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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

I want to get my feelings about dh off my chest; bit of a long drawn out rant, sorry, feel free to ignore!

244 replies

Mossy · 01/07/2007 13:40

I've been trying my best to get over the way dh acted towards me in the last few weeks of my pregnancy and now ds is born but I'm finding it difficult so just wanted to get it off my chest.

For the last few months of my pregnancy dh withheld sex; he later told me this was because he had found the whole huge, stretchmarked, lying on the couch exhausted in a comfy dressing gown thing a huge turnoff.

As soon as I went one day overdue he started heaping the pressure on for me to be induced. In the end I bowed to the pressure at +15 days (my decision too, as I could see my maternity leave ticking away, but if I'd had more support from him I may have stuck it out longer) and it was horrible.

When ds was born, for the first week he was the doting father, changed nappies, cuddled him, bathed him etc. but as soon as the crying started dh's interest just waned and it was all down to me; especially as this co-incided with his paternity leave ending.

When ds started wanting to bf round the clock at about three weeks (as it was the only thing that would stop him crying) dh's solution was to try and pressure me to ff him.... not so I could get a rest, oh no. So that I could "at least sweep the hall and wash the dishes" because it was the first thing he saw when he came in from work.

Dh was convinced I had pnd and this was the reason why I was in tears most of the time, nothing to do with his complete lack of support and his going on about the housework not being done, and pointing out that I should be doing exercise by now to lose the weight and stop scoffing chocolate in such copious amounts.

So I went to the Dr. and got put on 20mg Prozac a day.

It made it a lot easier for me to deal with ds' constant crying, and with me finally getting some excellent rl bf support, and with him simply getting older (11 wks) his crying has calmed down and he is much happier. So now the housework does get done.

Dh thinks that ds' increased happiness is because "happy mum = happy baby" with the implied criticism that ds was unhappy because I was.

Dh and I sleep in separate rooms, initially this was a week-day arrangement to enable dh to get enough sleep for work, and then we'd sleep in the same room at the weekend and I would feed ds but dh would settle him after a feed. But now it's every day, with the clause that at weekends, dh will take ds off me for two hours to enable me to lie in.

Initially this was bonding time; dh would take ds for a walk around the park in his baby carrier thingy; the last few weekends now ds is happier and less demanding, it has been dh lying on the couch watching telly with ds in his baby bouncer being "good" (i.e. quiet).

Dh does do all the cooking. But even this is because if I cook I might - horror of horrors - not cook everything from scratch and might for example occasionally use a jar of sauce to save time.

And now he keeps making pointed comments about money, and that my maternity leave comes to an end "really soon" (September) and I had better start looking for a job soon (I don't plan to go back to original job).

Now ds is a lot easier to look after, and I can whizz around getting the house work done. It's not difficult, and as for the nights, I just put myself to bed earlier and have learned to feed lying down. So it's not as if dh's actions are putting me out any more. But I just wanted to rant. Not particularly after advice as such; the only question I have really is, what the hell has happened to the loving, supportive dh I had for the first seven years of our marriage?

OP posts:
kittywits · 10/07/2007 22:22

getting slim enough I suppose.
Diva you have some great answers!!

Mossy · 11/07/2007 08:33

Diva I like your answers too!

He wasn't so bad last night but that was mainly because I only saw him for an hour and a half as he had a late meeting.

Only the usual, like he told me for ages about his day, but then when I told him about my day he kind of switched off (well, okay, chat about explosive poo and nappies from freecycle isn't exactly thrilling stuff, but then again, to me, neither is talk about waste and environment committees and arsehole councillors, but I feign interest). I suppose lots of couples have issues like that though!

Anyway mil is taking ds for an evening on Saturday so dh and I can spend some time together, so we'll have to see how that goes.

OP posts:
krang · 11/07/2007 13:49

Tips for getting blokes to grow up? Hmmm...

The most grown up I ever saw my DH was when DS had to go back into hospital when we'd only been home a day.

He held DS's hand for a million blood tests while I was a weeping wet wreck in the corner.

I thought to myself: 'yes, this sorts out the men from the boys.'

Sometimes adversity has that effect on people, sometimes it does the opposite and turns them into little children again.

