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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

PIL and new baby visit

33 replies

Newmumin23 · 31/12/2022 15:00

Due first baby in a couple of months and starting to get massive anxiety about PIL and their visit.

They live abroad and have told us (didn’t ask) they are coming for a week, 2 weeks after the babies due date. I’m nervous if the baby is late they’ll be arriving within a few days of the birth. They’re also hinting that they are staying with us which I absolutely don’t want, DH agrees with me but finding it awkward to tell them.

They don’t seem to want to tell us if they’ve booked their flights or what dates they’re planning to be here, it’s shrouded in secrecy and I’ve asked a couple of times now which I’m just finding quite stressful.

There is a bit of a backstory in that I don’t really get on with them, they’re very self obsessed and albeit I tolerate them for DH’s sake and the limited amount of time we see them but that’s really as far as the relationship goes. I do completely understand they want to visit their grandchild but it’s not the same as them living up then road and popping in for an hour, spending days on end with them and our new baby just seems too much.

Also not that it really matters but she hasn’t once asked how the pregnancy is going or how I am, she’s become obsessed with how much weight I’m gaining (or not in my case) and I find it really uncomfortable, I haven’t put much weight on and this seems to really annoy her. She makes comments such as ‘ it will catch up with you’ and ‘just wait’ she asked me on Christmas Day on a video call with other family members and I was so embarrassed that she was talking about my body.

Basically how do I handle this? AIBU to feel like this? Do I suck it up and let them come, I’m worried about causing a family fall out if I make DH put his foot down. (In hindsight probably our fault as we usually go along with things for an easy life).

OP posts:
billy1966 · 31/12/2022 16:49

You will bitterly regret not being firm and I can guarantee that it will sour this special time for you both AND relations between you and your husband.

It is a common annoyance that women bitterly regret being railroaded when they have a new baby.

Be firm now or you will regret it.

Scotty12 · 31/12/2022 16:57

DH has to tell them to stay in a hotel. Be firm, even if it’s uncomfortable or causes a bit of upset. They will get over it.

Sugargliderwombat · 31/12/2022 17:03

I had this !! Be blunt and say you can't commit to seeing them as baby may only be days old and you will still be recovering.

miltonj · 31/12/2022 17:14

You could easily be two weeks 'late' especially if it's your first. Do not let them stay in your home. It will taint your memories of your babies first weeks. You do not get those days back. It's a knackering but wonderful time to bond as a family. Visitors absolutely welcome if they are friendly and supportive, if not - not welcome in the bubble of happiness!

Husband needs to Step up and say they are welcome to come but two weeks later and in a local air b&b. That's not me 'in-law' bashing, it's genuinely extremely important that you and your baby get off to a positive start. And I was in and out of hospital for weeks after both my births, very ill indeed. So to have people who make you feel uncomfortable in your space is not appropriate.

Howyiz · 31/12/2022 17:39

Why don't you change your WhatsApp settings so that you can't be added to a group?

Cherrysoup · 31/12/2022 19:27

Howyiz · 31/12/2022 17:39

Why don't you change your WhatsApp settings so that you can't be added to a group?

This

DH needs to message them ‘Obviously, we won’t be having people to stay once the baby is born, so here are some nearby hotels.’ Fairly easy.

Stand up for yourself and every time she mentions weight/your body, you tell her ‘That’s very rude and personal, why do you think it’s ok to talk about this? It absolutely isn’t.’

35965a · 31/12/2022 19:29

You need to make your husband put his foot down about staying with you. If he won’t then you need to woman up and do it.

BatshitBanshee · 31/12/2022 21:10

"Hi Parents, happy new year! Just thinking about your plans to visit after the baby comes. We've talked about it and decided that we won't be having visitors or having anyone to say so soon after baby arrives - you're more than welcome to visit (month after) but we won't be hosting in our home. We do hope you understand. This is an important time for us and we want to cherish the time just the three of us. Here are some good hotels and airbnbs nearby. Do let us know when you firm up a date in (month after baby arrives)."

Mute your MIL on WhatsApp OP. Leave the family group and make sure you say this person cannot add you back to the group.

Good for DH to stand up to them.

You rest and take care of yourself but STAND FIRM. Unless you're keen on the rest of your lives and boundaries being trampled all over, you stand up to them now.

You never get that newborn time back. Ever. I'm due again in the spring and I've already decided no visits from anyone until I'm ready a couple weeks after.

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