In-laws insist on meeting newborn days after birth despite new mom's plea they have a week alone: 'Having people I’m not all that close with in my space while I’m recovering from childbirth seems like a nightmare to me'

Boundaries exist for a reason, and it's our job to enforce our own.

We're all told about the importance of maintaining our own boundaries. It's not an easy thing to do. We might be used to people-pleasing and compromising on our own happiness to make everything okay. But there are a few instances in which we should never do this, and the time after having a child is one of them. It's a tough time for the person who just gave birth, and a magical time all the same. It would be easy to get overwhelmed by others in our space. If you're the type of person who recharges when you're alone, you might want to protect that time with your life. You'll already be sleep-deprived, so it's not a good time to mess with your routine. You might want help from your extended family, but sometimes help comes at too steep a cost.

It's understandable that in-laws and grandparents would be excited to meet their first grandchild. After all, they're part of the family. It's a huge event for them as well. But there is always time in the world to do that. The priority should be keeping everyone safe and happy, and that's easier to do in a small bubble. It's understandable that you would want to keep the circle small at first. After all, it's your baby, and you should be allowed to set your own boundaries. It's your time to assert that as a parent.

01

via Wes Hicks

_{^{The image does not depict the actual subjects of the story. Subjects are models.}}
Advertisement
But in-laws don't always understand that. They see things from their point of view, and it's not always easy to compromise. So how should you go about rectifying that situation? Should you just give in to their demands and compromise on your own, or should you hold the line and risk jeopardizing your relationship with your family? One woman found herself in that situation when expecting her first child. Everyone was excited, but she wanted to keep a reasonable visiting window. Scroll on to read the whole story and decide what you think about it. And see what commenters had to say about it.
02
Am I overreacting for feeling like my in laws don't respect my postpartum boundaries?

via u/indigo-swan
03

via u/indigo-swan
04

via u/indigo-swan
Advertisement
05

via u/indigo-swan
06
Commenters agreed that she should try to keep the boundary.

via u/Old-Explanation9430
Advertisement
07

via u/Open-Trouble-7264
08

via Unsplash+ (Getty Images)

_{^{The image does not depict the actual subjects of the story. Subjects are models.}}
Advertisement
09

via u/Open-Trouble-7264
10

via u/retro_term
11

via u/No_Expert5538
Advertisement
12

via u/indigo-swan
13

via u/_Averix
14

via u/Historical_Pick6280
Advertisement
15

via u/DistinctBlueberry818
16

via u/DistinctBlueberry818
17

via u/Mushrooms24711
Advertisement
18

via u/GiddyGabby
19

via u/GiddyGabby
20

via u/Life-Boysenberry955
Advertisement
21

via u/sunshine_buta_bikitt
22

via u/PoisonlvyWithOCD
23

via u/PoisonlvyWithOCD
Advertisement
24

via u/PoisonlvyWithOCD
25

via u/Anxious-Tea8778