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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Bf pregnant

67 replies

Imnoonesangel · 15/06/2019 21:14

So a few years ago my best friend had major depression. She had a lot of crap going on in her life but I think tbh it more triggered the depression rather than caused it (which when we discussed it at the time she would agree with). Her family are European so she is here alone and so I spent a significant amount of time nursing her and at one point I moved into her flat (left my dh at home) as she was suicidal and the doctors said she should not be alone. I don't mind any of this as she is a good friend and that's what friends are for.

This last year she has finally started to pull herself together and tbh I am so relieved. I was worried as she had just kept making continuous ' bad choices ' (dabbling with drugs, drinking far too much to the point it was affecting work etc.). She still does a few things that are dangerous but I have kept my mouth shut as I didn't want to be seen as judgemental (even if inwardly I will admit I am horrified at some of her decisions) and to an extent I felt she needed to get it out of her system so to speak!

I did distance myself then as when she was in her worst stage she was very dependant on me and as she started to get better I felt the need to take a step back for my own sanity. I'm not sure if this was the right thing, in terms of my mental health it definitely was as I didn't want to get involved in the things she was (things that would mean instant dismissal from my job) but I also think she had begun to rely on me too much.

She then got involved with a married man and when she asked my opinion I said I thought it was a terrible idea (two children involved) and asked her how she would feel if someone did that to her. Or if she found out my husband was having an affair. She said it wasn't her responsibility as she hadn't made the vows etc so I just stopped discussing it with her and if she brought it up I changed the subject.

About 3 months into this relationship she came to me and told me she was accidentally pregnant. I was gobsmacked. I asked her if she was happy and what she planned to do in terms of whether she wanted to keep it etc and when she said she did I essentially said if she was happy then I was too. I am almost 100% this was not an accident from what she has said but I have not voiced that as frankly what does it matter now. Friend said she was so relieved she has my support as she knows she will need help.

About two days later her mum also emailed me. Her mum has written about how happy she is that friend has me as she knows she will not be able to cope without it. That she is pleased I am there as her ' guardian angel ' and more along those lines. The email also basically implies that friend will need financial help (I did help her out briefly in the past but she paid that money back).
Friends mum seems to be thinking I can drop everything again as I did years ago and help. However my life has changed completely. I'm expecting my own child in a couple of months, and frankly I wouldn't feel fair to put my dh through all that again as he was in my eyes a saint last time.

Aibu to think I didn't sign up for this? I love my friend dearly but I can't be thinking about her baby when I need to focus on my own family.

Friend has also been making comments about hand me downs when she was looking around our nursery today. As awful as it sounds I felt like she was picking stuff out that she could have for her baby when I haven't even had the chance to use them myself yet and I also plan on putting them away for hopefully another baby later down the line.

Aibu? I know I've been a judgemental cow it's just so frustrating to watch your friend throw themselves at bad decisions. I can honestly say I have never said any of this to her (unless she has asked, for example when she told me about the drugs I said about her job and she said she knew it wasn't good). I will smile and be happy for her and this baby but I am worried she is expecting more from me than I can give.

OP posts:
Star81 · 15/06/2019 21:25

What a position to be put in !

Is her mum going to be fully supportive and actively helping her ? Does she live close or far away ?

It does sound as if she wanted to be in the same position as you and have a baby at the same time. With regards to having things of yours just say no. To be honest you will still be using most of it when she would need it anyway.

You need to put yourself, and your family first. Don’t allow this special time for you and precious first months be dominated by someone else. If she is making the decision to have a baby she needs to be fully responsible for it. You are not responsible for her happiness and wellbeing. She has her own family so there are others there that can help her. With regards to money make a decision now to say no if asked. Remember anything you give away is taking it from your own family.

Imnoonesangel · 15/06/2019 21:31

Her mum is a two hour flight away so not going to be hands on no. When she was in her worst stages of depression her mum flew here for a week but then had to get back to her home country.

I'm so shocked by the whole thing tbh. And trying not to feel as negativity as I do. She's been sending me pictures of baby related things all day and I have struggled because I feel she is ignoring the issues she faces and is pretending it will all be great.

She's asked me to go with her to the midwife next week as she knows her mental health will come up and her doctor knows me from before.

