'MIL Tried to Breastfeed My Baby..' -- Reddit Story Reactions

TL;DR

Mother-in-law tries to breastfeed her grandchild without permission, causing distress to the parents.

Transcript

am i the [ __ ] for not wanting my mother-in-law to take care of my baby after she tried to breastfeed him oh my gosh is that okay before i get yelled at is that like a thing you don't do that right you can't just breastfeed other people but what if you're both lactating different you can't right because you can you can yeah like that's like if you... Read More

Key Insights

• ❓ Breastfeeding without permission is a violation of boundaries and trust.
• 👪 Trusting family members with childcare can be a more cost-effective option than hiring professional caregivers.
• 👮 The cultural and emotional dynamics between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law play a significant role in childcare decisions.
• 😨 It is essential to establish clear expectations and boundaries when entrusting others with the care of your child.
• 👶 Checking baby monitors to ensure the well-being of the child is a reasonable and responsible action for parents.
• 😒 The use of pacifiers can provide a suitable alternative for soothing a baby.
• 💦 Each family's situation is unique, and what works for one may not work for another.

Questions & Answers

Q: Is it normal for a mother-in-law to breastfeed her grandchild?

No, it is not normal or acceptable for a grandparent to breastfeed a grandchild without permission. Breastfeeding is a personal choice and the baby's parents should have the final say.

Q: Would pacifiers be a better alternative in this situation?

Yes, pacifiers are a commonly used tool to soothe babies. There are various types available that resemble nipples, providing a sucking mechanism without the need for actual breastfeeding.

Q: Should the mother give her mother-in-law another chance to watch the baby?

It depends on the level of trust and comfort the mother has. If she feels that the mother-in-law can learn from her mistake and respects boundaries, a second chance could be given with clear expectations and guidelines.

Q: Is the mother being unreasonable for not wanting the grandmother to watch the baby anymore?

No, the mother is not being unreasonable. It is her choice as a parent to decide who can care for her child, especially if she feels violated and uncomfortable due to the grandmother's actions.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• A mother-in-law, who provides free childcare for her grandchild, attempts to breastfeed the baby without permission.

• The mother caught her in the act through a baby monitor and confronted her.

• The mother-in-law argues that she was just trying to calm the baby down, while the mother feels violated and wants to end her childcare services.