I Caught My Mother-In-Law Breastfeeding My Baby

When you become parents, it can switch things up in your lives, especially in how you relate to your extended family. Some find that having a child strengthens family bonds, while others might face ongoing conflicts with relatives—just like what happened to a Reddit user, SammyandMe35 who caught her mother-in-law sneakily breastfeeding his newborn baby.

He is a single father who was mourning the loss of his wife Anne, 34, shortly after the birth of their first child Sammy. He has captured the internet’s attention with his recent post.

"I am a widower. I lost my wife (Anne 34) just minutes after she gave birth to our first baby (Sammy). She had a difficult pregnancy so I took an indefinite leave 3 months before she was due. Sammy’s 4 months old now and before I went back to work, I told my MIL (Sandra 56) about my plans and if she can recommend a nanny to take care of my daughter when I work. She offered to do it (nanny) for free.

"I told her she’s free to come by anytime during the day if she feels uncomfortable with a nanny looking after Sammy but she insisted on doing it herself. So I said yes and gave her a copy of the house keys. She comes 30 mins. before I leave for work, and when I come home, she stays for dinner and leaves after putting Sammy to sleep.

"Everything was fine for the first couple of weeks until I noticed that Sammy’s not feeding as much. Her formula’s barely touched. I asked Sandra about it and why Sammy’s not feeding well. She said she’s trying to breastfeed my daughter.

"At first I thought she was joking then I realized she wasn’t. She said Sammy needs to latch for a few minutes everyday to “activate” her milk production. I almost lost it, I told her she cannot do that, and she needs to stop.

"She said she will but I caught her again when I walked in my daughter’s room and she was forcing Sammy to latch. I confronted her and told her she’s no longer my baby’s nanny. I didn’t ask for the key back as she is still welcome to come visit anytime.

“I asked for a one week leave from work to care for my daughter and find a nanny. I found one but two days after she never returned. I called her and she said my “Mother” fired her the day before. I asked her to describe the woman and I was livid when I realized it was Sandra. She came in my house using her key and fired my nanny.

“I was about to call her when she showed up and said a convoluted story like how I hired an incompetent nanny, etc. etc. I told her to leave but she refused and told me she’s calling CPS because I am endangering my child. We argued back and forth before I called the police and she was charged with trespassing.

I know my MIL is grieving the loss of her daughter, I am too. But she crossed the line when she disregarded my wishes. She is very upset with me. My SIL and BIL are calling me ruthless and I am now second guessing myself. Have I taken it too far by calling the police?”

Many people in the comments were on Redditor’s side, with one comment saying, “Her trying to breastfeed your daughter without your permission is gross and completely wrong. Beyond that she FIRED YOUR NANNY? I’d ask for your key back and set some serious boundaries.”

Another users also suggested that he install more security for his house. “Change the locks. With the way she was hurdling over the boundaries you set, I wouldn’t be surprised if she made copies. And make sure to tell the nanny not to let anyone in,” user Rogue_Darkholme wrote. “All of this and install cameras around your home immediately!” user RandomLee37 added.

Parenthood can change how your family works. Some families get closer, but others might have ongoing issues with relatives. For instance, there was a mother-in-law who got into an argument because she wanted payment for spending time with her grandchild.