OP posts:
Imnoonesangel · 15/06/2019 21:33

@Star81 thank you for not flaming me. I know to an extent I'm being judgy and I should be a good friend. It's just last time things went south it took such a toll on myself and my dh. Think things like having to leave my nieces christening to go check on her as she wouldn't answer her phone or dh having to live alone for 3 months.

I just want to shake her.

OP posts:
Star81 · 15/06/2019 21:39

You need to start now as you mean to go on and not allow her to be reliant on you. Start by not going to appointments with her make and excuse. She needs to learn to do these basic things on her own. Be less available for things like that and just see her socially.

Where is the father of the baby in all this ? Assuming he’s still with his wife ? Is he supportive ? Or is she thinking he will be with her and she’ll have the man and the baby and all will be good ?

Star81 · 15/06/2019 21:43

I don’t think there is anything to flame you for !

You’ve been a great friend previously and I’m not suggesting you start being a bad friend but you just have other priorities in life now and your can’t put you relationship under stress again as a baby will change things within it without having to support your friend and her baby.

Like I say you have to start now as you mean to go on. Be there but don’t be too available. Will be hard but do it now before your baby comes and let her build up her own sense of responsibility.

Imnoonesangel · 15/06/2019 21:46

The father has left his wife (I think she may have left him from what I've heard from mutual friends) and they have begun renting a house together. He has asked me (I've known him via my dh for a few years) if I think the baby was an accident to which I just said that's what friend said. I don't want to be in the middle of it and frankly think he's a waste of space for the way he has gone on.

OP posts:
Imnoonesangel · 15/06/2019 21:48

@Star81 thank you you're very kind. I just did what you do as a friend but you are right my family has to come first this time. If things go on I will have to have a chat with friend I think ☹️

OP posts:
LordNibbler · 15/06/2019 21:48

Both she and her mother seem to be making her your responsibility, caring little that you are pregnant also. Please step back from all of this. You've done way more for her than perhaps you should have done. Your responsibility is now for your child and your husband. This is a special time for both of you, and to be treasured. It shouldn't be spent trying to sort someone elses chaotic lifestyle choices out. You can't help some people, they veer from one drama to another. And it's endless. Stop running your life around her or it will simply never end. You can only give so much and when it affects your own life so much it has to stop somewhere. You've been a great friend, a good and compassionate human being but you've done enough. It's your time now and there's nothing wrong with that.

Aquamarine1029 · 15/06/2019 21:48

If you've never had to create boundaries with people before, now is your time. Your friend can only take advantage of you if you allow it. She got herself into this mess, it's high time she deal with her own affairs. You have more than enough on your plate, and YOUR family comes first. Do not risk your marriage, which you will, by putting your friends needs before your own family's needs. Perhaps this friendship is on it's way out.

ChicCroissant · 15/06/2019 21:48

I think it would be kinder to start emphasising how little time you'll have when your own baby arrives, otherwise she'll build up an expectation that it won't be possible to live up to.

Direct her towards the baby's father when she asks for support ....

carly2803 · 15/06/2019 21:50

you sound lovely... but for your own sanity, your relationship and the safety of your child-distance yourself from her.

do not lend her any money, be firm with her re;'clothes and things she had her eye on.

I wouldnt be too available either OP. Harsh but i have learnt the hard way - be there, mabey text or whatever but dont agree to doing anything that will get you too involved

helpmum2003 · 15/06/2019 21:51

OP you have clearly been an amazing friend. Now you need to put you, your marriage, your DH and baby first

Do not go to appointments with her, just don't even go there.

Personally I would say that you cannot support her in this pregnancy as you did in previous illness as you now have additional responsibilities. I wouldn't mention the father but of course he should be doing that and if he isn't maybe she needs to reconsider the pregnancy; she won't do that if you fill in ...

londonrach · 15/06/2019 21:52

For starters op...youve been amazing friend. However now you need to look after yourself, baby and dh. Think sadly you need to distance yourself. No money to df. No hand me down clothes. Enjoy this build up before your baby is born. Cant see how anyone would flame you. Uve been amazing.

