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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

Partner on paternity leave. Not pulling his weight.

162 replies

Mumtobe193 · 05/05/2019 12:08

Really need to have a rant. Absolutely furious with my partner's selfish attitude.

Our son was born last Friday, he is our second child, we already have a DD who is 3. We live miles away from my family, when I was pregnant my mum offered to come and stay with us shortly after DS was born to help out, we politely declined her offer. OH likes his own space, and I quite liked the idea of us being alone and having some quality bonding time as a family of 4. OH was useless after the birth of our first DD and I relied heavily on my mum for support, but this time around OH promised me that he'd be a 'better man' and he'd pull his weight, and I believed he would, it's not turned out that way.

I had quite a quick easy labour with DS and felt far better than I'd imagined I would afterwards. The worse thing I could have done is admit this to OH. As easy as my labour was I still expected a bit of pampering and praise when I got home from hospital. I just pushed a human being out of my vagina for gods sake! But my OH hasnt even so much as offered me a cup of tea, or a kind word. It's been expected that I get stuck back in to household chores and childcare from the moment I stepped through the front door after having DS, and I have received zero thanks for all I've done.

Since coming home I've juggled BF'ing DS on demand, with countless loads of laundry, I've hoovered, prepared several meals, bathed both kids with no help from OH, done 99.9% of nappy changes, washed dishes wiped surfaces, cleaned toilets etc etc. OH has put away one load of laundry and ran the hoover around once and sulked like a teenager whilst doing so after being nagged and nagged to help out.

Whenever he prepares a meal it usually involves chucking a frozen pizza in the oven. Which I really don't mind tbh, only he seems to think that's his license to put his feet up and do nothing for the rest of the evening and it is therefore up to me to wash dishes and put DD to bed as he 'made dinner'.

I'm BF'ing DS so night feeds are completely up to me, the first couple of nights after being home from hospital he was great, he got up with me, chatted to me, got me glasses of water, helped me change him, winded him etc. Now that's all gone out of the window, and he just lies there and leaves me to it. When he is back at work I don't expect him to get up in the night at all, but during his paternity I do expect at least a little help in the night. Yes I am BF'ing, but that doesn't mean that OH isn't capable of changing the odd nappy in the night so I can lie back down again.

In fairness to him he has been good at occupying DD. But that is about all he does. & although he's great at playing with her, it lasts for all of about 20 mins before he gets bored and hands her her ipad so he can stare at his phone with his feet up for a good couple of hours, or stand in the garden puffing away on his e-cig, while simultaneously ignoring me picking up mess around him with a fussy baby permanently attatched to my tit!

He has drank roughly 6 out of the last 8 nights which has pissed me off no end! He hasn't actually got drunk, but I do feel drinking 4 cans of beers most nights is excessive, especially for someone who is supposed to be helping care for a young child and a newborn. It's not a holiday after all.

But the thing that has really pushed me over the edge happened this morning. DS seems to be 'cluster feeding' so I was up every hour on the hour between 10pm and 5am last night, he finally slept for a 4 hour stretch and woke up at 9am, I fed him, changed his nappy and clothes for the day, his crying woke DD, she's starving wanting her breakfast, DS was becoming increasingly unsettled and I couldn't calm him down, I nudged OH and asked if he could either take DS and try and settle him or take DD down for her breakfast. He refused to do either despite snoring away all night, said he was having a lie in as it was Sunday morning. This was at 9:40am, I dont think I was asking much. I actually can't effing believe him! My blood is still boiling. Anyway I took DD down poured her a bowl of cereal with screaming DS in my arms, wasn't too much trouble, but not the point. Why should I struggle if he's supposed to be around to help me? DD is currently watching CBeebies and I've just settled DS. I've only just managed to get a cup of tea in peace and OH is only just emerging from his pit 🙄

Also I seem to be suffering from a really bad case of the 'baby blues' every day since roughly day 3/4 when my milk camekn, it will get to around 5pm'ish and I will just sit in my bedroom in floods of tears, and I'm on a really short fuse during the day (although I suspect OH's attitude has something to do with that aswell) OH has been less than supportive, I would absolutely love for someone to wrap their arms around me and tell me I'm doing a great job but OH is incapable of giving praise or affection, I've found myself really wishing I'd have had my mum here after all, as I'm feeling really low and getting worse with each passing day, I've found myself wishing I was back in hospital with DS as there are days I just don't want to leave my room but I feel I have to. Although I feel physically well, emotionally I am struggling, and I've really no one to talk to, no family around, no friends. My mum is only a phone call away which is great, but what I really want is love and support from my OH which I'm just not getting.

Just wanted to get all of this off my chest. Sorry for the long rant.