Have you thought about giving your DH a bit of extra responsibility? Something he can do with your DS and be proud of? Maybe bathing of an evening, or taking him to a singing or swimming class every weekend if he can't get home in time during the week? I know it's a bit like a star chart but hey, behave like a kid, get treated like one!

spongecake · 11/07/2007 21:48

hi mossy, if you leave your ds with dp, make sure you are out with your mil somewhere! like the idea he takes ds out and does daddy stuff

leaving him alone with ds could be a bit like you are hoping he will fail and see how hard it is! my d always has a bath with the baby - l leave them to it- i just pass him ds and appear when called to take him out. stops me telling him what to do all the time as well

he needs to shape up though.. he is not stupid, and must have an idea in his head what a family life could be like and what type of dad he wants to be. and partner.

Mossy · 12/07/2007 08:30

Hmm. Giving him a bit of extra responsibility. I have tried to get him to bath him - ds doen't like the baby bath so you have to go in the big bath with him - dh said, "no, I'm not doing that, I'd be naked!" wtf? How old is he again? That's right, nearly 30, not 13.

Yes Spongecake I will make sure I'm out with mil so that dh can't call her for help!

Am already expressing in advance of this great day, can only do an ounce at a time though so it might be a while!!

OP posts:
krang · 12/07/2007 10:51

What you do is this. You brook no argument. Try it this weekend. You say: "DH, I am going out for a nice peaceful walk this evening for an hour or so while you bath DS. Do you want me to show you how to do it?"

DH: "But I'll be naked."
You: "Yes. You will indeed. As was I when I gave birth to DS, and as we were when we conceived him. If you're worried about him thinking you're too small, just wear your swimming trunks. Now, do you need me to show you where the special towels are? No? Great."

By the way, have you tried expressing first thing in the morning? Boobs are usually lovely and full then. Milk supply tends to go down throughout the day as you get more and more knackered...

Mossy · 12/07/2007 12:31

Krang rotfl at "If you're worried about him thinking you're too small, just wear your swimming trunks" I will use that one, it's brill!!

OP posts:
divastrop · 13/07/2007 11:22

cant he just bath him in the big bath without getting in with him or does ds not like it?

if hes worried about his son seeing him naked now,whats he going to be like when he's an inquisitive toddler?or being potty trained and needs to learn to wee standing up?

mylittlestar · 13/07/2007 11:47

Mossy I haven't posted here before but wanted to add my support.

From reading the thread a couple of things jump out at me - the fact that you are seriously considering working full time just to get some equality back in the relationship is so and
What about having the balance that you want between part time working and bringing up your beautiful baby?! What about the partnership that you and your husband should have. Making decisions together. Looking after the baby you both created?
If things have got to this stage you really need to do something about it quickly.

Also - I fully understand where you're coming from, in that you are getting on ok now and there is no atmosphere in the house - so you don't want to bring everything up and risk the arguments, sulking, bad moods, bad atmosphere...

But believe me, these things come back to bite you on the bum one day! You have a lot of resentment that is festering away. And you have a relationship in which you don't feel able to speak up and tell your husband how you really feel. That can only end in disaster in the long run

If you cannot do this at home as you cannot face his reaction, I think perhaps couples counselling is the way to go. Then you can get it all out in a controlled and structured way, and you can both learn how to communicate better.

I have to agree that he sounds like he has been a complete arse - and I think he needs to hear that! And then he can take steps to rectify things and you may then start to respect him again and rekindle the love you used to feel. (It's still in there somewhere I'm sure!)

Best of luck.

smalltowngirl · 14/07/2007 22:34

Mossy,
I live in Rainford and am here for you whenever.
I have 3 kids and my relationship is not the easiest of set ups.
My 2 youngest are at crank nusrey on mon and wed so if you want to come for a brew, thats the best time for me.
Kath.x.

Mossy · 16/07/2007 08:11

Smalltowngirl hello!

Do you know NormaStanleyFletcher btw? She lives in Rainford.

Getting to Crank would be difficult for me (I don't drive) but could meet up in town one day! Always up for meeting another MNer!

Mylittlestar we have had another chat since then. Still no apology - of course - but he has been a bit better helping out round the house, that sort of thing. I'm just going to have to see how we get on and play it by ear. You are right I did not want the resentment to fester. I will just have to see if this patch continues, or whether it was just a one-off few days.

OP posts:
Mossy · 25/07/2007 19:25

Well I spoke too soon. I am now shaking with anger. It was clearly a blip. He just popped in on his way back from mil's where he'd been for his tea and on his way out to his mate's house and apparantly mil told him she'd stopped coming over as much because she feels I'm taking the piss out of him!!!!

