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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

My mother is literally refusing to help full stop!

1000 replies

Mymotherdontdoalot · 17/09/2023 17:30

OK so there is a lot of back story here which I won't go into as it is just so long and winding, but the general gist is that my mother will literally do as little as possible to make life easier, to the point where I received a text the other day saying that it's not to her benefit to help me out!

Anyway the aibu is I'm 32 weeks pregnant with my 5th baby and am due a csection in 6 weeks time, and am getting incredibly stressed out about the general procedure and stress that comes with of being in hospital as I always seem to have complications! Dh is also stresssed aswell! So I have broached my mother who I thought might have been a little bit more supportive of my situation (god knows why she never has been before, usually couldnt give a shit about mine or my families wellbing in general,) being that it's my 4th csection so unsure of how it will pan out, from how long my stay in hospital will be to general health after etc! I stressed the situation to my mum and basically said, when I go in hospital can you come up and look after children obviously so dh is with me during csection and then if all goes well I'll hopefully be out next day, so can you come up and look after kids next day so dh can come and get me and baby in taxi and bring me back home to save dragging 4 extra dcs down the hospital and more added stress (taxis cancelling all the time where I am so a pain especially with 4 extra dc in tow not to mention, size of taxis no guarantee etc!)
I also added that if and it's a big IF I'm in hospital for one extra day after csection could she come then and stay with kids, so dh can come and see that his newborn and me are all OK, bring me things I may need/forgotten, general give me a break from being on a ward with every other person, on little or no sleep, so I can go for a wee in piece have a wash, you know the drill! Well that's when she went batshit stating, she's 60yrs old she not doing all that running around she's going to be tired, all that driving nope she's not doing it what about her husband and the dog (who she can actually leave at home perfectly fine) she's just not doing it, point blank i need to her actual words "get over it"and also why can't I leave my dc5 in the hands of there siblings 14,11,10 (we all know how much 5 year olds don't listen to siblings and decide to get mischievous once no responsible adults are around) when dh comes to pick me up with the baby at discharge, we all know discharge in hospitals can take bloody hours! At this point I did mention her staying over in the spare room to accommodate for driving etc, just for reference she lives 60 miles away but it takes her an hour to get to mine, I'm in london but so is my brother who she's visits very, very regularly and doesn't bat an eyelid to helping him out at all, it's never nope with him, no matter what it is, also when she met her husband he lived in london then and she would travel nearly everyday to see him also! She again still nope not doing it, her words again "it's not beneficial for me to do that" to be quite honest, no words could describe the shear anger and upset that I felt and have been feeling, so I got a bit upset and started crying, to which she replied "why on earth are you crying, for godsake" my dh is livid about the way that she has spoken to me and I am not really sure what to do now because I'm just shocked that she would come out with such a blasé/ nasty attitude towards helping me or lack of I should say!

I have had numerous texts from her since completely ignoring my situation and what I have asked of her and when I have broached the subject again been told I'm a fucker, I need to get a grip and grow up and things along those lines, when I have asked her why are you being so mean to me what exactly have I done, she's told me "if you think I'm being evil, you need help, you need to see a doctor" her exact words!

Also so as not to drip feed mine and my mother's relationship has been strained through the years because of actions on her part which were unreconcilable, but I let it go so as she could have something to do with her grandchildren, but that proved pointless because she seems to pick and choose as and when it suits her when she sees them and also tries to control how they behave around her (she has to be centre of attention all the time) there's alot more but I won't go into it as its just to much!

Me and dh just need some bloody help for that snippet of time when I'm in hospital, it is so much to ask aibu, it's literally like 3 days out of her time (which she spends doing nothing, everyday, she doesn't work never has done!)

