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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

I feel really awkward and uncomfortable.

299 replies

MissingTheMountain · 31/08/2021 12:27

DH's parents have decided in the last few months that if they disagree with something, they'll do it anyway and then say they didn't have a choice as we might have said no.

So far, the most annoying one has been turning up while we're working and sitting a foot away from us looking fed up. They aren't the type to entertain themselves. I have no idea why they're doing it unless it's to prove a point that they won't listen to us.

MIL is desperate to have a sort of baby shower for her friends. I'm not invited and don't mind her having one... but she wants to post about it on Facebook. We haven't announced on Facebook, for a multitude of reasons that she knows about. Family & friends know, but Facebook doesn't. They call weekly to complain about it. This morning they've called to say we are ruining their fun, and they'll announce it on Facebook for us if we haven't done it by Wednesday.

My big worry right now is that they disagree with everything we want to do. They don't want me to breastfeed, us to use slings, us to go to parenting groups. They did all of those things, but they feel that "with reflection" it would stop them from being able to have a good relationship with the baby. They keep talking about visiting daily and taking the baby out to lunch.

Usually, DH gets annoyed eventually, spells it out to them, they back off and it heals. But they're ignoring him this time, and just making veiled comments about how they don't know if he's going to be "mean" so they just don't ask him.

FIL also said on the phone this morning that he's got high blood pressure again, and it's worried DH that they are getting old, and he doesn't want to upset them. He's also concerned that his Dad has two other children that he cut off for some reason decades ago, and has never met their children. He talks often about how they shouldn't be told when he dies, and they're not in his will, etc.

I don't want to put DH in the middle, but the more they push, the less I feel comfortable around them. They did the same batshit stuff around our wedding. In the end, FIL told us not to tell them any details until a few days before to stop MIL from getting so upset and phoning up to change things...

I don't have family, I've very pleased our baby will have, and we used to get along really well. I feel like I go out of my way to make them feel involved, update them after every appointment, usually two phone calls and at least one meeting a week. I see them more than I see my friends. I've tried really hard to include them... But honestly, I feel like an incubator right now, I've started to dread the baby coming and them going mad. I quite like the idea of not telling them right now, but that'd be a horrendous position for DH to be in...

He says we're a team and he'll talk to them, but they seem to "forget" the next day now, and I'm worried about my mental health and my marriage if they keep this up.

OP posts:
noideawhatusernametochoose · 31/08/2021 19:59

That's just outrageous. You have the patience of a saint to have put up with this for so long.

Nobody would blame you for wanting to move away. I think in your shoes I'd seriously be considering it.

The only thing I can think of is that you and DH address it together. I think that otherwise they'll try to wiggle out/make out it's not really a problem. But I wouldn't blame either of you if you didn't want to confront them like that. But they're, in Mumsnetspeak, batshit and I can't see it getting any better unless you go nuclear.

I really feel for you, it's a horrid situation, especially at what should be a really joyful time.

honeygriff · 31/08/2021 20:02

This all sounds so nuts combined with the discarded family I think one or both of them is probably some sort of narcissist. There is zero empathy for your feelings. You need to shore up your boundaries fast. This won't get better.

Cam2020 · 31/08/2021 20:09

Sorry to say, this will only get worse once the baby arrives. Reduce contact and what they have knowledge of now, tell your work reception they are not to be admitted under any circumstances.

SausageRollFan · 31/08/2021 20:10

@MzHz

Seriously you need to emigrate.

Moving won’t stop them moving closer to you.

This won’t stop until you make it stop.

Can’t dh find his half siblings online? And track them down separately

Ultimately this situation will implode and you’ll end up NC and possibly even being taken to court, emigrating will actually be the easier way to manage them.

Taken to court for what @MzHz?
lottiegarbanzo · 31/08/2021 20:14

They sound absolutely nuts! Do they have nothing better to do?

Run away, run far!

Seriously though, what is your DH scared of? Being disinherited? Who cares?

me4real · 31/08/2021 20:42

So sorry you have all this stress @MissingTheMountain . Sad They sound awful.

Bawse · 31/08/2021 20:46

OMG they are batshit crazy horrors. I would refuse to share any information with them, cut down on visits and contact and keep the very much at arms length. You do not need this shit. Entitled, controlling, socially illiterate weirdos.

NorthLodgeAvenue · 31/08/2021 20:53

What on earth? Do they have any kind of life? Any boundaries at all?

How old are they and whats wrong with them?

burritofan · 31/08/2021 20:53

One more thing: tell your midwife about them, and request help to make a very clear birth plan and communicate with the hospital that they are not to be allowed anywhere near you under any circumstances. Because your DH will probably cave and let them know you’re in labour/the baby is here, and they will try to burst in.

