New Mom Says Mother-in-Law Is ‘Hogging’ Her Baby and Won’t Help Around the House

New Mum Voices Frustrations Over Mother-in-Law’s Behaviour at Home ​ A new mum has taken to Reddit to share her exasperation regarding her mother-in-law’s stay at her home. She expresses feeling overwhelmed by the mother-in-law’s actions, claiming that she is solely focused on spending time with the baby without contributing to household chores. The Reddit post has garnered attention from other users who empathise with similar experiences in dealing with intrusive in-laws.

In the heartfelt post, the new mum describes how her mother-in-law’s visit has been taxing as she feels her baby is being “hogged” by her. She laments the lack of support with domestic tasks, stating, “My MIL is in town for the week… she has washed maybe 3 dishes and otherwise done nothing but hog the baby.” The mum further expresses her distress at not being able to tend to her newborn due to her mother-in-law’s constant presence.

The mother-in-law’s behaviour has left the new mum feeling isolated as she witnesses her baby being cared for by someone else. She discloses her struggles with breastfeeding, sharing, “I can’t even nurse him when she’s here because she’s constantly holding the baby… I watch him cry and she’s wondering what’s wrong and I’m screaming inside ‘HE WANTS HIS MOM!!!!'” The emotional toll of the situation is evident as she describes her mounting frustration and exhaustion.

Adding to the strain, the new mum reveals that her mother-in-law shows little interest in the meals she prepares. Despite deciding to refrain from cooking for her, she finds herself obligated to cater to her mother-in-law’s needs, juxtaposed with her own yearning to spend time with her baby. The conflicting priorities have left her feeling drained and exacerbated her postpartum anxiety, pushing her towards feelings of depression.

As the Reddit post gained traction, other users shared their own accounts of navigating challenging relationships with their in-laws. Advice poured in, with one user advocating for setting boundaries firmly but tactfully: “When my MIL comes to town, I don’t ask. I just walk over, take the baby, and say it’s time for food, nap, whatever.” The importance of clear communication and asserting one’s role as a parent was echoed throughout the responses.

The supportive Reddit community urged the new mum to communicate her needs to her husband and establish boundaries with her mother-in-law. Asserting one’s parental authority and prioritising the baby’s well-being were emphasised as crucial steps in navigating such delicate family dynamics. The collective encouragement served as a reminder that self-care and advocating for one’s needs are essential, especially in the demanding phase of early motherhood.

In conclusion, the new mum’s candid account sheds light on the complexities that can arise within family relationships, particularly during significant life transitions. Her story resonates with many who have grappled with similar challenges, underscoring the importance of open communication, setting boundaries, and prioritising self-care amidst familial obligations. As she navigates the intricacies of new parenthood, the support and advice from online communities offer solace and guidance in confronting such sensitive issues.