Meet the Other Phone. Flexible and made to last.

Meet the Other Phone.
Flexible and made to last.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

new baby - expecting help from visitors? (close family)

213 replies

Sailawaygirl · 26/11/2023 14:42

Just need to get this of my chest. baby is 4 weeks old, i'm managing ok most of the times - a few tears at times which i think is too be expected, but im generally quite laid back and enjoying beautiful baba.

My parents live close by and until this week they have been our only visitors to baby (first grandchild so every one very excited). Mum helped by doing our clothes and towel washing in first week - which really helped. Since then I have gone round to them or asked them to pop over to see baby (who they adore obviously). But.....the timing of their visits is always when baby is asleep - which is fine but my dad keeps commenting that he never opens his eyes!! I've explained that he is always awake (and happy awake) in the morning so if they visits between 10 and 12 or about 2pm there is a good chance he will be awake and they can enjoy him looking around and making cute noises. Understandably this would also be a helpful time for me for them to visit as they can mind him while he is awake and so let me get on with a few things i want to do (like get dressed, shower, just have a bit of house tidy up ect). DH is about and holds baby for me and is good at helping, but an extra pair of arms would be helpful for both of us in the morning!
But they keep timing visits or asking us to go round for when baby is asleep !!!! this is the time when i can get on a do things, especially when we go to them!! My uncle and aunty were visiting them yesterday to see baby and staying with my parents but they didnt get there till 3 so baby slept in everyone's arms from 3 - 5.30. when we got home baby was hungry, I was hungry DH was hungry and between us we juggled feeding and doing our food and dishes ect, it was really stressful evening and i couldnt help feeling resentful that long afternoon nap time had been 'wasted' as we try and prep dinner, get stuff done or have a bit of time to our selves when he is sleeping.
I said they could visit us today and again said morning is best , mum said they were going to have a slow morning - i said no problem just call after b/fast and i will let you if now is a good time for a visit. Any way - no phone call this morning - baby was awake and happy all morning so i called them at 1230 only to find that they were walking round local town!! they arrived at ours literally 10mins after baby was asleep!! i still wasnt dressed, hadn't had time to have lunch ect. they left after 30 mins because looking at a sleeping baby is a bit boring!!! no one offered to help me with anything (apart from washing but we are on top of that now). As soon as they left i just started to cry, im hungry, thirsty, want a wash and would really like to go for walk before it goes dark, but baby is now awake and wants feeding so i wont get my walk in now. I've explained to my mum that baby has the normal 'fuss' period in evening which we have found hard to manage at times, but her response is just - oh bless' and nothing practical that might help or even a more genuine 'there there'. I wish we hadnt arranged to see them or my aunty/uncle this weekend.

OP posts:
AmazingSnakeHead · 26/11/2023 16:45

Just give them a time and say no visits outwith those hours.

One thing that stood out to me is that you want help from family but say this about your DH: DH is about and holds baby for me and is good at helping

Why does it count as helping you or holding baby for you? It's his own child! I hope this isn't reflective of the general attitude that baby is your job and your female relatives job...

Pizfufffff · 26/11/2023 16:47

I agree with you to be honest.

Is it only UK and American culture that is so ok with the idea of a women birthing a baby and no one in their immediate family wants to do anything other than come over just to hold him/her. In most other cultures it is the norm that both sides of the family will pitch in as much as possible, making dinners, cleaning the house and just looking after and helping mum adjust as much as they can. In my own culture this is done for a minimum of 40 days, but it is not uncommon to see family members bringing you dinners etc for long after that.

Where people live far away, this is not always possible but whenever they do visit, it is with the main intention of helping mum.

It isn't seen as a chore, just a lovely thing that everyone can do to help.

On Mumsnet I've noticed there is a predominantly "you are on your own, deal with it" attitude. There is certainly not the "it takes a village" mentality that I am so used to seeing in my real life.

Kissmystarfish · 26/11/2023 16:47

People have help!!? With a newborn?!??

I didn’t have any help from
Any family. Friend of mine has 12 children and doesn’t have any family members alive!!!

