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If you were single and pregnant did ex dp buy anthing for the baby?

6 replies

littlelamb · 14/04/2008 11:16

I don't really know what to do in my situation. I am pretty sure me and dp are over despite him intermittently sending me messages about how much he loves me and the baby . The latest was on Saturday night, which he now puts down to being drunk. It is really messing with my head. I have 7 weeks left and he was originally going to be my birth partner and now I have no idea who is going to be with me, as my family live 5 hours away and I m going to need the friend I would have asked to be with me to look after dd when I am in hospital. I haven't spent loads on baby things, but it is a sizeable sum to me. I don't know if it would achieve anything, but I have thought about writing a list of everythingI have bought so he can see how much it has cost so he has the option of giving me a bit towards it [mug emoticon]. Is this reasonable? I won't be demanding payment or anyting but I want him to face up to the reality of the situation. I am meeting his mum later this week so I can tell her how worried I am about him. We have been together for 3 years but the responsibility of a baby is too much for him I am so angry at how easy it is for men to just walk away. Rant over.

OP posts:
MissingMyHeels · 14/04/2008 11:28

Oh this sounds very familiar, I am/was in a very similar situation. I asked him to buy some stuff and he got in a real strop saying that he didn't have to pay for anything until the baby was born etc.

However, a few weeks after the initial conversation he transferred some money to me so that I could buy stuff and then also bought some things himself. Try and involve him where possible - pram was a good place to start for me as he liked the "man" element to it.

I think it is reasonable but I wouldn't necessarily expect him to think so. Good luck

gillybean2 · 14/04/2008 11:59

My ex paid nothing before or afterwards until i really put the pressure on him and threatened court and he now pays a measly amount of less than half what CSA would calculate he should. His mother on the other hand was fab, sent me a a big box of baby clothes, blankets, toys and then another one after baby was born. She lives abroad. She has continued to send things and money for bigger things for me to.

Having spoken to other single mums it seems that every day expenses such as nappies aren't things absent dads tend to want to put money towards. But big things like a pushchair they are more ready to fork out for.

Ask him if he intends to help you out with any of the things and if he'd rather give you some money to put towards things or if he wants to get somethign specific. You need to have a pram and a carseat.

Also tell his mum you need some more things for the baby still and see if she is willing to help you out. Bedding, clothes and nappies are more likely to come via grandparents i have found. But don't be afraid to ask for a baby monitor or car seat if they are things you haven't got yet.

As far as the messages, upsetting as they are you have to ignore them and accept yes he probably was drunk, especially if he is making excuses for it when he is sober. Even if there was some grain of truth in it would you really want this man in your life? In baby's life is different. Ask him to stop sending them as this is a very emotional time for you and you are getting upset by it which isn't good for the baby. Say you want to include him fully as a parent but not as a partner.

Stay strong, i was on my own for the vast majority of my pregnancy after he decided he wasn't ready to be a dad. But the last month was the easiest for me emotionally as my hormones had me in a constant high.

Gilly

madmuggle · 25/04/2008 20:54

My ex bought our second child a small teddy.

Good luck with your quest

bethoo · 25/04/2008 20:56

his mum bought stuff and his sister gave me clothes from her son.
even when we were together i still had to supply nappies if we went to his house. all in all he has bought a christmas present adn kept going on how expensive it was!

LaComtesse · 25/04/2008 21:02

My ex paid for my pram (I chose it) and he bought a few bits and pieces like bootees when she was born and I got a CSA assessment after every discussion ended in a lower amount for him to pay each time (he is/was a certified accountant). I wouldn't expect to much to be honest then you won't be disappointed. After one row I did keep a running total of baby costs and rang him each time I bought a particular article as he'd accused me spending the maintenance on myself. He turned his phone off after the third or fourth call .

kay7 · 25/04/2008 21:48

I got nothing 6 years later still nothing.He didnt come when i said i was in labour.I had to drive myself to hospital.he came round with a card and flowers next day claims he didnt hear his fon ring or c the txt.oh well.....your dp hasd to help you.i was very angry hurt and too proud and stupid and let him get away with it.he shouldnt just walk away no.be strong and dont do it all alone like i did let family and friends be there for you.

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