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Relationships

Mumsnet has not checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. If you need help urgently or expert advice, please see our domestic violence webguide and/or relationships webguide. Many Mumsnetters experiencing domestic abuse have found this thread helpful: Listen up, everybody

M-i-L trying to be mum to my 6 month old baby

185 replies

MusicIsMedicine · 01/12/2016 00:23

My mil's behaviour is disturbing.

When here, she tries to grab my baby out of arms! Then when I do let her hold baby, she refuses to hand her back to me when asked.

A few times I've been ill and had to go into hospital. She immediately got on a train here and took my daughter out on trips out in pram etc with my partner without my knowledge or consent (baby had been a bit poorly and didn't need to be out on a long walk to the supermarket in pram in 3 degree freezing weather, partner has a car).

Now, the clincher. She started telling me how my baby tries to breast feed her when I am not there. She lost one of her adult children some time ago and lives alone and out of nowhere after I came home after a day at hospital, phoned me up to tell me my baby should go away to live with her for 6 months!! My partner, her son and this child's father, wasn't even mentioned! It was as if she thought I was that ill and weak for a few weeks post pregnancy that I'd just say yes OK and baby's dad had no voice in it!

She is clearly missing the fact that struggling a bit with health post pregnancy doesn't mean I'd simply have my much loved and adored baby moving several hundred miles away to hers for 6 months. Over my dead body!

I was that gobsmacked by how casually she suggested it, like ordering a pizza, that I didn't respond with the outrage I felt. My partner doesn't understand why I'm so angry and won't confront her asking what her intentions are and why she'd think it OK to call me and suggest this behind his back.

I do genuinely think she has ideas that she can take my daughter away to fill the void on her empty life. She's in her late 60s!! She also tries to impose her views constantly on how our baby should be raised, ignores my wishes around our parenting, criticises and undermines me as a mum and thinks she knows what's best for my baby. She has a total lack of respect for others' boundaries. She also keeps trying to move into out home by leaning on me to agree to it, again cutting her son out of the loop as if he has no say in what happens with his own home or child.

Oh she also informed last time she stayed here, at 6am while taking over my kitchen again, that I should have my tubes tied! Again, gobsmacked doesn't cover it!

Help please before I crack up with anger. She is pushing buttons and she knows it.

OP posts:
MusicIsMedicine · 18/12/2016 22:11

It's over. Fuck him.

And over my dead body is he or his mother having unsupervised contact. I have strong enough grounds that I haven't published here, that no Court in the land will let that fly. If they did, I'd move to the other end of the country if needed to protect my child. I realise I'm very lucky to have that option.

OP posts:
SeaEagleFeather · 18/12/2016 22:36

take it easy tonight music. Is there anyone irl you can talk to?

take care

jeaux90 · 18/12/2016 22:59

Music go get some legal advice. If you have made your mind up you really do need to see a good solicitor. Please try and be calm and nice to yourself. If you can get some rl support from someone you trust it will definitely help you xxx

Astro55 · 18/12/2016 23:12

* Remember anything you say or do in the heat of this my be used against you - be clam clear and collected - do not issue threats or withdraw access - do not send snotty emails or post on FB - do not come across like a raving banshee - seriously think of the bigger picture

MusicIsMedicine · 18/12/2016 23:43

jeaux and astro

Good advice.

OP posts:
OzzieFem · 19/12/2016 06:55

You may need to get the locks changed so he cannot get in. I have been reading your thread for a while, so sorry it has come to this. Flowers

If they do ring, can you record their messages on your phone for evidence (remembering that can be a two way thing, so stay calm if bothering to reply).

Bambamrubblesmum · 19/12/2016 08:23

If the house is in joint names you cannot change the locks. That would be just as bad as sending aggressive emails or texts in the long run. Please keep cool and sensible in the face of his provocation. Don't hand them a gift that they could use against you later on down the line

Mix56 · 19/12/2016 08:36

Try & do all communication in writing & email it to a private account just for this purpose.
change your phone, & computer log ins, disactivate any cloud/whatsapp that could have joint access.
get copies of all the pay slips/house deeds/pension/bank statements, & give it to a friend, do not leave it in the house.
Make an aptmt at the CAB...... information is power.

jeaux90 · 19/12/2016 08:43

So lots of practical advice. Now, about you. How you doing? What will you do for Christmas? Do you want to go away for a few days to family or friends? You could do with being surrounded by love and support xxxxx

HamletsSister · 04/01/2017 18:24

Hope you had a good festive season.

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