Infusedwithfigandhoney · 26/11/2023 16:51

I think the issue is you think they should be coming to help and they think they are coming to visit.

Personally I would hate having visitors in the morning, really you and your DH should be supporting each other to get up, showered and fed in the mornings.
Then a nice family visit in the afternoon, tea and cake and a walk.
If you don't normally ask for help it's not likely they are going to suddenly know you want to change things or be on board with it.
Before anyone chimes in with " but this is what families..."
I cleaned my DS flat for him as he is really poorly, bins, mopped and got him some shopping.

The Op is expecting a sudden change of dynamic and tbh being told to come at xyz time to do jobs she's decided they can do is a bit cheeky.

MudSandWater · 26/11/2023 16:51

Kissmystarfish · 26/11/2023 16:47

People have help!!? With a newborn?!??

I didn’t have any help from
Any family. Friend of mine has 12 children and doesn’t have any family members alive!!!

🙄

Sailawaygirl · 26/11/2023 16:52

I probably have done a disservice to DH by using the term ' helping' he is parenting but like most men isn't a mind reader or so good at anticipating what needs doing in next few hours. As an example it's that fine line between letting the dinner burn or pasta boil over when he is cooking ( a man has got to learn) or stepping in and doing it. I normally let him get on with it . But I feel I can anticipate baby's needs a bit more than him, but he has to learn in same way i guess

OP posts:
Togekiss · 26/11/2023 16:58

Your partner needs to be doing more.

Kissmystarfish · 26/11/2023 16:58

Sailawaygirl · 26/11/2023 16:52

I probably have done a disservice to DH by using the term ' helping' he is parenting but like most men isn't a mind reader or so good at anticipating what needs doing in next few hours. As an example it's that fine line between letting the dinner burn or pasta boil over when he is cooking ( a man has got to learn) or stepping in and doing it. I normally let him get on with it . But I feel I can anticipate baby's needs a bit more than him, but he has to learn in same way i guess

Bless him. They do get a bit overwhelmed with a newborn. Even now as my kids are nearly teens my husband is not as relaxed as I am and likes them close etc. but he is also much calmer than me most of the time

it becomes more easier the older they get. You’ll soon get into a bit of a routine. Don’t panic and it will work out. I spent over a year in hospital when my little one was born at first so I went into a special ward which taught yoh how to look after a premature baby etc but I remember being so overwhelmed after that but my husband had been looking after baby working and the house (sadly I had a huge major illness which left me in ICU) sending lots of love

EmilyMay89 · 26/11/2023 16:58

With my parents I have to be so blunt and direct asking them for help. For example when my son was a baby he projectile vomited all over me and him, sick literally dripping from my hair and they just sat there and made no effort to move and help.

It isn't unreasonable to want some help, but in the same way that you've said you anticipate baby's needs and DH needs to learn. They need to adjust to your needs now and it's a process. Some parent are worried of overstepping. So if you need help with something, even if it is just having a shower. Ask them to watch baby so you can do that. Had a rough night and exhausted, ask them if they wouldn't mind dropping over something for lunch. Some people do well with a job to do. If they're out for the morning, go with them and get out!

Ghentsummer · 26/11/2023 16:59

Sailawaygirl · 26/11/2023 16:52

I probably have done a disservice to DH by using the term ' helping' he is parenting but like most men isn't a mind reader or so good at anticipating what needs doing in next few hours. As an example it's that fine line between letting the dinner burn or pasta boil over when he is cooking ( a man has got to learn) or stepping in and doing it. I normally let him get on with it . But I feel I can anticipate baby's needs a bit more than him, but he has to learn in same way i guess

I wasn't aware being a woman gave me mind reading powers...