Normally mil and I get on very well so if this is true goodness only knows why she hasn't told me to my face.

I am royally pissed off with the pair of them, especially dh. I said, "but I do shitloads round here" and he said, "no you don't some days I come in and the place is a tip" etc. etc. and now apparently he's going to stop cooking for me and he wants us to live separate lives in the same house...

...only yesterday he was putting his arms round me and giving me a hug and telling me how much better things are now.

The guy is a class A nob (knob?) and as for mil I am deeply disappointed we have been such good friends for so long why she has to act like this is beyond me. And on the very day I need support more than ever (see my other thread about getting in touch with my parents).

I am shaking with anger and am glad he's gone out because I have never so much in my life wanted to hit him.

And mil can fuck right off, if she's going to be like that, and dh is telling the truth, what a terrible shame she'll just have to see less of her grandson.

So angry I could scream. But won't as I have ds sitting on my knee watching me type and will soon have him suckling away.

OP posts:
TheBlonde · 25/07/2007 19:55

Mossy - DD is yelling so just wanted to give you hugs now, will post again later

gemmiegoatlegs · 25/07/2007 19:58

so sorry to hear the latest mossy,

if u normally have a good relationship with MIL is it possible that he has made this latest up to get at you?

Mossy · 25/07/2007 21:06

Theblonde thanks for the hugs, I really need them atm!

Gemmie I really don't know; dh is a class A wanker right now but he's never been one for lying outright - I think she has said something and he is possibly exaggerating it, but either way I am fuming.

What I just don't get is, since I last posted, he's been so much better, helping around here, being affectionate, etc. He even admitted to me that he realises he does have depression (although he won't be taking ADs, oh no, but therein is a different tale) which was a big step for him...

... and now this!

I feel a ridiculous amount of anger towards mil right now, actually, and the only thing stopping me picking up the telephone and giving her an earful is the thought that dh might not be giving the entire story.

OP posts:
Callieco · 25/07/2007 21:17

Mossy - sorry it's gone tits up again. I think it would be worth finding out exactly what your mil said, as it is possible either your DH has misinterpreted it, or he was saying stuff and sort of assumed she agreed with him, iyswim. Just to make sure you're not unnecessarily being annoyed at her too.

But that aside - wtf is he playing at? He wants to live separately - so does that mean he plans not to have anything to do with his son or what??? I'm annoyed for you now! i'm really sorry this has happened today of all days - what a prick. Sorry to insult him, but I feel he needs it. I haven't got anything constructive to say about him really. I think you should have, if not hit him (although god knows I think I might have), thrown something very close to where he was standing....

divastrop · 25/07/2007 21:27

(((((((((((hugs)))))))))))))

i would take the MIL comment with a pinch of salt,personally,men are very good at twisting vague comments made by others round to suit them.in fact,she may have been saying supportive things about you,and he got pissed off that she wasnt taking his side,so he thought he'd twist something she said.

aside from that,your dh has got a major problem.i can,as i said before,see the being worried about being taken the piss out of thing from his side.it is very easy to convince yourself everybody is out to get you,if thats the way your mind works(as you know from my threads),but he really needs to stop being so bloody selfish,and go and get some help for his depression,otherwise he's going to find himself alone 6 months down the line thinking 'how the fuck did that happen?'.

kittywits · 25/07/2007 22:17

Mossy so sorry for you, big {{{{{hugs}}}}}
I agree with Diva. Men are very good at twisting vague comments to suit their ends.
Do you feel you could talk with your mil? She has been such a good support to you.
I don't really know what to suggest apart from be strong and know in youself that you are right and haven't done anything wrong.
It's a real shock when someone turns suddenly from being nice to being on the attack, like living with a Jekyl and Hyde character.
Kepp strong my lovely

loubes28 · 25/07/2007 22:19

Be careful of MILs .Ultimately they will side with their little boys-so do not take much notice of any comments.In my experience the less you have to do with them the better.
Maybe he's having difficulty coping with his new responsibilities because he's not properly independent of mil yet
Good Luck-stay cool

Piffle · 26/07/2007 10:17

Mossy am agog at your dh's radical changes in behaviour - you never know whether you're coming or going and also at the timing with all this stuff hitting you about your family.
So DH won't take AD's but he fair marched you off for you to get yours - cheeky arse.