OP posts:
Windygate · 14/05/2019 04:01

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Windygate · 14/05/2019 04:01

He told you all along who he was, a lazy man who is a rubbish father and partner. Now believe him. I'm sorry to be harsh, you don't need kicking when your down but you need help.

If you were my daughter I'd want you to ring me right now, I'd pack a bag and get in the car. Your mum isn't stupid she knows exactly how useless this man is.

His parents are an absolute disgrace, they should have sent him straight back home and told him to start being a decent human being.

If your not asleep and baby is safe go and make yourself a cup tea and grab some biscuits. First thing in the morning ring your mum if you haven't already and ring the midwife/health visitor.

I'm so sorry you are going through this

HoustonBess · 14/05/2019 04:03

Get your mum in.

When you're calm and have had a bit of sleep, write out a day or two's diary showing what you've done vs what DH has done, hour by hour.

I'd properly lose your shit at him and make if clear your relationship is on the line and you need him to step up. Make it clear you're not a drudge and won't be letting him treat you like one.

Sorry you're going through this. Thanks

Bbang · 14/05/2019 04:10

I have a daughter, if this was her I would want her to ring me no matter what time of day/night. Ring your mum lovely!

And as for that prick, well he’s well and truly shown his colours hadn’t he. He will never change, the never do. Bag up his essentials dump them by the back door and tell him you hope he’s happy at his parents as that’s where he’s living now.

Boot the waste of space out and accept the help from your mum, I’m rarely shocked by things these days but this takes the cake. He is a fucking disgrace.

Pushpull · 14/05/2019 04:11

When/if dd wakes the tablet is fine isnt it.

For your nipples take some painkillers, get some nipple cream on and try leaving them uncovered. Will baby take a dummy/bottle just to give you an hours respite? As a one off I dont think itll affect bf'ing

Could you ring your mum now, she could come in the morning and you could get back to bed.

Leave your husband where he is, dont waste what little energy you have on him. That's a problem for another day, and abig one at that. Right now you need to get through the night Cake

Preggosaurus9 · 14/05/2019 04:17

What the fuck? I am in shock that this man has run away to his parents. What is he, 12? I am so sorry you're going through this, you don't deserve to be treated that way and neither do the DC. He does not deserve the love of any of you, the selfish git.

Please ring your mum as soon as you can, I'm sure she would want to come and help as soon as possible.

You are an amazing mum, you can get through this.

blackcat86 · 14/05/2019 04:22

What an absolute twat. DH was awful when I was pregnant and when DD was little but even he didnt just leave. Kick him out. Hes made a choice to leave the family unit and you're better off without him so you can actually get some help. Get your mum over. I suspect she'll be happy to hear from you and to get stuck in.

Shipwrecked2019 · 14/05/2019 04:26

Please don't let him come home. My DS is 16 weeks old and the thought of you doing all that within days of your son being born makes me so sad for you. There's no benefit to him being there as he doesn't support you. You may as well be by yourself and not resentful of him dossing around whilst you do everything.

What are his mum and dad like? What will they think of him turning up? Hopefully they will tell him he's being an absolute knob!

Halo84 · 14/05/2019 04:33

I would not blame his parents. They probably don’t know the situation.

OP, is your DS hungry? Is that why he’s waking? My second was almost 10lbs, and I didn’t have enough milk for a while. Your stress level and fatigue may be affecting your milk production. Can you supplement with formula? I did for some time (can’t recall now, 4 or 6 weeks). He slept better, and I got more rest. I had the purist nurses telling me my body would produce what he needed, but I don’t regret the supplementing.

cordeliavorkosigan · 14/05/2019 04:38

Is he bad enough that you just want to leave? do you think he'll ever get better?

would showing him this thread help?

would not letting him see either DC until he shapes up help? go to your parents, turn off your phone, leave a note that he won't see your dc without a court order unless he shapes completely up?

I don't know of course. but he is acting like a complete and total arse.

cordeliavorkosigan · 14/05/2019 04:38

and yes - there are times for formula and this really does sound like one of them.

BonAccordSpur · 14/05/2019 04:50

wow another useless dad! never heard this story before...get him to exchange places with your mum for as long as possible and if he's still a uselessfuck on his return make his departure permanant..

Mumtobe193 · 14/05/2019 04:51

I don't actually have any formula in the house, otherwise I'd definitely give it a go, I'm so desperate for sleep now!

Although actually I don't think he's hungry? He seems pretty satisfied after all of his feeds? He's plenty of wet and dirty nappies and has gained lots of weight already.

However he's been really congested since the day he came home from the hospital, so I suspect the crying tonight is down to discomfort. He's been at the doctors twice and just been given saline drops and told it will pass. Plus he really seems to struggle with getting his wind up. I think it's a combination of a blocked nose and a bit of trapped wind tonight and he keeps latching on and off me for comfort more than anything I think.