lanadelgrey · 26/11/2023 17:01

Leave the room when DH is doing nappy change and do something else. Same as cooking. He has to do it his way. Cook meals that last for two days or that keep for later the next day ie when you can eat. You are on a hiding to nothing if you are still in the mindset of starting to cook at 6 with the intention of eating at 7. Things that can be prepped in bits and turned off and restarted like pasta sauces or curries/stews. And think of parents coming to visit the family/house rather than you getting everything laid out for a picture perfect sit down with a cuppa and admire the baby cooing moment in the living room. Is or was your father hands on? Can he stick on/hang out washing, make a cuppa for everyone? Can they take the baby out for half an hour round the block/park? If you feel comfortable about that, it can be a godsend. And don’t have endless conversations about exact timings or what they might do when they turn up. Just pick a window when you are home/awake. And do not disturb outside of it. And grab some pull on clothes, showers are a nice morning habit but you can skip if needed. My DD liked being in Moses basket when I was in the bath, was a bit more freaked by the shower for some reason as she couldn’t see me. From ground zero, things do build up again into a new routine but no help from anyone will be enough to allow you to return back to how things ran before

Togekiss · 26/11/2023 17:02

Sailawaygirl · 26/11/2023 16:52

I probably have done a disservice to DH by using the term ' helping' he is parenting but like most men isn't a mind reader or so good at anticipating what needs doing in next few hours. As an example it's that fine line between letting the dinner burn or pasta boil over when he is cooking ( a man has got to learn) or stepping in and doing it. I normally let him get on with it . But I feel I can anticipate baby's needs a bit more than him, but he has to learn in same way i guess

I’m sorry but this is BS.

I presume your husband has a job? He can anticipate what tasks need done in his job perfectly fine or he wouldn’t have one. So why can’t he suddenly anticipate tasks as soon as he steps through the front door?

You’re infantilising him and treating him like a baby, then complaining that you don’t get help with your actual baby.

He’s a grown man. Even if he isn’t good at knowing what baby is fussing over, he can do housework, cook dinner etc.

Dreamlight · 26/11/2023 17:03

It's a very long time ago for me now, but I do remember those very early days so clearly!.

Our nearest family was 2 hours away and so we were left with no choice but to get on with things ourselves. My DH had 2 weeks off work before he had to go back and I had an infected c section to deal with!

My SIL advised that I left the baby in the crib in the morning whilst I had a shower. Baby was clean and safe, might cry for a couple of minutes, but that morning shower set me up right for the whole day and meant I wasn't in night clothes all day. It was the best bit of advice, it improved my mental health no end.

You have just got to do what's right for you, if your parents aren't helping you, do your own thing and enjoy them when they are here, but don't build your day round them, get into a routine that suits you and if parents are getting under foot then ask them to help or leave!

NumberTheory · 26/11/2023 17:05

but he has to learn in same way i guess

Yes! You need to leave him to it. This time will likely set the pattern for the rest of your lives as parents. If you keep taking over you will hinder his ability to be a fully engaged parent and in years to come you’ll wonder why he doesn’t seem to know what the kids need and, potentially, grow resentful at how much more work you have to put in.

On the family visiting and helping - Whether your DH is home or not I don’t think you’re unreasonable to want them to come round at times when it’s more useful or fun for you. Having people, even family, sit in your lounge for hours while your baby sleeps isn’t a great bonding experience and it isn’t working for you. You just need to be clearer and tell them when they are welcome and when it’s not convenient. No more vague loose invites.

StarlightLime · 26/11/2023 17:08

Finishingoff · 26/11/2023 15:00

^ this ^

Absolutely this.

Ladyj84 · 26/11/2023 17:09

Gosh so what would you do if you have 2 new babies and a 1 year old...sorry what happened with just getting on with it

HorseBlue · 26/11/2023 17:11

Ghentsummer · 26/11/2023 16:59

I wasn't aware being a woman gave me mind reading powers...

Being a mother of a newborn baby may well often mean you are better at anticipating your own baby's needs than anyone else is. It's biological.

