‘My mother-in-law wants to stay for two weeks after I give birth – I’m not sure’

A woman about to give birth to her first baby says she’s not sure about her mother-in-law moving into their one bedroom flat for a full two weeks after the birth

As much as you might appreciate the help of loved ones after welcoming your first child, having your own personal space while adjusting to parenthood is also so important. One mum-to-be has now found herself in a bit of a predicament after her mother-in-law offered to move into their home for two full weeks after she gives birth.

Although she gets on well with her mother-in-law, the expectant mum thinks this is a bit of a ‘crazy’ idea, particularly as they live in a one-bedroom flat. Unfortunately, her husband doesn’t see things the same way, and has accused her of not ‘being realistic’ about how difficult life will be with a newborn.

Taking to Mumsnet, where she goes by the username @StaffordLou, the pregnant woman said she was a bit taken aback after her husband told her about his mum’s offer.

Reaching out to fellow Mumsnet users for some ‘perspective’, she wrote: “We get on with each other but this seems crazy to me! My husband completely regresses around his mum and ends up storming off leaving me to pick up the pieces.

“When I said I didn’t want this at all, he said I wasn’t being realistic about how difficult it will be with a newborn. I completely lost it and he has apologised! Am I being unrealistic? Everyone I know, friends and family haven’t had anyone move in with them to help and have been fine!”

One person advised: “I think you are absolutely right. It was nice of your mother-in-law to offer but this one is up to you. You don’t think it will help you and think it will be an added stress on you so your mother-in-law should not come. I did just fine without help besides my husband when he was home and I’m sure you will too.

“It gives you a chance to bond as a family and to establish how you want to do things without any outside interference.”

Another took a different view, commenting: “My mum came for two weeks after each of my babies were born. She was brilliant and did all the cooking, cleaning, and laundry.

“She held the baby to let me have a sleep and entertained the older children. If your mother-in-law is not going to do all that but would expect to be a guest, say no. If you think she’ll step up, it’s worth it.”

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