Many researches find that nearly 85% of new mothers face post-birth sorrow. Gretchen, a first-time mother, is finding it difficult to adjust to motherhood, leading her to ask for some silence from her family.

Gretchen’s letter:

I gave birth 15 days ago and I’m drained. My mom moved in to help me. I told my MIL, “My family needs privacy. I’ll tell you when you can meet your grandson.” She kept on calling every day, so I ended up saying, “I don’t care if it takes months. I’m not ready yet!” She nodded.

Today, I woke up to my baby crying intensely.

My husband became pale when he saw me. I started shivering when I found out that 9 people from my husband’s family came over to our house, and nobody had told me anything. Turns out my husband was the one who had invited his mom, dad, siblings and even nephews and nieces.

I confronted him, saying that he didn’t have the right to tell them to come over without having consulted with me first.

He said, “I think you’re overreacting. It’s not like you’ve been asked to prepare food and host them for a few days.”

I felt completely strained and stressed out I saw my MIL with a victorious smile, as if she was happy that she taught me a lesson. Without saying a word, I took my purse and stormed out of my own house while still in my pajamas. Do you think I overreacted?

Yours,

Gretchen