Also before I forget her husband has 3 daughters and are roughly the same age as me, and she has rallied around after them no end, one time they all rushed down to hospital because one of his daughters was having extreme period pains (turned out she was jealous of her dad and my mums relationship and just wanted some attention, the same daughter, my mum has gotten up crack of dawn with to do carboot sales with her, and not batted an eyelid, the other daughter is a horder and actually has had my mum round cleaning her catshit off the floor in her house and cleaning in general because she doesn't do it, each time my mum has never batted an eyelid and more than happy to do anything for his daughters! These are just a few of the many things she does for his grown adult children!

OP posts:
echt · 17/09/2023 22:21

PyongyangKipperbang · 17/09/2023 22:12

I wonder what would happen if the OP said that she is a devout follower of a religion that doesnt allow contraception or termination.

Lots of back pedalling and tripping over themselves to not be seen as racist or discriminatory, I have no doubt.

But she hasn't.

MartinChuzzlewit · 17/09/2023 22:23

PyongyangKipperbang · 17/09/2023 21:41

I am musing why some people care sooooo much about others choice of family size.

And why they assume that their view is the only correct one and that those that choose to have larger families, or end up with large families due to circumstances, are automatically deserving of a grilling/telling off!

Oh and just asked 17 yr old DS.. summarising as he was very annoyed at the implication his upbringing was shit."physical needs? Well we were all clean and fed and clothed and housed so [shrug]. Finances, yes we did go without some things like posh holidays but I'm not bothered, we had loads of fun. Emotional neglect? Tell them to fuck off...." His words, not mine.

Who said he had a shit upbringing?

Your child wants you to tell random people to fuck off? Not sure his upbringing was the win you think it is.

Besides I’m not sure children in childhood are the best at summarising if they got everything they needed emotionally, when they’re still emotionally immature

MartinChuzzlewit · 17/09/2023 22:24

ButterCrackers · 17/09/2023 21:41

How is it sexism? I said people… that includes men. People are jealous of big families.

Because it’s only ever women who are accused of being jealous when they disagree with another woman’s choices

Lahdedahiam · 17/09/2023 22:24

Mymotherdontdoalot · 17/09/2023 22:20

Hi all sorry for not getting back sooner, I have been very busy with all my other dc, and no I'm not AI, I'm just a normal person wanting a little bit of advice/support, clearly not going to get on this thread!

Anyway thank you to all the people well wishing and making sense and not getting worked up over the amount of children I have!

Also to set the record straight I'm on my 5th because I have endo and honestly thought I couldn't get pregnant anymore due to it being sooo bad, and then spent a month literally being horrifically sick thinking it was part of endo, only to realise by some miracle I was pregnant, utter joy, all my children are really well behaved, chilled children to be around so no not horrid crutch goblins who are awkward to look after, and they would all pull their weight and help while I was in hospital!

Also me living in a house with 5 dc in london is down to my dh and me working our arses off to get there and own somewhere, so not rich either just very hardworking!

My dhs parents both died last year unfortunately,
My dad is completely unfit as a parent full stop, not even getting into that, And my brother doesn't have any dc because he says his dw is too fat (she's, size 12) too have children with her, so no not the best person to entrust my children with! So my mum is quite literally my only option and as for saying I put this on her I didn't I asked her hoping she would see that it's not forever a couple of days, 3 max out of her entire life, because I look after my own dc all the time, don't ask for help! Because me and dh realise they are our dc and only our responsibility but sometimes it's helpful to have a little back up/support when things get stressful! I don't need any help out of hospital me and dh have always looked after our own and muddled through, through each birth!

So for those you saying I'm entitled and lazy you are way of the mark and this is our 5th and final also and no I don't need therapy, I do just like a big family because it was massively lacking when I was growing up!

