I am due in less than 2 weeks and prior my husband and I had already agreed that no one but him would be there during delivery. My husband has two children from a previous marriage (14g and 11b). Today his parents made a comment about taking care of his kids when we go into labor (if they aren’t with their mom) only if they can come and visit after birth.
I was under the impression that no one would be visiting (maybe my parents) because of the exhaustion, stress and peace needed during the time after birth at the hospital. My husband got upset with me when i said i didn’t want his kids coming to visit at the hospital but when we got home. He said “it’s not all about what I want”. His kids haven’t been the most positive about this pregnancy and often make me feel uncomfortable about being pregnant (comments when they see baby moving in my stomach and overall negative attitude). He is now upset with me because I said I MAY want my parents to visit the day after because I am comfortable with them and won’t feel stressed about them visiting for a short time. He said if i say no visitors at the hospital, then that means my parents as well.
Thoughts? Is it wrong that I don’t want people I’m not comfortable around/ kids during a vulnerable time when I am trying to figure things out with my newborn especially as a first time mom?
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Learn more about our guidelines.I think it’s about more who I’m comfortable with during that time

Personally i feel like everyone should be respecting your needs, and you are entitled to privacy and space. It's a tough one though because if you opt to invite your parents yes he is going to feel unequal but then again, he is not the person birthing! Is it going to cause an issue with the PILs if they can't visit? You're the one who will be labouring, and you have no idea how your birth will go... unless you're having a c section?
You might feel completely different on the day and your emotions may change on this so why not just say to everyone "I'd like to see how it goes and let you know on the day" unless they live far away i guess. A lot of pressure to be honest that really isn't necessary, in my opinion.
But as above I'd say start as you mean to go on, if the children do get excited about meeting their new sibling then I'd think about making that sacrifice for the sake of your blended family.
If your birth falls on their mum's days of having the children, will they not be brought in by her?

I would just have your parents there and leave the husband and his family at home. But that's just me... Don't put up with disrespect and please don't be bullied into doing ANYTHING you are even slightly uncomfortable with.

I think it’s wrong to allow your parents to visit but not his. If there’s a nursery they should be allowed to see baby if your parents are allowed to see baby. And if he already had kids they should also be allowed to meet baby in the hospital if they want to. You shouldn’t have had a child with someone that has kids if you aren’t comfortable around their kids. You’re birthing the child, yes, but it is also his child. I understand not wanting a bunch of people around you right after you birthed a child, but if there’s a nursery or somewhere they can meet baby outside of your room, they should be allowed to do so.

I think your wishes are totally valid if you don't want visitors. I didn't receive anymore for the first 6 weeks and it was the best decision ever. Yet I think having your parents is not very fair. The only exception I would make is for the siblings... I can read there s some history there but they are the direct siblings of the baby and if you want them to be on board with your new family, they need to feel Included in it. If you marry a men/women you also marry their kids.

Only here to say this is absolutely all about you! Your wishes first. Visitors can see your baby later. You dont need to acomodate other people, focus on you and your birth.

About you being comfortable with your own parents, 100% agree they'll be there to visit YOU first and foremost as we all know it can be a traumatic bloody ordeal (hoping it's not! and that you have a really smooth and uncomplicated time 💞) whereas you may be feeling like your PILs won't give a crap about you just your baby?
Are you not too close? Did they already hear you might have your own parents visit and not them? It doesn't sound as though you're too cosy with them anyway? If they said that in front of you is it possible they're totally unaware of you feeling vulnerable about the birth and not being too fond of them lol?
It is his child but hospital is totally about YOU and your recovery. Xx

@Jenna doesn't that sound like an awkward situation? "Don't look at me but go see my first born child in another room" lol Mum is sure to be all over baby possibly breastfeeding, possibly struggling to do that... plus learning it's a very intimate time. It isn't a competition between grandparents. When any of them meet it will be a special time but hospital is the Mother's zone. I find your comment a lil bit harsh and as for the other children that's a big assumption to make about the timeline of their relationship isn't it. You've no idea what has gone on xx

Nope, set your boundaries and stick to them

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