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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

AIBU to expect my husband to stay after an emergency caesarean?

672 replies

RudaRudoRude · 30/05/2026 13:50

Name change as outing info before.
I had an emergency c section 3 weeks ago. Baby was 3 weeks early but fine. My DH has gone for the weekend to his parents for a large family celebration. I haven’t gone because I’m still really sore. I had the c section done with general anaesthetic as it was a real emergency they didn’t have time to do a epidural. I said to DH about him not going because I could do with help with the baby. I’m on my own and don’t have my own parents. His mum got upset so he’s gone there to the weekend party.
Now I’ve found out from a message from someone in his family who said to watch my back as my mil is implying that I can’t cope with the baby because I asked him to stay and he should look at leaving me and applying for custody.

I can cope with the baby, I was only asking him to stay because I really am sore and with having to do everything myself until Monday it feels a lot. I don’t know if I’m just hormonal or this isn’t fair. I didn’t think it was unreasonable to ask him to stay but was it?

OP posts:
RudaRudoRude · 31/05/2026 21:31

I am going to look at getting some therapy and counselling. I’m really anxious about getting ppd with the stress of this and I know I have an addictive personality already especially with alcohol, I haven’t drunk in years and I hope I won’t with a baby but I can be honest and say it’s a fear if I get depressed or start losing myself with this. Especially when some of the messages swirl in my head and I can’t make sense of it all, one said how he stayed with me because he felt sorry for me! My friends have been great and the people I work with too and my f family. I think I just start to worry and get anxious with overthinking at night when the whole thing seems worse.

OP posts:
TeutoburgForest · 31/05/2026 21:35

Oh my god what a strong woman you are. You and your baby are going to be just fine.

Mayana1 · 31/05/2026 21:35

RudaRudoRude · 30/05/2026 13:50

Name change as outing info before.
I had an emergency c section 3 weeks ago. Baby was 3 weeks early but fine. My DH has gone for the weekend to his parents for a large family celebration. I haven’t gone because I’m still really sore. I had the c section done with general anaesthetic as it was a real emergency they didn’t have time to do a epidural. I said to DH about him not going because I could do with help with the baby. I’m on my own and don’t have my own parents. His mum got upset so he’s gone there to the weekend party.
Now I’ve found out from a message from someone in his family who said to watch my back as my mil is implying that I can’t cope with the baby because I asked him to stay and he should look at leaving me and applying for custody.

I can cope with the baby, I was only asking him to stay because I really am sore and with having to do everything myself until Monday it feels a lot. I don’t know if I’m just hormonal or this isn’t fair. I didn’t think it was unreasonable to ask him to stay but was it?

Bloddy MIL! I had an emergency cesarean and my husband was there, not that he was a very big help, but luckily my mom came to stay (from my home country, she doesn't live local!) Be really careful! What kind of mother would push her son to come, when she knows the baby is only 3 weeks and after cesarean you still need to recover!
Congratulations on your new arrival though ❤️. Make sure you talk to your husband about his priorities, which are you and the baby, not some celebration and especially not his viscious mom.

Starsnspikes · 31/05/2026 21:39

To recognise the relationship as unhealthy and his behaviour as completely unacceptable, and to make a decision to walk away at your most vulnerable with a 3 week old baby while you're in pain, adjusting to motherhood, hormonal etc - that shows an unbelievable amount of strength and courage. And doing all of this against a backdrop of not having had the best start in your own life, not having had healthy relationships modelled to you from the start, experiencing loss and disruption...honestly you are already an incredible mum to your baby. You are breaking a cycle and putting your baby above everything even when it might feel terrifying.

Please don't feel bad about your baby having separated parents. So much better to do it now than to live through an unhappy or abusive marriage until your child is older and has been emotionally harmed by living through it too. You are making a decision with your baby at the centre, please feel proud of yourself for this.

Therealjudgejudy · 31/05/2026 21:39

Op, you sound lovely. Sending a hug x

OneNewEagle · 31/05/2026 21:41

You are doing brilliantly OP. I was a teen mum with no support and an awful ex. The sooner he is out of your life the better.

Don’t reply to any of it just keep it all as evidence. Your foster mum sounds amazing, perfect grandma so your baby does have a family all on your side. Your baby also has you and that is all he needs.

this is not your fault some men and their families are just arses.

Wasitabadger · 31/05/2026 21:43

I am sending you a private message.

MonkeyOtterMumma · 31/05/2026 21:44

The advice post C-section is that you are not supposed to be doing any lifting for 2 weeks... you can cuddle your baby and feed but someone should be lifting them to you and doing changes etc. If you have to do washing it is sitting and moving one item but even that should be post 2 weeks. You should be walking and caring for baby... so need someone there. It is major abdominal surgery... not just a caesarean, never mind an emergency one where there has not been the same prep and pain relief. You have done brilliantly but do not feel pathetic or incapable. You are doing more than you should be. Your body should still be listened to. Sending a big virtual hug.

