouting at the poor midwives if she wasn’t happy with something. Generally I’ve just changed my mind and think I would rather me and my DP only! (I’m private anyway and having my first baby is massive and me and my DM aren’t thick as thieves like other mother daughter relationships)
I just want some advice about how to go about this without her massively kicking off. She will anyway in one way or another, but AIBU or do I have every right to say well actually I’ve just changed my mind and want just DP there with not much more explanation than that?

Please don’t jump on the ‘she’s your mother don’t be so rude when she’s offering help’ bandwagon because her favours always end in more stress! Just here posting for advice and support really (if anyone’s got a difficult DM or MIL?!)

Thankyou for reading all of this!

OP posts:
memaymamo · 06/10/2018 01:21

Please don’t jump on the ‘she’s your mother don’t be so rude when she’s offering help’ bandwagon

Trust me, nobody is going to say that. You are dealing with a serious narcissist, you poor thing. Whatever boundaries you choose to draw in this situation, you are MORE than justified. You'd be justified to cut and run to be honest.

Bumshkawahwah · 06/10/2018 01:22

Your mother sounds like an utter nightmare. Of course you are being completely reasonable...I’m not sure I’d want her anywhere near my child. From your post I’m not sure if you can see quite how bad your mother is. She doesn’t respect your boundaries, she sulking because she’s not being involved enough with child that’s not even hers! She doesn’t have any right to be involved in the naming process to be at the birth, any of that.

I can’t see that there’s anyway that you can say anything to her without her kicking off, but I think you just have to accept that that will happen. She doesn’t get to get whatever she wants out of life, or more to the point out of your life just because she throws a tantrum.

Weenurse · 06/10/2018 01:22

I am sorry this is your reality
We were lucky enough to live 9 hours away from family when ours were born, so I have no advice. I do wish you luck with your pregnancy and delivery.

bowdownbeforelokitty · 06/10/2018 01:22

What is this thing of turning childbirth into a 3 ring circus? Your cousin doesn't get to demand entry during delivery and your Mother doesn't either. This is one of the most vulnerable times in your life physically, mentally and emotionally why are you setting yourself up for drama and stress.

dustarr73 · 06/10/2018 01:24

Tell your midwife.And security at hospitals now is unbelievable. Tell your midwife not to let anyone in,apart from your dp.

Stop telling her your name choices.
She wont be allowed in to see you if you tell the hospital.They really are good.Plus you can only stay for so long,so just give the nod.And most nurses will fling her out.

Im sorry you're going through this.

Pixiedust2017 · 06/10/2018 01:26

Its your birth do what you want to do. If you want an easy "out". Tell her when you get home after how it was a sudden stressful affair and you were so worried about baby you forgot to call anyone and isnt it great it all worked out well and everyone is doing well?!

Dandybelle · 06/10/2018 01:30

I don't think there's a way you can go about telling her you don't want her there without her causing you problems. It appears it's in her nature. Everything she has done to you from you being a small child has always been to benefit herself- not you.

She doesn't want to be there to support you. She wants to be there to be in control of that situation. Honestly I think she would make your life quite difficult and stress you out further in what is already going to be a stressful (but obviously lovely) time for you and your DP.

I think your just going to have to bite the bullet, and sat 'We've been thinking and discussing with midwifes about birth plan and we think it will be better if it's just me and DP at the birth' you don't have to make excuses. If she asks why just say it's a special time for you both and you want to be able to support each other fully. You'll let her know when baby is here etc etc.

As to taking a year off work to be there for you, it's madness. I think you really need to be firm with her or else she will honestly try to totally take over. She sounds slightly unhinged.

Be strong OP Thanks

StressedToTheMaxx · 06/10/2018 01:31

100% start putting boundaries in now.
I would change the locks as I can see her just 'popping by' wither you liked it or not once your son is born.
As for the birth I would tell her sooner rather than later and stand firm. You are not doing anything wrong by wanting the moment you and dp meet your little one to be private.
If you are going to breastfeed you have a good reason not to be separated from ds if she want over nights etc.
She will moan and throw a strop but she had her chance at being a mum now it's your turn.