He is going to stop cooking for you? Well that's going to make ds happy isn't it...

What is he trying to gain
Ask him what he wants
a cook a cleaner
or a sane mother of one.

You both have jobs,so other chorse should be shared esp give you have a very demanding baby

So what if the house is a tip
So fucking what!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have dossing days and trust me with 3 kids a massive house and more washing than a New York Laundryhouse, it's humungous mess.

Other days I get loads done
Swings and roundabouts, it ebbs and flows, you have good days and bad days.
some days Dp gets home and I'm on to the 2nd can of beer, dinner is residing in a takeaway menu, kids are all grubby and whinging. And I'm mumsnetting - as dp says - whatever gets you through the day my dear, come the weekend we'll sort everything together.

And as for your MIL I think given you are close to her it is worth asking her and talking to her independently of your dh - incase he has unfairly repeated her words.

Either way you need to know if your only support system is being withdrawn.

Luck and love Mossy...

krang · 26/07/2007 11:04

Oh bugger, I am so angry for you Mossy. I was thinking about you yesterday actually and thinking I was going to bump this to see how you were getting on!

As others have said, I think it is time to do some straight talking with your DH. About HIM. Not about you. About HIM.

Any attempts to make it about you (your supposed weight problems, your perceived lack of cleaning - oooh noo! wifey doesn't clean enough!) - refuse to discuss. This is about HIM.

Some questions like:

  1. Do you want to remain married to me? If so, I suggest you stop telling me off about not cleaning enough. You sound like a sodding Victorian dad. This is the 21st century. Grow up and listen to yourself. If not, then I suggest you feck off and live with your mum.

  2. Do you wish to be a father and have contact with your son? If so, then I suggest you spend some time with him and get to know him. If not, see answer above.

  3. I do not want to have 'separate lives in the same house'. Either you live here and you are my husband and DS's father, or you are just another twatty child who couldn't face up to his responsibilities and went sobbing off to his mummy.

I wouldn't involve MIL at this stage as, as others have suggested, she may have no idea what her dear son is saying.

I haven't seen your other thread but I hope you've got some other support where you are - I hate to think of you being so alone at a time like this.

divastrop · 26/07/2007 11:04

mossy-how are you today?

i really cant believe your dh comments about what the house looks like.when i came back from my nan's funeral,dp had cleaned and tidied ,and said 'i hope its ok' i said the most i was hoping for was that the kids were still alive and possibly fed!

i mean your bf,it takes time,and you want to spend time playing with your son as well.its too easy to waste the precious first few months worrying about housework,does your dh not realise that?

i hope you can sort things out xxx

mumto3girls · 26/07/2007 11:13

Hi Mossy - sorry but this sounds serious. Call your MIL up and just invite her round for a cup of tea. See if you can guage what's happened politely and subtley. If that doesn't work thaen just come straight out and say 'I'm really suprised that you said that to dh. why do you think that?' no shouting or swearing just ask her outright.

I bet she never said it.

Callieco · 26/07/2007 11:47

mossy, hope you are ok my lovely. Hugs.

Diva - ROFL at kids fed comment.

DollyPopsOut · 26/07/2007 13:18

Mossy, I am so angry on your behalf. This is so not what you need at the moment what with your letter to your pa etc.

As for what to do, it is possible that DH may have twisted what MIL said - in view of everything you have said about her, it seems unlikely she would be unkind behnd your back. I wouldn't tackle her myself though as she may find it hard to be drawn in or may side with her little boy . Remember as far as all inlaws goes (and indeed anyone else) you are holding the trump card - DS - and if they are going to be difficult with you then you may not be as amenable as othewise when it comes to seeing him.

I think if it were me, I would try to get DH at a calm moment and explain how hurt his comments make you feel and ask him what he wants from your relationship. The separate lives bollocks sounds to me like someone who is getting in the grips of depression and is trying to hurt you to avoind dealing with whatever is going on in his head. Explain again the demands of a very small baby. Explain again that you are a MOTHER not a cleaner, housekeeper, skivvy etc and you expect him to do his share. Small babies are very time consuming and frequently all you have to show for the day is a child who is well fed and happy at the end. That really is a huge achievement. DH must realise that, in the overall scheme, DS's welfare is the most important.

I don't think this is massively coherent, sorry. I am thinking of you and sending you much love and support. You have my number if you fancy a chat. Take care and stay strong XXXX