Mother in Law staying in our house

[Newmummanda]

Hi,

I have been married for 10 years now, and am blessed with a wonderful husband and a happy marriage. However, my husbands family live in Africa and after a lot of persuading he has managed to get his mum to come and visit while we have our first baby together next month. Trouble is the whole of his paternity leave will be spent with her in my home, in fact she will be staying with us for about two months.
I have been upset with my husband because I see this time with our new baby as such a special time just for us. How can I keep my motherin law in check during that time, my husband wont listen to me as he says im making him feel guilty for having his mum here. Any advice?

Hopefully she can have her own room and perhaps you can put an armchair there and some magazines/books/TV so that she would be happy to use it as a lounge too?

Even if you only have a baby's bedroom put a bed in it for his Mum and store the cot elsewhere. The baby can be in your room at least while your husband's Mum is visiting. You can tell her that is what is advised in the UK. Make her room as comfy and welcoming as you can.

How well do you know her? She may be a marvellous help with your new baby (or not). Maybe ask her to cook a bit especially to make your husband's (childhood)nfavourite dishes while you write down the recipes. This will be hard to resist for her!

I wish you luck. Maybe it won't be as bad as you think. You and husband can go out for walks together with the baby or let them take the baby for a walk and have a little peace for half an hour yourself.