Good luck.

Soontobemama1 · 06/10/2018 01:32

Thankyou for your replies! It’s nice to hear off people completely unrelated to her that I’m not loosing my mind.. (most family agree she has mental health issues but unfortunately either have no contact with her or live too far away and ignore it) I could write a book honestly but my main focus was me being U to not want her at the birth.

Don’t worry I’ll be ensuring their contact is minimal for my own peace of mind!

Bow down- maybe I’ve written it wrong my cousin won’t be at the birth and would never expect to be she lives 250 miles away! As I said I’m private and only agreed to my mother being there in the beginning to avoid the argument.

We’ve finally got a name and won’t be telling anybody for that specific reason!

Thanks for replying xx

OP posts:
Weenurse · 06/10/2018 01:33

I think Pixiedust2017 has the right idea. Tell her when it is all over and you are ready for visitors.

Soontobemama1 · 06/10/2018 01:38

And yes I’ve taken the key back, she was never allowed to keep it god knows when she’d come round!

I think for my own sanity I need to tell her ASAP and as I’m due 2 days after Christmas I’d like to think he’s abit late and she’ll have gone back to work and like PP said I will ring when he’s born and just say that I wasn’t thinking about anyone else whilst in labour (as I’m sure I won’t be!)
But I will inform the hospital as I know she would just turn up anyway if I told her I’d gone in.. what a nightmare she is now it’s written down haha Hmm

OP posts:
flumpybear · 06/10/2018 01:43

Bloody hell id not have her near the hospital!! She sounds awful!
You need boundaries, quickly !
I'd tell her you want a calm birth with just your DH then earn the hospital she's not allowed in just in case she tries to take over! Be brave and stand your ground!

GulliverUnravels · 06/10/2018 01:46

Some hospitals have a one birth partner policy - can you tell her you're only allowed one person at the birth and you need your dp there? (And then don't tell her when you go into labour, so that she doesn't turn up anyway and check!)

SpoonBlender · 06/10/2018 01:48

Another voice on "Hell no, keep her away!" here. Hope everything goes well! Stay strong and definitely tell the hospital not to let visitors in when you get there, they'll be very well prepared for doing that.

zippey · 06/10/2018 01:49

I am sorry you had to go all through that as a child. It seems your DM hasn’t changed and that toxicity will also affect your child to be in some capacity. I would be very careful about leaving the child with her alone.

In regards to tellibg your mum, you just have to get your courage up and tell her assertively. Tell her it’s what you and DH have decided. If and when she kicks off I’d say sorry she feels that way but the decision has been made and is final. Offer positive such as - she will be able to see him when you arrive back home.

I’d stop telling her so much and asking her to help out as much. When you are about to give birth, don’t tell her and switch your phone off (like she does!)

Her extreme reaction to your cousin being a boy might manifest as jealousy against you as well.

I’m afraid it’s unlikely that your mum will change into the mother you want her to be, but you might be able to manage her difficult behaviour.

Congratulations and good luck!

Jamiefraserskilt · 06/10/2018 01:54

Sit her down now.
Remind her that your relationship is still quite new thank her for her support up to this point. However, You are concerned she is behaving really weirdly over the baby. You understand her excitement over her new grandchild but It is your child and therefore, you and dp's decision what he is called, what she will be called (mine had no choice, from day one we have them their gp names) and who will and will not be "allowed" to look after him. You would appreciate her support as a mother should support her daughter but her demands are threatening to spoil this happy event and your newfound relationship.
If she kicks off, and she will, remind her how important honesty is to you both and comments such as her having baby brain and having first hold (your partner's job if you are unconscious until you wake up) make you feel uncomfortable. If she can't see her behaviour is inappropriate at this point, tell her you no longer feel the Labour room is the best place for her and you want that time to be just you and him. Top off the shit sandwich with reminding her that grandparents have an important role to play in their grandchild's life and you do not want her to miss out on that (because of confusion over her role as GRANDMOTHER!)

