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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

Husband hates our baby

173 replies

MoodyMum94 · 18/09/2023 13:53

We have a 3 year old daughter who is an absolute angel. Of course, she is 3 so still fucking hard but over all she's happy, is not remotely worried about ever leaving us, she is cuddly and now sleeps very well.

When she was a newborn it was HARD. I got pre natal and subsequently post natal depression. My husband was lazy and mostly unhelpful. I had a c section so struggled after with recovery and did too much too soon. Since then his mum had major surgery, which she visibly struggled with and that made him realise how much I did and just dealt with..... he was very apologetic and said he would be different next time.

We have spoke about a second child often. At one point he was all for it, when we get 30 hours free. Then he went totally off the idea. Then was up for it again. I fell pregnant, unplanned, this year and he instantly said to abort. I asked if we could just discuss once our daughter was in bed. There was an awkward silence so I wrote out pros and cons for right now, all quite true to myself and brutally honest. He said "lets have it". Then he was off with me for days. Then spoke about it again, said he felt I didn't listen to him (despite me thinking it's actually me who's feelings aren't being considered). Got emotional, he changed his tune.

This has been a constant cycle until a few weeks ago, when our daughter had a cough and was very upset and not easy to calm (about 9/10pm) and he was very off with me for days. I said what is it. He said I just had a flashback of telling you I didn't want to do this again and you've done it anyway... I said I am not taking "blame" for this anymore, this took two of us, It was a genuine "accident" (for want of a better word!!!). He was so off with me for days and I mean not talking at all, not eating, not sharing the bed. Awful. I was also in bits, angry, hurt, upset.

We spoke again and he repeated his concerns and things felt lighter. Then the next day back to the same attitude when I was told "doesn't mean it's all gone away you need to not talk about the baby. I need time".

Now.. I'm 23 weeks pregnant, quite uncomfortable, taking care of a 3year old basically on my own, feeling these little kicks...and I'm not allowed to express joy (or anything) for this child/pregnancy. Knowing how hard the first time was for me, it fucking hurts.

The other night I packed my bags and said unfortunatley we don't get the luxury of "space" and "time" because we have a CHILD who needs us HERE RIGHT NOW who doesn't understand. he said he needs time to accept that this is happening as he doesn't want to be an absent father but needs time.

We have known since 3 weeks btw... it's not some sudden shock now. All of this is killing me and making me so angry. I don't know how I can forgive him. I feel like he is being so disgustingly selfish. I am totally okay with him having feelings differing from my own but if he had spoke to me about it like a normal person instead of just spouting about abortion instantly..... who knows!!!I don't want my kids to grow up in a broken home but I don't want them having a shitty dad like I did. All or nothing!

I would be grateful for any advice!!!!

OP posts:
AnneLovesGilbert · 18/09/2023 13:56

What happened after you packed your bags? It sounds like the marriage is over.

Venturini · 18/09/2023 14:18

LTB

Lavender14 · 18/09/2023 14:26

He has had time, and that's a luxury that he wasn't entitled to.

It's understandable that he may be scared/ worried/ anxious about a second baby but he doesn't get to just disappear into himself for weeks on end and leave you hanging like that. Has he been for counselling or spoken to anyone or actually done anything proactive to resolve his feelings? He needs to step up but tbh it sounds like he's lazy and doesn't want to do the work on himself or as a parent and equal partner and you unfortunately cannot force him. I'd stay elsewhere. Do you have family or friends that can support you and give you a hand with your dc in the meantime? You're absolutely allowed to have your feelings of excitement and joy etc regardless of what he's feeling. His feelings don't trump yours. What did he say when you left and what has happened since then? Ultimately you need to prioritise yourself here in order to protect yourself, your mental health, your dc and your pregnancy. If he's undermining any of that then he needs to not be around at least for a while. But my feeling would be if he can't be there and you can't count on him in the hard times why should he get to swan in later and enjoy the easier parts.

Serenity45 · 18/09/2023 14:26

Honestly? I would leave permanently, or make plans to. He sounds like a lazy selfish prick who is only thinking about his own needs.

Mariposista · 18/09/2023 14:54

This marriage is over.
Take your child and get away from him. I hope you have a stable job to rely on and some support from friends or family.

MoodyMum94 · 18/09/2023 14:56

After I packed my bags I said I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to cause you this much distress. If we’d listened to each other maybe this would have ended differently, I hate myself and I just want us to be happy. I was in such a horrendous state. He came in and just said he didn’t want to split and that’s why he’s ‘shutting off’ from me because he loves me but is struggling to see a family of 4…

OP posts:
hdbs17 · 18/09/2023 14:58

What on earth did you apologise to him for?!!

He's the one who is being entirely unreasonable. He's told you yes and no, settled on keep the baby and is now making you pay for it!

I hope you've still got your bags packed because I'd be grabbing them now and be out the door with DD like a shot!

ExtraOnions · 18/09/2023 15:05

You are already a family of 4 whether he likes it or not. You should not compromise your happiness for him. His issues are his issues , you have 2 children who need up come first.

Stick with him and you’ll have a lifetime of “see, told you not to have another” every time something goes wrong.

Get away from him.

jswn · 18/09/2023 15:08

Leave him. He's disgusting.

Pinkbonbon · 18/09/2023 15:12

Quite frankly I shocked you decided to have a second with a man who was useless the first time round.

Epiphany my arse.

It was a bad idea but you're in it now.

Ltb and go it single. It'll be hard but not as hard as living with a shitebag. And having to run around after him as well as the baby.