He's fallen asleep in my arms finally. I can hear the birds singing and it's getting light outside already so I hope to god he stays asleep when I put him in his crib because it's only a few hours max until DD gets up!

OP posts:
Blondiemama · 14/05/2019 05:01

OP, this is absolutely horrific behaviour from your OH. Please call your mum this morning and get her round, even if it’s just so you can go to sleep for a few hours. I’d also suggest speaking to your HV/GP, sounds like you need some proper care even if it’s just chatting through how you’re feeling. As for the useless idiot that is your OH, I’d be seriously tempted to tell him to stay at his parents for a few weeks if he’s not going to support you practically or emotionally. You don’t need a third child to look after and I’m sorry OP but his behaviour is simply unacceptable. You need to look after yourself and the DC first and don’t give that shit a second of your time and energy right now.

Kaleela · 14/05/2019 05:08

I wouldn't be letting the bastard back in. What an absolute selfish waste of space and how dare his mother allow him to do that. You poor poor thing.

gerispringer · 14/05/2019 05:17

Phone mum first thing. Go and stay at hers or get her to come to you, tell her the full story, tell her it’s an emergency. It sounds like she will be supportive.
Talk to the HV today, get an urgent appointment re your feelings and the feeding issues.
Have you got a friend who could look after DD for a couple of hours today? You could get some respite and start packing.
Think about getting legal advice.

InionEile · 14/05/2019 05:17

Do you have a sling? That saved me so many times when I was on my own with a non-sleeping baby and hyper 3 year old and DH either sick or traveling for work. It meant I could keep her quiet while I got on and did what I had to do. Sit up with the baby and watch TV, if he won’t sleep. It might calm down that panicky feeling you get when you haven’t slept. The 3 year old can join in when she wakes up. In your situation you’re in survival mode, so just do whatever you have to do to get through the hours.

Wishing you the best, some rest and I hope you can get some help from family or friends soon to keep you going. Flowers xx

Blondebakingmumma · 14/05/2019 05:20

Oh OP. I remember how difficult the early days were when my DS was new and I also had my dd (similar age gap). It’s really really tough going, but hang in there it will slowly get easier. I was a walking zombie for the first year (my son had terrible gas and crap sleeper).

I’d ring your MIL and tell her to tell her deadbeat son to pull his head in, man up and send him home to help his struggling wife or don’t plan on returning.

Blondebakingmumma · 14/05/2019 05:22

I second using a baby carrier! It made life so much more bearable.

category12 · 14/05/2019 05:34

Wow, op. I hope you are getting some sleep now.

Call your mum when you're up and get some help and support.

I think he should go to his parents permanently. Unbelievable.

Nc1548 · 14/05/2019 05:35

I hope you are asleep OP. You are doing great. Hard as it is if DS isn't well breastfeeding will help him fight infection. I hope he feels better soon.

You OH is unbelievable, leaving you on your own in the middle of the night would be bad enough, but with 2 children?? And his parents take him in??

That would absolutely be it for me.
At least if you get rid of him you don't get upset because he's not helping and someone else can step in. Ask your mum for help.

I really really really can't believe he left you with a poorly baby and your DD in the middle if the night and turned off his phone. What if something happened?? I have had to take DC to A&E in the middle of the night.

I wouldn't tell him to stay at his parents "for a few weeks" (he obviously doesn't mind and why should he get a break?)

Him moving out for 52 weeks per year would be my preference.

Do not let him minimise the seriousness of his irresponsible selfish behaviour.

Flowers
Shoxfordian · 14/05/2019 05:39

Hope you're getting some sleep. Can your Mum still come to help you or stay? Tell your useless partner not to bother coming back

GertrudeCB · 14/05/2019 05:40

I have heard of some shitty husbands but yours is in a league of his own Angry.
Call your mum, lovey.Flowers

TacoTeabagging · 14/05/2019 05:59

What an absolute selfish fucking BASTARD!! His behaviour tonight was beyond disgraceful. He's abandoned you and the children when you need help because he perceives his needs as more important. Fuck that . If he were my DH that would be it, he'd find all his shit waiting for him on the doorstep.
He's been next to useless your whole relationship but now he's telling you loud and clear that what he wants trumps what you and the children need. You deserve so much more than that, don't ever think that you don't. Tell him to live at his sodding mothers!

cloudymelonade · 14/05/2019 05:59

Everyone else had said it but didn't want to read and run. Please get your mum to come and help you, you deserve and need some rest!
My DH is currently on his last week of paternity leave and if he had behaved like that, I would have shown him the door.