I don't think there is enough information here for everyone to have such a go at DH - having a baby is a massive learning curve and adjustment and the baby is very new. He may or may not need to step up (does sound like he could do with concentrating more when cooking pasta)

StarlightLime · 26/11/2023 17:11

Sailawaygirl · 26/11/2023 16:52

I probably have done a disservice to DH by using the term ' helping' he is parenting but like most men isn't a mind reader or so good at anticipating what needs doing in next few hours. As an example it's that fine line between letting the dinner burn or pasta boil over when he is cooking ( a man has got to learn) or stepping in and doing it. I normally let him get on with it . But I feel I can anticipate baby's needs a bit more than him, but he has to learn in same way i guess

You're treating your dh like a very young child. Or does he actually act like one?
Would he literally stand there like a simpleton watching a pot of pasta boil over and not know what to do??

waterrat · 26/11/2023 17:12

Op people are forgetting the reality here

YOu need to set boundaries - now you are the parent! It's a real learning curve to understand that.

You don't say - it would be better if you came in the morning - you say - we are only free in the morning mum and that would be great as then I can take a shower

Also - just be clear - oh I'm really being strict on myself to nap when baby naps - the midwife told me to! so as soon as you are at baby nap time - no visitors/ no visits.

You just have to be strict on this or you will end up exhausted.

and to the person who said you should see a gp because of some tears - are you serious?? crying with tiredness is absolutely normal with a newborn. what the hell would the GP do.

waterrat · 26/11/2023 17:13

@Ladyj84 mean comment! this is a parenting forum and parents of newborns come here to talk about how tiring they are finding it - how is it helpful to come on and just point out other people have multiple children.

We all know once we have more we look back and think why the hell did we find having one difficult!! but thats just part of learning as a parent.

I

HorseBlue · 26/11/2023 17:14

Kissmystarfish · 26/11/2023 16:47

People have help!!? With a newborn?!??

I didn’t have any help from
Any family. Friend of mine has 12 children and doesn’t have any family members alive!!!

Just because you and other people don't - doesn't mean women shouldn't have help and support. It's not a race to the bottom.

Why are rates of postpartum depression high? Perhaps it's because mothers often don't get much help and some of them struggle with it...?

waterrat · 26/11/2023 17:15

I think it's very sad that in UK culture now a mum is expected to 'get on with it' alone. that is not at all how women have raised babies and children throughout history - why are people holding the baby for hours while tired mum sits there exhausted, missing a chance for a rest -

why are the new parents who are fumbling with learning about their new baby only getting visitors who want cuddles - where are the caring parents doing meals/ cleaning being kind.

it's not a hardship competition - it's about community and support

babies wake repeatedly in the night so it's absolutely natural new parents would be dazed and exhausted and need help.

Fivebyfive2 · 26/11/2023 17:16

@Sailawaygirl I kind of get where you're coming from - my in-laws were very "we only watto come when baby is awake and happy" and I remember saying once that we couldn't control that and to just come over at a time that suited all adults!

I also understand about the cooking - my DH can cook but I'm the one that really enjoys doing it - do you also maybe feel a bit of "guilt" for him doing more house stuff while you're "just feeding the baby all the time"? Because this was me, even though I knew it was ridiculous and my DH always assured me it was fine, if baby was cluster feeding I'd be stuck and that is perfectly ok! Let him cook the meals, prep you a sandwich, wash the bottles. And next evening or whenever, he can hold the baby while you cook a simple, tasty meal when you feel up to it. It's still all a Mish mash of sharing the load at this stage.

I never expected visitors to do any jobs or anything - my mum would but that's because she can't help herself 🤣 My mil would genuinely watch me on my hands and knees cleaning up after Ds at 6 months old (the joy of weaning 🤣) and reeled off her coffee and sandwich order at what was apparently "cafe fivebyfive".

Mariposista · 26/11/2023 17:18

I was about to write an eye rolling comment but having read this you have restored my respect.
And agree with PP, there is no excuse not to be showered. But you know that.
You’ll get there

balmysummerevening · 26/11/2023 17:21

StarlightLime · 26/11/2023 17:11

You're treating your dh like a very young child. Or does he actually act like one?
Would he literally stand there like a simpleton watching a pot of pasta boil over and not know what to do??

Yeah, sorry but I dont get this either. Not allowing a pot to boil over is a pretty basic survival skill- can he really not do this? How on earth did he manage before you two got together- did he just not eat anything, or wash any of his own clothes? I dont understand how a man can be so helpless

Swipe left for the next trending thread