Diamondsword · 31/05/2026 21:47

@RudaRudoRude You’ve got this. More than you can possibly know.

lean on your foster family, friends and all who those supporting you.

leave your MIL and DH to themselves…. You have better things to spend your focus on

Notquitethetruth · 31/05/2026 21:50

You are an amazing woman as is your foster mother. Your baby is so lucky to have you in their life. Your strength shines through and your posts brought a tear to my eye.
Continue to stay strong.
This is a very supportive environment and you have lots of very good advice already.

KeenRubyRaven · 31/05/2026 21:51

RudaRudoRude · 31/05/2026 21:31

I am going to look at getting some therapy and counselling. I’m really anxious about getting ppd with the stress of this and I know I have an addictive personality already especially with alcohol, I haven’t drunk in years and I hope I won’t with a baby but I can be honest and say it’s a fear if I get depressed or start losing myself with this. Especially when some of the messages swirl in my head and I can’t make sense of it all, one said how he stayed with me because he felt sorry for me! My friends have been great and the people I work with too and my f family. I think I just start to worry and get anxious with overthinking at night when the whole thing seems worse.

The other thing you could look into doing is the Freedom Programme... it'll help you see his behaviour as his issue and control not anything to do with you.

It also means that, as it sounds like they have all the money and power and aren't going to be averse to using it, by attending the Freedom Programme the places that run them are usually also able to write letters for your access to Legal Aid as to get that you have to prove coercive control/physical abuse.

RugbyGranny · 31/05/2026 21:52

You sound so strong and an amazing person! Use all the support at your disposal. Your MW team and HV will have some signposting and for those times when you need a friendly voice Samaritans are there! Wishing you lots of love and strength.

Wynter25 · 31/05/2026 21:54

Hope youre okay x

fashionqueen0123 · 31/05/2026 21:55

OP you are doing amazing. No decent husband would leave his wife to go to a party when she’s in pain after surgery with a newborn!

Please see your GP though. If you’re in that much pain still please get checked you don’t have an infection. I’m only one person but I’ve had two c sections and by week 3 I was getting back to normal so please just reach our for help.

If you need any help with the BF (although it sounds like you are doing amazing) you can call the National breastfeeding helpline and the great thing is they’re open 24/7 so you can even call at night.

www.nationalbreastfeedinghelpline.org.uk

LarksAscending · 31/05/2026 21:58

RudaRudoRude · 31/05/2026 21:31

I am going to look at getting some therapy and counselling. I’m really anxious about getting ppd with the stress of this and I know I have an addictive personality already especially with alcohol, I haven’t drunk in years and I hope I won’t with a baby but I can be honest and say it’s a fear if I get depressed or start losing myself with this. Especially when some of the messages swirl in my head and I can’t make sense of it all, one said how he stayed with me because he felt sorry for me! My friends have been great and the people I work with too and my f family. I think I just start to worry and get anxious with overthinking at night when the whole thing seems worse.

Honestly he’s not telling the truth when he says that. He’s a mummy’s boy who has 0 balls and just says anything he can to desperately keep mummy’s approval. Even at 30! God he’s a worm.

Lavender14 · 31/05/2026 22:05

RudaRudoRude · 31/05/2026 21:31

I am going to look at getting some therapy and counselling. I’m really anxious about getting ppd with the stress of this and I know I have an addictive personality already especially with alcohol, I haven’t drunk in years and I hope I won’t with a baby but I can be honest and say it’s a fear if I get depressed or start losing myself with this. Especially when some of the messages swirl in my head and I can’t make sense of it all, one said how he stayed with me because he felt sorry for me! My friends have been great and the people I work with too and my f family. I think I just start to worry and get anxious with overthinking at night when the whole thing seems worse.

You don't need to process all of this at once op. You are allowed to block him and distract yourself and only think about it when you feel ready to give it some headspace.

It's also worth remembering that the messages he's sending you are DESIGNED to fuck with your head. He's intentionally trying to overwhelm you and confuse you (gaslighting) so what you feel - those thoughts swirling round in your head- is because he's setting that up and bombarding you in order to make you vulnerable. The next step after wearing you down this way as much as possible is trying to reel you back in.

The fact you're saying you're worried about your mental wellbeing and managing past tendencies is actually really really positive - that's really honest and accurate self reflection and it means you're actually much more likely to keep control of things because you're able to recognise the impact this could have on you and use support when you need it. Honestly op you sound really tuned in and clearly very focused on your wee baby and keeping yourself safe and well and right now that's all you owe anyone.

Queenofheart · 31/05/2026 22:05

Jesus! I had a big birthday last year and all my friends and family came abroad with me to celebrate, (party, drinking, holiday) except one of my sons, it wasn’t his kind of holiday, I was not one bit offended, completely understood. Your DH needs to get his priorities right

cornflakecrunchie · 31/05/2026 22:29

Bless you, @RudaRudoRude
Your FM sounds a real gem. Your DH & in laws, not so much.. I hope all goes well for you & you're soon free of these awful people, & can bring your baby up in peace.
Try not to worry about the future, it'll take care of itself & you seem to have a good network of people around you, unlike the toxic DH & in-laws. Hugs..