Jujujuly · 31/08/2021 20:53

I can’t quote the post but everything that @Hummingbird1950 said. OP it might sound melodramatic but you really seriously need to sort this out now before the baby comes or they are going to be a massive pain in the arse at best and at worst absolutely destroy your bond with your child and probably DH too.

Brollypackedforscottishholiday · 31/08/2021 20:57

Currently on holiday on an island in Scotland op... I can keep look out for a nice house!!

rainbowlou · 31/08/2021 20:59

OP I’m so sorry you’re going through this.
My mum made me feel that I had given birth to my dc just for her, she struggled to admit they were mine. I could go on for hours!
We were trying to move away for financial reasons for years and the emotional blackmail and wailing when it was mentioned kept holding us back.
6 years ago we though sod it and we moved no matter what, I ignored all the ‘you’re taking them away from me’ crap and honestly it’s the best decision I’ve ever made and I wish I’d been strong enough to do it years ago as we would be in a much better situation.
Lockdown was shit but the silver lining was the forced break we had from certain people (I almost wish we’d a lockdown when mine were babies 🙈)
Keep strong and get your DH where he should be, on board firmly supporting you Flowers

violetbunny · 31/08/2021 20:59

You are not being awful. They have no boundaries, so it's time for you to enforce yours. With steel.

I would dial down the amount of communication with them. Be busy and unavailable, or if you do speak to them keep the topics light. The less they know about your plans, especially regarding the baby, the less they can try to mess with them. Be very clear I telling them something doesn't work for you, and if they strop, let them strop. Think of them like a pair of toddlers having a tantrum. Disengage.

I would also read up on FOG (fear, obligation, guilt) because it sounds like your DH is still very much burdened by this.

DartmoorDoughnut · 31/08/2021 21:11

I reckon we can work out some sort of MN bodyguard service so your ILs get nowhere near you or your baby.

Seriously lose your shit, your ILs are batshit.

ZoyaTheDestroyer · 31/08/2021 21:16

This will get worse when the baby arrives. You urgently need to agree boundaries with DH and present PILs with an unbreakable united front.

Tallisimo · 31/08/2021 21:22

Forgive me for not having read the whole thread but it strikes me that you and your H really must develop and present a united front to stop your ILs crossing boundaries any more. Their approach to the relationship with you both is not normal but you really don’t have to put up with it. If you don’t act now, it will, as others have said, only get worse.

boogiewithasuitcase · 31/08/2021 21:29

then he quietly told them I was on a call and needed to leave, but they ignored him.

Quiet explanations are not working.

At least tell Reception to tell them that they aren't insured to be on the premises.

I also would not update them about anything.

pyjamastoday · 31/08/2021 21:29

Move away, now. Preferably to another country. And don't give them your new address.

Rosscameasdoody · 31/08/2021 21:30

@PepsiHoover

Pack up, move house and don't tell them. Because they would have only said no.
😂😂😂
Lotusmonster · 31/08/2021 21:34

Start as you mean to go on with these people….give them a single inch, they’ll grab a mile. Adopt the persona of an unshakeable matriarch OP…it’s your way of the highway 100%. If they wail, tough shit.

NigellaSeed · 31/08/2021 21:40

Don't let these people in your house? End of?

KILNAMATRA · 31/08/2021 21:43

Feed your baby whatever works for you and your baby! My son was allergic to cows milk and I was damn glad I was mixed feeding as I was able to quit dairy and feed him exclusively till he was 1. This got rid of his excema which he had, from head to toe, and he thrived. You, your baby and your relationship with your husband are what matters, they are your immediate family. The rest can wait outside … with their opinions..

Italiangreyhound · 31/08/2021 21:58

Sounds awful, OP. Please speak to your dh and make a plan together. You are both going to need to be strong.

AlmostSummer21 · 31/08/2021 22:11

@MissingTheMountain

FMD it's not you, it's them, they're completely batshit!

Move as far away as you can & tell DH if he wants to stay married, he will get them far far far away from you and your baby.theres no way on this good green earth they'd be anywhere near a child of mine.

Be strong, you can do this!

BreatheAndFocus · 31/08/2021 22:16

Don’t bother telling them how you feel - I doubt they’d care at all. People like that don’t. Whatever you say, they’ll make out that they’re the victims somehow.

The comments about you not breastfeeding and them taking the baby out to lunch are sinister and made my stomach lurch. They’ll be taking over your baby and damaging your mental health. Don’t let them do this. Seriously and no joke - move away from them ASAP.

Good advice above about telling the midwife about their stalking and bullying. Also, give them as little information as possible. Even tiny things will be used by them to control you and try to takeover. Don’t mention anything basically. Talk about the weather, politics, TV, but absolutely nothing about your plans or your baby. Answer any queries with Fine/Perhaps/Not sure.