I've had four pregnancies and thought I couldn't get pregnant...,

MartinChuzzlewit · 17/09/2023 22:28

Moonwatcher1234 · 17/09/2023 21:50

Some of these posts are insane! Firstly, her family size is none of your business - we aren’t privy to the circumstances and frankly people are acting personally offended by OP’s fifth child. It is so weird. Secondly, parents are supposed to always be there for you whether you’re young or old- health permitting obvs- for those crowing about the fact their parents also didn’t care enough to help them out and acting like it’s a good thing - you have a warped view on what family and community is. Sad

It’s her mum’s business when she’s expected to look after so many

nildesparandum · 17/09/2023 22:29

I got no help from my mother either after my two c sections.You are not alone

ButterCrackers · 17/09/2023 22:31

MartinChuzzlewit · 17/09/2023 22:24

Because it’s only ever women who are accused of being jealous when they disagree with another woman’s choices

Your name suggests otherwise!
Many people are jealous of big families. That’s how it is.

Itwasntmeguv · 17/09/2023 22:31

zmq3Zm96uijcs2c · 17/09/2023 20:59

Every pregnancy carries a risk of death. As does driving a car, crossing a road, eating while alone. So you have a problem with the size of OP’s family and you think she should go through it with no support because she made a choice you didn’t. Let’s get out the bell and start chanting “shame”, shall we?

No, thank you. You feel free though.

MartinChuzzlewit · 17/09/2023 22:33

PyongyangKipperbang · 17/09/2023 22:12

I wonder what would happen if the OP said that she is a devout follower of a religion that doesnt allow contraception or termination.

Lots of back pedalling and tripping over themselves to not be seen as racist or discriminatory, I have no doubt.

Would there fuck

Messyhair321 · 17/09/2023 22:34

Having 5 children will be like crowd control. I take my hat off to you. Sorry your mother is being a cow, I am on the other spectrum, I would love to see my grandchildren but my DD won't let me. Such is life, however, if I was in your shoes I wouldn't spend time trying to get something from her that she doesn't want to give, I would be looking to other people such as friends or other family to help, I would try not to rely on her because she is simply unreliable isn't she?

Hurryupbuttercup · 17/09/2023 22:35

YABU. Don't have multiple children if you can't be self-sufficient. I am assuming you didn't ask your mothers permission before getting pregnant , so not sure why you think it's her problem. Surely by now you should know what to expect and plan for , when deciding to have another child.

zmq3Zm96uijcs2c · 17/09/2023 22:35

Itwasntmeguv · 17/09/2023 22:31

No, thank you. You feel free though.

I’m good, I actually like other women (people in general actually) and want to support rather than shame them; but maybe that’s because I am happy with my life and choices. Perhaps that’s why I don’t feel the near pathological need to stick the boot in like so many on this site. I would never come here for support. Vipers indeed!

SwiftieGrainger · 17/09/2023 22:36

:( what with some of the responses on the Russell Brand thread indirectly sneering at women, admissions aplenty on the other woman thread that sisterhood isn't real then some of the responses on this one...my god there's some bitches on mumsnet!

Op, congratulations on your family!! O think it's sad your mum won't help, but then I help family and friends endlessly and your mum may be at worst jealous and at best useless. Please don't let some of the horrible responses on here get to you, I wish you all the best with your labour how exciting!

MartinChuzzlewit · 17/09/2023 22:37

Well done for coming back OP.

Who looked after your kids when you had your other 4? And won’t they be in school when you have the baby? Problem solved!

Your mum is NOT your only option. You could hire someone. Or you could have their dad stay with them (but again they’ll surely be in school so this ain’t necessary?). It’s not what you want but come on, you’re on baby number 5, you must have realised that child care would be an issue

ButterCrackers · 17/09/2023 22:38

Mymotherdontdoalot · 17/09/2023 22:20

Hi all sorry for not getting back sooner, I have been very busy with all my other dc, and no I'm not AI, I'm just a normal person wanting a little bit of advice/support, clearly not going to get on this thread!

Anyway thank you to all the people well wishing and making sense and not getting worked up over the amount of children I have!

