My mother wants to be here but….

Hi, I’m 37w3d currently and feeling a bit stressed out. Super hormonal having had a bit of a ‘mare with GDM nurses being threatening/rude, needing to chase the GP for everything. This is my 1st baby and I’m older. I had two rounds of IVF to achieve my pregnancy, and my mother who is loving and supportive for the most part also does not acknowledge that her behaviour is stressful because she doesn’t listen. Just before I started my second round of IVF I called her and told her that I needed to minimise stress whilst having the stimulation injections; doctors say that stress is a big factor in producing good eggs or not. I had agreed with my partner that we would try IVF twice before having a conversation about whether it would be wise to try anymore due to my age and also the effect of the medication on my mental health and general wellbeing. Well, during that call she stressed me out so much that I was in tears and my partner took the phone and tried to explain to her that this was a very delicate time and I needed to be calm. She got upset and hung up. Fast forward, I’m now pregnant, and high risk, so have scheduled a c section for 11th Dec. She wants to come to stay a few days beforehand (initially she wanted to arrive the day before until I told her that would be stressful because we needed to be at the hospital at the crack of dawn). I do want her to be here, but as I don’t really know how long I’ll be in the hospital or what will happen, could she come when I have been discharged and sent home? I told her (during the recent cold weather in the UK) that we weren’t always heating the whole house, but if she comes to stay that I will have to prep a guest room for her, get food in, teach her how to use my kitchen, and heat the house because I can’t let a 76 year old lady stay in a very cold house (my house is very old). There isn’t room for her to sleep where my partner, and I, and the baby will initially sleep, so I feel this is just adding to my plate. She also got upset when I couldn’t tell her if I would be travelling 2+ hours to have Christmas at her house with the baby, exactly 14 days after I’ve given birth/had a c section. I told her that newborns aren’t really allowed in a car seat for longer than 45 minutes at a time now, which would make a journey to her very difficult. I have an older sister who has invited her to their house, but she’s being very difficult with me. Am I just being overly sensitive? Hormonal? My sister has been telling her for months that I won’t know what I want to do until baby is here, but that it would be highly unlikely I would want to host her for Christmas or go anywhere except my own home. Sorry for the rant, just feeling a bit desperate and not sure how else to communicate to her that she’s not really thinking straight, or is it me?
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I think a lot of us have similar mothers. As of now, no one will be your priority other than your baby. You need to stand firm and let her get upset if she so chooses. It's her choice to hear your words or not. I don't think you're being overly hormonal. If she wants to be involved she has to listen and follow instructions. Best to set the precedent before baby comes too.

I've been very firm with my parents that I will let them now when we're ready for them, assuming a couple of nights in hospital and then a night or two at home by ourselves before having to 'host' and that they can come for one night only and they have to help around the house if they come. Took it surprisingly well luckily but you do have to say it sadly. Couldn't think of anything worse than people being in my house when I get home from the hospital 🙃 x

I have been firm, but it was met with a lot of “faux” indignation? Unfortunately my father died when I was in my mid twenties. My mother says she wants to come and look after me, but also wants me to drive to hers (2 hours there and 2 hours back) to pick up some free things that a family friend has dropped off for the baby……?! I can barely go 25 minutes without needing the loo at the moment….. 😓

Sounds similar to a lot of stories being shared now we’re in the final stretches!! Completely not being overly sensitive, just seems to be a massive gap in what our parents had and what they now expect (and much more focus on recovery now from stories I’ve been told!). My parents are coming up but staying at a nearby hotel, not even a second thought they’d be actually staying with us so soon after birth or surgery… Anyway, sounds like your sister could be a fantastic advocate for you! Maybe see if you could lean on her for a little bit more support, even just mentally for venting? Sending lots of love x

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