Delphiniumandlupins · 31/05/2026 22:30

You are an amazing woman, like your foster mum. Your MiL has really shot herself in the foot and if she loses contact with your DS it's totally her own fault. I hope your DH might mature and become a decent father, even if you are apart, but he isn't showing good qualities at the moment. Strange that these people, who are mocking you for your dysfunctional family, are unable to model healthy relationships. This may be hard but you have been through difficult times before and stronger than you know. Your DS is blessed to have you as his mother.

Justonemorething82 · 31/05/2026 22:35

Created a login especially for this as I’ve read through it all and have a couple of comments:

How long was the holiday he had when you were 8 months pregnant? (Just curious)

Another poster asked if there were any cultural reasons as to how they’d try and excuse this (none would be justified btw)

if it was me I’d message the person who warned me to let them know what has happened since and to thank them. I’d probably also send some screenshots too so they can make up their own mind (and judge them harshly within the family too). Pre-empting any spurious claims by them.

You’re right that a divorce is the way to go. You’re not being emotional, hormonal, unforgiving etc. You’re avoiding future misery. Go with your gut - they’re obviously terrible people. There is no rationalising their behaviour so don’t even try.

You now need to think a few steps ahead, admittedly at the worst possible time but you can do it.

The solicitors appointment is a good idea. Some workplaces have employee assistance programmes - check if yours has.

Go through any and all paperwork your husband has at home to find evidence of income etc for later child maintenance / divorce. Do this while your FM is there, even though you’re fucking knackered and likely feel like you’ve been run over.

Think about bills and if now is the time to apply for Universal Credit to see you through maternity leave and beyond. Hopefully you’ve already lodged a child benefit claim in your name.

Much has been said about it being good you’re breastfeeding for custody reasons. It probably is but if you need to, don’t feel bad if you switch to combination or bottle feeding in time. If it’s going well though, great!

Good luck. You’ve done the right thing xx

PyongyangKipperbang · 31/05/2026 22:36

May I suggest something? That you start thinking about your foster family as just your family? Your birth siblings, your foster siblings and your foster parents are your family and they are your baby's family too. Your foster mum has been more of a grandma to your little one than STBXH's mother has or will ever be.

Then you might you might start to feel a little more safe. Your foster mother may not have adopted you formally, but she clearly has emotionally and I think thats all that matters.

Thegoldenoriole · 31/05/2026 22:38

RudaRudoRude · 30/05/2026 13:50

Name change as outing info before.
I had an emergency c section 3 weeks ago. Baby was 3 weeks early but fine. My DH has gone for the weekend to his parents for a large family celebration. I haven’t gone because I’m still really sore. I had the c section done with general anaesthetic as it was a real emergency they didn’t have time to do a epidural. I said to DH about him not going because I could do with help with the baby. I’m on my own and don’t have my own parents. His mum got upset so he’s gone there to the weekend party.
Now I’ve found out from a message from someone in his family who said to watch my back as my mil is implying that I can’t cope with the baby because I asked him to stay and he should look at leaving me and applying for custody.

I can cope with the baby, I was only asking him to stay because I really am sore and with having to do everything myself until Monday it feels a lot. I don’t know if I’m just hormonal or this isn’t fair. I didn’t think it was unreasonable to ask him to stay but was it?

3 weeks post c section is perfectly reasonable to need extra help. My only slight quibble is was there really no one else who could have stayed with you? MIL sounds like a piece of work either way.

I had a perfectly straightforward birth in November. DH had a family wedding to go to five weeks later (which we had previously agreed I wouldn’t attend as was close to due date so unsure feasibility). I still got my mum to come and stay over.

Messymummy1991 · 31/05/2026 22:39

Christ! I thought my MIL was bad. My husband would never have considered going away 3 weeks after my c section, and even IF he had considered it, my MIL wouldn’t have allowed him!
imagine if your husband had major abdominal surgery 3 weeks ago and you left for the weekend and left him to look after the baby while still recovering. I bet him and his mum would be furious.
even if you hadn’t had a c section and had had a vaginal birth and all went to smoothly, he still shouldn’t have gone imo.
you absolutely are NOT being unreasonable and I would seriously consider your options here and if you want to spend the rest of your life with this man. It doesn’t sound like he values you or actually understands the magnitude of what your body and mind has just gone through/is going through.

Messymummy1991 · 31/05/2026 22:45

spendyspend · 30/05/2026 14:13

OP, you need to book in to your GP. Three weeks post op you shouldn’t be in so much pain that you can’t go to a BBQ, where you’ll be mostly sat down anyway.

There is a huge difference between just going to a bbq & sitting down, and going on a weekend away, packing for herself and baby, staying in a hotel, going to bbq, the packing up again and travelling home etc.

MsDitsy · 31/05/2026 22:46

RudaRudoRude · 30/05/2026 19:18

rightly or wrongly I was looking on the iPad now my fm arrived and has helped me and there is the messages between him and his mum. She’s said it in a couple of text messages too because he said I needed help and he couldn’t come and she’s said it in a reply to him as well.

Hope you took screenshot of these messages. Bless your heart, I wish you well in the future.

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