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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

issues with in laws

6 replies

sadmummy123456 · 24/12/2023 18:31

AITA for not getting over this...

First time mum had baby now 2 months ago. I was hospitalised prior to delivery and was discharged following a week long stay with baby who was 4 weeks premature. I had a very difficult labour resulting in an emergency section. My husband invited my in laws to stay the day after baby and I were discharged home, I was not informed that they would be staying over at our house. When my MIL arrived, she didn't greet me - put her hands out for baby and just commented again + again on how small baby was and how it would be better had he been born on his due date. The next morning, she was talking to her extended family then saying how cute the baby was. I was obviously very upset by this, struggling with aftermath of delivery and probably not my kindest self - someone used all the hot water in the house (I was upset by this as finally getting to shower at home). She ended the evening stating that my husband was stupid for marrying me, then walking out of my house in a mood (with SILs and FIL).

I later found out that my own grandma had been speaking about how moody I have been for years with my MIL. It makes sense now, as she had made some round about comments about 'how nice my G'Ma' during this visit. My G'Ma has a difficult relationship with my mum and my MIL had come to the conclusion that my mum should not be allowed to see baby. I discovered this information when looking through my husbands phone - not my finest moment and something I am ashamed of. In addition to this, his sister had been speaking rubbish about my family to him too.

The aftermath of this was a very sad PP and difficult time for myself and DH, given that he had been involved in the conversations. He has always been close to his family and initially did not acknowledge that his mum has done anything wrong.

Fast foward, they have not spoken to me for months. No one has contacted me to ask how I am. MIL has been speaking to DH, and will now speak to me whilst she is on the phone but has not contacted me directly. DH has been understandably very down and visited home - they live 4 hrs away. They expected us to make the journey with our newborn and FIL is angry we haven't visited. He has returned with a spring in his step and now on the phone to his mum with baby daily. Her initial response to me was 'I'm glad you are feeling better', with no mention of her actions. He has asked if they can visit for Xmas to which I have said yes, but I feel very anxious and alienated in that he seems to have gone back to normal with his family whereas I have not. I'm deeply hurt. I have made a huge effort with my husband's family for years. I was made to baby sit for 3 weeks whilst pregnant (without DH asking) whilst his parents went on holiday whilst struggling with hyperemesis. Later in pregnancy, I was asked to cook and bring it 3 hrs away when they got back (whilst still working full time).

I know time has passed. But I am struggling to move on. I'm caught in a cycle of rumination and I feel betrayed by DH. I'm trying as I know how sad he has been but I feel like I was abused and perhaps not my nicest in pregnancy following above events + others. AITA? How do I move on following all of this, as it really is affecting our marriage?

OP posts:
cruisebaba1 · 24/12/2023 18:43

You need to start putting yourself and your baby first. Your husband is overly involved with his mum , dad etc and they respectful towards you. Sending you hugs xx

Tinkerbyebye · 24/12/2023 18:50

So when they arrive you put you and baby first and your husband can host and deal with his parents if youare sorting the baby

mil takes the baby when you want her to, not when she wants

and if it gets too much you ask dh to take them home

Iouis · 24/12/2023 19:26

You were upset by them saying the baby was cute?

sadmummy123456 · 24/12/2023 19:37

Not at all. She only mentioned this to her family.
To me, she just kept saying that he was too small (repeatedly) and that it would have been better if he had been born 4 weeks later on his due date due to his size

OP posts:
Ladybirder · 24/12/2023 19:45

Sorry to hear this OP. Sounds very similar to the relationship I have my in-laws and sis in law. It’s like I’m a ghost to them- they don’t even acknowledge I exist but are close with DH - it’s so weird!! Christmas is tomorrow so not a lot you can do but as pp’s have suggested- put you and baby first and try to get through it best you can. Then you and DH need a serious talk about all this - he needs to support you and make sure his family treat you as a member of the family. I’m like you and ruminate on things- so if it would make you feel better ask DH to discuss with her, with or without you. Don’t let this go on for longer- they need to respect you as you’re the mother of their grandchild.

xyz111 · 24/12/2023 19:54

I'm sorry you had to go through this op. You need to speak to your DH asap about how hurt you have felt. He needs to be on your side. Boundaries need to be set by both of you to what is/ isn't acceptable when they come to visit. And he needs to be doing a lot of the work!!!

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