Imnoonesangel · 15/06/2019 21:55

I think that's my biggest thing I'm struggling with, she just seems to be making stupid choice after stupid choice then expecting someone else (me) to fix them. I don't want to drip feed but the house they live in now she has let one of her friends stay in. They bring men back constantly and openly take drugs when I've been there (think drug paraphernalia on the coffee table etc) and I know her boyfriend has his kids there on a weekend :-(

Im trying not to be 😱 but it's hard.

I want her to sort her life out and unfortunately I can't help her do that.

I've text and said I can't do next week as I have too much on to take a day off work (not a complete lie as I'm training my maternity replacement).

OP posts:
Berthatydfil · 15/06/2019 21:56

Omg it sounds a shitshow.
I think you should respond to her mother to say that while you love bf your life is in a different place now and you need to prioritise your family and with your own baby yiu will be putting them first and you won’t be able to repeat what you did in the past.
Don’t go to her midwife appt.
If she says anything about hand-me downs again say yes I’m planning on handing all of it down to a future sibling - poor second babies never get anything new haha.

Imnoonesangel · 15/06/2019 21:56

I think if I had gone to the midwife appt I'd have had to voice my concerns anyway.

OP posts:
Jollymollyx · 15/06/2019 22:01

You need to enjoy your own life and enjoy the baby, they honestly grow up so fast and your child should be your priority, your own family. There’s a difference in a friend and just basically being her mom and sister rolled in one by the sounds of it. I would give jokey hints like gosh when we have our kids we’re gna be so busy we’ll be like whatsapping to keep in touch ha ha ...
I can’t wait for my baby just spending every min with it and making the most of every moment...

I use to have a school friend who was really erratic and I naturally outgrew her to be honest.

NoAngel1 · 15/06/2019 22:01

Only do things now that you want to do and not because you feel obliged. So pass something on because you want to and not because you feel it’s expected. Your DH sounds lovely but I’m sure any more of this could put a strain on your relationship with him and why risk that?

AmIRightOrAMeringue · 15/06/2019 22:02

YANBU for pulling back

Its one thing helping someone I'm a crisis

It's another helping when they make bad decisions knowing you're there to bail them out

In a few months, frankly you may find it hard to make time to brush your own teeth, so any time that you spend helping her will be time away from your own tiny baby who needs you

Agree with pp for everyones sake you need to start pulling away now. You have been a great friend but more than reasonable people would give

Imnoonesangel · 15/06/2019 22:03

@Jollymollyx yes I feel like her carer more than her friend sometimes ☹️

OP posts:
AmIRightOrAMeringue · 15/06/2019 22:03

Also dont give her any baby things it diestspund like you'll get them back

Brenna24 · 15/06/2019 22:07

I had to fly to help my mum when my baby was 3 months old. I was there for a week for mum's operation, then back 4 weeks later to pick her up from hospital and I stayed for 6 weeks, getting home just before DD turned 6 months. It was really bloody hard work nursing someone else and looking after a tiny baby without adding another tiny baby into the mix. Plus my husband missed a lot of time with his new baby (although he did join us for a week in the middle of the long stay). I think that you are going to have to be very firm with her. You have a tiny baby who will be taking up all your time. If she has moved in with her man then he is there to be a father to the baby and a partner to her, so she won't be on her own. As for the stuff. Start sending her links to gumtree and babybay bundles and items so that she can start stocking up. If she asks you are planning another so you are keeping your stuff. A lot of the equipment there will be an overlap in both of you using it. Your baby will be still needing it when hers is born. The clothes are very cheap to pick up in bundles.

Hanab · 15/06/2019 22:07

Please don’t get guilt tripped!

Be selfish and take this time for you,DH, your kid to be and not forgetting your marriage!

He had to live 3 months alone?? He must be saint like! No husband I know would be okay with this ...

🌷

Jollymollyx · 15/06/2019 22:08

What do you plan to do now?

P. S friendship works two ways, sounds like one way here

Jokie · 15/06/2019 22:09

I think you've been an angel this far but agree with others about creating clear boundaries and expectations for what she can expect from you (no hand me downs, no call outs or live in situations etc). I think the worrying thing about your latest update is whether a child would be safe in a house if there's drug items being left in easy to access places/openly used?

Does she not realise that, that's bad? (I ask in all seriousness!)

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