Uncreative · 06/10/2018 01:56

To minimise drama, I think you should say that the hospital will only allow one birth partner which will be your husband. At a push, perhaps you could say they only allow husbands but that might be less plausible. Absolutely tell your midwife that she is not permitted in the delivery room. They will enforce that for you.

With regards to everything else, set firm boundaries early on. It is so much easier to deal with one early temper tantrum than repeated pushing, whining and wheedling. I know you want to avoid the drama but unfortunately you probably need to endure that once to ensure peace later on. Good luck!

QueenOfCatan · 06/10/2018 01:58

Fucking hell I'm astounded that you are still in contact with this woman! Change your locks regardless, I'll bet she has had a key cut when she's had your key.
And definitely set boundaries now. Be firm. The last thing you want when you are feeling vulnerable after birth is too be dealing with her drama, and there will be drama. She will make it all about her.

And tell her outright that you want it to be you and dp only, don't make excuses as that will just delay the situation and make it more difficult in the long run, you really do have to grab the bull by the horns and just tell her straight and stay form.

NatureIs · 06/10/2018 02:13

You know she's going to kick off about this and later about everything else but you'll cope with it. Keep her at arms length, don't accept favours that might give her a hold over you.

rosablue · 06/10/2018 02:18

Midwife is definitely your friend here - tell her the midwife has said only one birth partner and given reasons to explain why (and if she demands these reasons make up something about fewer people in the room for the better outcome of birth, small rooms etc)(and if you keep using ‘best outcome for safe delivery of baby or similar phrase then if she doesn’t agree with you, you can turn it on her to ask if she is really telling you to ignore the midwife’s advice about what is best for the baby, how can she not want best/safest birth for you both?!?)

Makes it one step less personal than saying we don’t want you in the room which might make her listen more.

If she rings hospital to check then if they say 2 tell her staffing levels are low so close to Christmas so it is only one.

And start having some fun with names - coming up with most outrageous unlikely things you would never use as your suggestions to her to see how long she takes to realise that you’re not really going to use Tribblegate Pollockosaurus or whatever you can come up with!

Soontobemama1 · 06/10/2018 02:24

Thankyou all! I think mentioning the 1 birth partner rule may work as were planning to go in the birth centre and at my hospital I know they only have 3 rooms - so I could say it’s down to this and less staff around Christmas/new year!

Rosablue- honestly one was actually proudlock and then her made up version of her name Grin she has been told our actual name but only when it was a possibility so doesn’t know that’s the one if you get me, but part of me is laughing because I know she hates it and we love it, and ultimately that’s all that matters!

I could do with you all behind me when I have this conversation Blush

OP posts:
KC225 · 06/10/2018 02:54

I think you need to stop sharing things if you want to take a backward step. Don't share any any names, if your mother brings the subject up just say 'Stop, we have decided we're going to see what suits him when he arrives'. When she starts doubting your DF's babysitting abilities, cut it down at root and say 'You don't have to bother yourself with that, its our job, we're the parents' When she starts discussing 'names' she wants to be called, roll your eyes and say 'You do know how far away it is before he'll be able to talk'.

As for the birth, you have two choices, broach it now if you want it out if the way. But if you feel it will result in an awkward situation /argument or her rining the hospital, do not tell her when you go into labour. Turn your phone off. Say it was false alarm/no time left/middle of the night/phone not charged. Christmas is a perfect cover for not wanting to bother people. Call her when the baby is in your arms - surprise! If you think she she is going to kick off, let your DP deal with it.

agnurse · 06/10/2018 03:02

Let's be honest: she emotionally abused you as a child and continues to have a complete disregard for your feelings.

Please DO NOT subject your innocent DS to her.

In your position I would be cutting her off immediately and changing the locks.

TheMaddHugger · 06/10/2018 03:05

@Soontobemama1 "honestly one was actually proudlock"

After the footballer or after the Murderer ?

((((((Hugs))))

lifecouldbeadream · 06/10/2018 07:47

Yep, what the PP all said.... no-one would think you were being U, except perhaps your DM. I’d have gone NC long before now..... she sounds awful.