Aquamarine1029 · 18/09/2023 15:12

Your husband is a pathetic piece of shit. There is absolutely no coming back from this.

8990m · 18/09/2023 15:13

It’s because he doesn’t want the responsibility of looking after his own children and sees it as your job and he’s in a strop in case you need another c section again and he has to step up for two children.
I would leave personally as this is only going to get worse and you don’t want him seething at you being resentful when your at your most vulnerable after having the baby.

Catsafterme · 18/09/2023 15:15

Oh, don't you be apologizing you've done nothing wrong. That's a slippery slope don't fall into that trap.

No decent man would ever think or say that about their own child. A father should step up and adapt not wish it away or guilt the mother, it takes two. Step up or step out.

RedAndWhiteCarnations · 18/09/2023 15:17

If he loves you and doesn’t want to split he shouldn’t stonewall you, refuse to share a bed and tell you you are responsible for the whole situation….

Struggling to come to terms with the situation. Struggling to be happy about a new baby doesn’t mean he can be emotionally abusive, start guilt tripping you etc….

The bottom line is that HE has a big problem because he is becoming a father, Wether he likes it or not. Up to him to ensure he is becoming a dad too rather than just a sperm donor.

trampoline123 · 18/09/2023 15:18

He sounds manipulative as shit, going back and forth, controlling the decisions in the first place. Did he now know you weren't on contraception?

Either way, he sounds awful and not someone you want being a partner or a role model for your children - he sounds toxic.

Make plans to leave if you have any sense.

Wnikat · 18/09/2023 15:21

You know this is a pattern of abuse right? He behaves badly, then gives you the silent treatment, then YOU end up apologising, though you’ve done nothing wrong.

whatchulookinatwillis · 18/09/2023 15:22

He got you pregnant and is now using that as a stick to beat you with and an excuse to not do parenting/caring for his pregnant wife.

By claiming he doesn't want the baby and that he "needs time" it lets him off the hook for parenting or partnering in the usual loving way that a committed parent and husband would.

Don't pack your bags, tell him to pack his and he can move back to his mum's and work to a schedule of when he comes to the house and cooks and cares for your child etc (and when he does so, you can take that time to rest).

ASGIRC · 18/09/2023 15:22

MoodyMum94 · 18/09/2023 14:56

After I packed my bags I said I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to cause you this much distress. If we’d listened to each other maybe this would have ended differently, I hate myself and I just want us to be happy. I was in such a horrendous state. He came in and just said he didn’t want to split and that’s why he’s ‘shutting off’ from me because he loves me but is struggling to see a family of 4…

What happens in less than 20 weeks when you have the baby and the is "still struggling"?
He needs to piss or get off the pot now. Hes had time. Hes had 20 weeks of time.
If he isnt happy, it isnt the baby.
And you should leave him.
Your DD does not deserve to live in such an environment. It is healthier if you are both happy apart, than miserable together.

IncompleteSenten · 18/09/2023 15:22

He's going to carry on leaving everything to you and treating you like shit only now he'll be adding how he never wanted a second child so you have to do everything if you ever ask him to actually be a parent or pull his weight.

Sound like fun? If not then repack those bags.

fiddlesticksandotherwords · 18/09/2023 15:23

MoodyMum94 · 18/09/2023 14:56

After I packed my bags I said I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to cause you this much distress. If we’d listened to each other maybe this would have ended differently, I hate myself and I just want us to be happy. I was in such a horrendous state. He came in and just said he didn’t want to split and that’s why he’s ‘shutting off’ from me because he loves me but is struggling to see a family of 4…

Please don't hate yourself, you have done nothing to bring this about. He's treated you so horribly and upset you so much you felt the need to pack your bags and leave, yet you are the one who ended up having to apologise for causing him distress.

Perhaps he needs reminding that it was he who fertilised you, and if he hadn't wanted another child, then he should have made 100% sure it couldn't happen. And now that it has, he needs to get over himself and do the right thing by his wife and dc.

Katiehod · 18/09/2023 15:39

This situation sounds really tough, sorry you're going through it.

I'd probably consider whether I wanted to stay in the marriage but I understand everyone's circumstances differ. Hopefully you have a good wider support network. I'd also consider self referring to the local perinatal mental health team in your area for support pre/post birth especially considering your difficult social circumstances.

bonzaitree · 18/09/2023 15:43

Your relationship is over OP.

The only conversations you need to have are about him moving out and coparenting.

FlatWhiteExtraHot · 18/09/2023 15:46

whatchulookinatwillis · 18/09/2023 15:22

He got you pregnant and is now using that as a stick to beat you with and an excuse to not do parenting/caring for his pregnant wife.

By claiming he doesn't want the baby and that he "needs time" it lets him off the hook for parenting or partnering in the usual loving way that a committed parent and husband would.

Don't pack your bags, tell him to pack his and he can move back to his mum's and work to a schedule of when he comes to the house and cooks and cares for your child etc (and when he does so, you can take that time to rest).

Oh for goodness sake. He’s a piece of shit and a terrible husband and father, but he didn’t get the OP pregnant. I assume she had a consenting part in it too. (If not, then the fact he’s a wanker is the least of her problems).

whatchulookinatwillis · 18/09/2023 15:56

@FlatWhiteExtraHot I meant "he" got her pregnant as in "it's not the milkman's baby". I didn't mean the OP didn't consent (presumably she did).

The H is 50% responsible for creating a child but wants to abdicate 100% of the responsibility for caring for the baby.

MariePaperRoses · 18/09/2023 15:59

I could NEVER a be with a man who suggested an abortion.