I Denied My MIL Access to My Baby—So She Dared to “Teach Me a Lesson”

Postpartum sadness is more prevalent than most of us realize. Research indicates that around 80% of new parents experience it. Gretchen, a new mom, is struggling to adapt to her new role, prompting her to request some time alone from her loved ones. However, her situation worsened when her in-laws showed up unannounced to visit the baby. She reached out to us for guidance.

This is Gretchen’s letter:

Hi Gretchen! We’re grateful you chose to share your experience with us. Here are some recommendations that may assist you in handling this sensitive scenario.

Express your boundaries clearly.

It’s essential to convey your limits to your spouse and in-laws. Inform them that, although you value their enthusiasm for the baby, you require some time to acclimate and would like visits to be scheduled ahead of time.
Share how surprise visits can interfere with your daily life and increase your stress, affecting both your and the baby’s health. Clear communication can help avoid misinterpretations and guarantee that everyone acknowledges your need for space during this sensitive period.

Create a network of support.

Caring for a newborn can be extremely challenging, both physically and emotionally. Don’t hesitate to rely on your support network for assistance. Whether it’s your partner, family, or close friends, assign tasks and ask for help with household responsibilities or baby care whenever you can.
A solid support system can reduce some of the stress and give you the chance to rest and rejuvenate.

Prioritizing self-care is crucial.

Make sure to focus on self-care while navigating the responsibilities of being a mother. It’s common to overlook your own needs when caring for a newborn, but setting aside time for yourself is essential for your mental and emotional health.
Look for opportunities throughout the day to participate in activities that bring you happiness and tranquility, whether it’s enjoying a warm bath, diving into a book, or savoring a peaceful cup of tea.

Consider exploring couples therapy.

The incident with your husband and his family visiting without notice underscores a lack of communication and respect for your boundaries. Think about pursuing couples counseling to tackle any deeper concerns and enhance the dialogue in your relationship.
A skilled therapist can assist you and your spouse in navigating this new phase of parenthood together, promoting mutual understanding and support.

Sarah is another young woman who wrote to us seeking advice. Her husband expressed a desire to adopt his little niece, but Sarah is hesitant because she wants to start her own family with him. Read her story here.