Also to set the record straight I'm on my 5th because I have endo and honestly thought I couldn't get pregnant anymore due to it being sooo bad, and then spent a month literally being horrifically sick thinking it was part of endo, only to realise by some miracle I was pregnant, utter joy, all my children are really well behaved, chilled children to be around so no not horrid crutch goblins who are awkward to look after, and they would all pull their weight and help while I was in hospital!

Also me living in a house with 5 dc in london is down to my dh and me working our arses off to get there and own somewhere, so not rich either just very hardworking!

My dhs parents both died last year unfortunately,
My dad is completely unfit as a parent full stop, not even getting into that, And my brother doesn't have any dc because he says his dw is too fat (she's, size 12) too have children with her, so no not the best person to entrust my children with! So my mum is quite literally my only option and as for saying I put this on her I didn't I asked her hoping she would see that it's not forever a couple of days, 3 max out of her entire life, because I look after my own dc all the time, don't ask for help! Because me and dh realise they are our dc and only our responsibility but sometimes it's helpful to have a little back up/support when things get stressful! I don't need any help out of hospital me and dh have always looked after our own and muddled through, through each birth!

So for those you saying I'm entitled and lazy you are way of the mark and this is our 5th and final also and no I don't need therapy, I do just like a big family because it was massively lacking when I was growing up!

Wishing you well.

MartinChuzzlewit · 17/09/2023 22:38

ButterCrackers · 17/09/2023 22:31

Your name suggests otherwise!
Many people are jealous of big families. That’s how it is.

What do you mean my name suggests otherwise?

Mariposista · 17/09/2023 22:38

Sorry, but 5 children, 4 of whom delivered by c-section following awkward pregnancies? It's not your mother being unreasonable here.

Teenyweenyitsybitsy · 17/09/2023 22:39

@Lahdedahiam you clearly have no idea what endometriosis is, or how it works

My mum helped my sister every single csection and she had 4 of them no questions asked she was there day and night

I don't have any children but my mum would help to if I was in the same predicament

I don't get why such hostile reactions towards op wanting a bit of help from family

ginandtonicwithlimes · 17/09/2023 22:41

ButterCrackers · 17/09/2023 22:31

Your name suggests otherwise!
Many people are jealous of big families. That’s how it is.

I am one of seven. Who would be envious of that? I see big families and glad I don't have one.

MartinChuzzlewit · 17/09/2023 22:42

ginandtonicwithlimes · 17/09/2023 22:41

I am one of seven. Who would be envious of that? I see big families and glad I don't have one.

This is what I tend to hear from people from big families.

ButterCrackers · 17/09/2023 22:42

Hurryupbuttercup · 17/09/2023 22:35

YABU. Don't have multiple children if you can't be self-sufficient. I am assuming you didn't ask your mothers permission before getting pregnant , so not sure why you think it's her problem. Surely by now you should know what to expect and plan for , when deciding to have another child.

Say that to the mother of one child who has to go into hospital for medical care. Obviously she would look to family to care for her child. If not social services would step in to provide care.

MsRosley · 17/09/2023 22:42

Yeah, it's all too much. All of it. Wait till you're 60.

ErmWhatever · 17/09/2023 22:43

I'm guessing most replies are completely missing the point and dragging op for having too many children. A woman's right to chose only counts when it comes to abortion on MN.

FWIW I don't think you're being unreasonable. I can't imagine not being there for my daughter in any way I reasonably could, be it her first or tenth birth. And my mother likewise.

I hope you have an easy (as possible) birth op.

MartinChuzzlewit · 17/09/2023 22:45

ButterCrackers · 17/09/2023 22:42

Say that to the mother of one child who has to go into hospital for medical care. Obviously she would look to family to care for her child. If not social services would step in to provide care.

What’s that got to go with the OP? OP doesn’t have just one child

Teenyweenyitsybitsy · 17/09/2023 22:46

All these ops stating about asking her mums permission how odd, what a weird thing to say

It's just crazy

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