My husband and I recently moved to a new area where we don’t know anyone. We’re about 3 months in, and I’m 7 weeks postpartum with my first baby. I’ve been finding motherhood quite overwhelming, especially without my usual support network, and I’m still adjusting at my own pace.
My sister-in-law messaged me saying she feels disappointed in how I treat my mum compared to hers, and that this is affecting her distance from me. She also offered to connect me with a friend who has a similar-aged baby.
I replied explaining that I’m still adjusting to new motherhood, feeling vulnerable, and only recently becoming comfortable accepting help from my own mum. I said I’m not ready to accept help from her mum yet, and that I need time and space to do things at my own pace, while still appreciating the offer of support.
I’m now wondering if I’m being unfair for feeling more comfortable with my own mum right now, or if my sister-in-law is being unfair in expecting equal treatment between the two grandmothers at this stage.
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I don’t think you have done anything wrong at all. You’re going through a lot, rather than digging at you, why doesn’t she ask how they can make you feel more comfortable and support you in different ways? Postpartum is a very complex thing, and the fact you said you’ve only just accepted help from your own mum, means that you’re not even singling anyone out, of course you’re going to be more comfortable with your own mum that’s normal. It’s not like you are saying they aren’t allowed to see their grandchild either. I’d say just try and explain how you’re feeling and that you are trying your best but need their support rather than judgement or criticism . You’ve just had a baby you need comfort not criticism xx
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