Lack of support from family

[Duff1]

Hi, am new to Mumsnet as I'm only just pregnant with my first child. Thought I'd give it a go!
My sister's are my only family (close in age) as both my parents died by the time I was 21. Recently my sister's are so hard to get hold of- one has always been difficult and has mental health problems which can make meeting up hard and the other has become very focused on work- working both weekends and evenings.
This means that I have my 12 week scan next week and haven't been able to meet up with them to tell them about the baby :( Ive told some close friends but once the scan is done I want to be able to start telling people at work and other friends as I'm excited to share the news.
The difficulty getting in contact with my sister's is making me anxious about how little support me and my partner will have once the baby comes- both of his parents have died too.
How can I tell them that I need their support without making them feel bad? I just want to see them to share my happy news so that I can start to share it with other people! I feel like I can't 'go public' until they know as they're family.
My worst case scenario is sending them the scan picture but I'd like to do it in person.
Help please! Tbh it just feels good to write this down :)

It sounds like they are both busy and not necessarily in a position to support you when the baby is born. What exactly were you hoping they would do?

If meeting up in person is difficult, tell them by phone. Congratulations.

Im sorry OP- I was an orphan by 20 so I appreciate how hard that is.
If your sisters are busy can you not just call them and share the news?
I also see zero issue in telling friends, and colleagues first so share away and enjoy doing so.

re: support, I would never expect any family to be available to help you once the baby comes- there are enough threads on here that demonstrate how left that presumption can go.
best of luck

You may need to send them a message to tell them. Unfortunately they may not be in a position to support you. What support do you need that your partner can’t provide?

Hi all, thanks for your advice. Re:support maybe I used the wrong word as I don't expect any child care support or anything like that... but it just makes me sad to think that maybe the baby won't know any family except me and my partner... Especially when we have such a small family i've always thought of them as important to me... But yes you're right I shouldn't push any expectations on them. I guess I should work on investing in relationships that are more two way like friends who are very supportive!

You will find it positive to be close to friends rather than relatives who are distant. However a baby can make relatives interested! You never know. Ring them.

They don’t even know there is a baby yet. Give them chance to be pleased before you write them off as not going to want to see their niece/nephew. “Support” has very different implications.

Tell them you’re pregnant by phone and go from there.

@PurpleDaisies this is so true! Thanks :)

@BubblesBuddy good advice thanks :)

@OnlyFoolsnMothers thanks for your message. I think I'm just really feeling that void in my life right now and feeling sad that everyone I've lost can't share this happy news.