My MIL Insisted on Being Present for My Home Birth — But Then She Slipped Out of the Room, and I Heard Strange Voices Outside

My mother-in-law persisted in assisting me with my home birth, but as she continued to disappear, something felt very wrong. I heard ominous noises outside the instant she stepped out of the room once more. I froze when I realized what it was.

Josh’s eyes gleamed like a child on Christmas morning the minute I informed him I wanted to give birth at home. However, it paled in comparison to the response we received from his mother, Elizabeth. One might assume that we had just given her the keys to a brand-new vehicle.

“Oh, Nancy! This news is amazing!” Elizabeth put her hands together and gushed. “I just have to be there to help the two of you. I can assist you with any of your needs.”

I shot Josh a quick glance, raising an eyebrow. He seemed to be leaving this one up to me based on his shrug.

I hesitantly answered, “I don’t know, Elizabeth.” “It’s going to be pretty intense.”

She dismissed my worries. “That’s absurd! I understand, sweetheart; I’ve been there. I am aware of all you will require.”

I chewed on my lip, considering it. It wouldn’t hurt to have an additional pair of hands, would it? Additionally, Josh would be very happy if I asked his mother to assist me with our home delivery.

And I said, “Alright,” at last. “You can be there.”

Elizabeth may have startled the neighborhood dogs with her high-pitched shriek of excitement.

“You’re going to love this, Nancy,” she hugged me tightly. “I promise I’ll be the best support you could ask for.”

Finally, the big day came. With her arms full of bags, Elizabeth stormed through the door as our midwife, Rosie, was getting ready.

She exclaimed, “I’m here!” as though we may have missed her arrival. “Where do you need me?”

Just as I opened my mouth to respond, a contraction took my breath away. I clenched and moaned, and in an instant Josh was by my side, his hand on my lower back.

I managed to choke out, “Just… just put your things down for now.”

Elizabeth was fiddling with something as the contraction subsided, and her eyes were flitting all over the place. Now, her expression was more anxious than excited. And I was aware that something was very wrong.

“Are you okay?” I scowled as I asked.

Startled, she spun around. “What? Yes, indeed! Just considering how I may be of assistance. Honey, you’re doing well. Simply keep going.”

She walked out the door, murmuring something about getting me some water, before I could push any harder.

Josh gave me a tight squeeze. “Want me to talk to her?”

I gave a headshake. “No, everything is alright. Most likely, she’s just anxious. Is this our first child, then?

Elizabeth’s conduct grew more bizarre as my labor went on. She would occasionally stop by to check on me, then vanish once more. She appeared more agitated every time she came back.

I held Josh’s hand so tightly during one really strong contraction that I was afraid I might shatter it. I heard a peculiar sound when the pain subsided.

“Josh, do you hear that?” I gasped.

He tilted his head and paid attention. “Sounds like… voices?”

I nodded, glad that I wasn’t dreaming. “And is that music?”

Josh knitted his brow. He turned around and kissed my forehead. “I will investigate it. Return immediately.”

Rosie smiled at me encouragingly as he walked away. “Nancy, you’re doing fantastic. Not too long from now.”

Josh looked pale, as if he had seen a ghost, when he came back.

“What is it?” I enquired, fearing the response.

With a pained expression, he ran a hand through his hair. “This is not something you will believe. My mom is planning a celebration. within our living room.

Staring at him, I was positive I had misheard. “A what?”

“A party,” he said again, a hint of annoyance in his voice. “There are at least a dozen people out there.”

The anger that flooded through me was far worse than the agony of giving birth. I ignored my midwife’s objections and struggled to my feet.

“Nancy, you shouldn’t—”

I snarled, “I have to see this for myself.”

Josh helped me walk across to the living area. We were met with a bizarre scene. Drinks in hand, people were chatting away as if it were a laid-back Sunday cookout.

There was a poster on the wall that said, “WELCOME BABY!”

Elizabeth presided over a group of women I had never seen before while standing in the middle of everything. Not that she had noticed our coming.

“What the hell is going on here?” I growled, my voice like a razor slicing through the commotion.

When the room quieted down, everyone’s gaze came to us. Elizabeth paled when she spotted me and whirled around.

“Nancy! Lord of Heaven! How come you’re here? You should do this.

“Elizabeth, what’s going on over here?”

“Oh, I… we were just…”

“Exactly what? Making my home delivery a showpiece?”

Elizabeth dared to appear displeased. Please stop being so theatrical, Nancy. We are merely having a celebration.”

“Rejoicing? Liz, I’m about to give birth! This isn’t even a social gathering!”

Her hand was waved dismissively. You wouldn’t even be aware that we were here, haha! I assumed you would value the assistance.”

I gritted my teeth against the pain and rage as I felt a contraction starting. “Assist? This is not assistance. It’s a circus here!”

Josh moved nearer, speaking in a low, menacing tone. “Everyone must depart. Right now.”

Elizabeth made one final attempt while everyone hurried to get their belongings. “You’re overreacting, Nancy. It’s a happy occasion!”

With clipped and icy words, I turned to face her. “I was born at home.” My time. You can also go if you are unable to respect that.”

I turned and waddled back to the bedroom to continue what I started, leaving Josh to handle the fallout, without waiting for an answer.

When I had my newborn boy in my arms hours later, the drama from earlier seemed like a far-off nightmare. Josh sat next to us, caressing our infant’s cheek with awe in his eyes.

He muttered, “He’s perfect!”

I nodded, too shaken to speak. We relaxed in comfortable solitude until the enchantment was broken by a gentle tap on the door.

Elizabeth peered in, the rims of her eyes crimson. “Can I… can I come in?”

My jaw tightened. “No!”

Elizabeth’s expression twisted. “Nancy, please. I really apologize. All I want to do is see the infant.”

Reflecting on Josh, I felt torn. With understanding yet beseeching eyes, he gave me a gentle grip on my hand.

“All right. Five minutes.

Elizabeth walked in cautiously, as though she thought I might change my mind. When she got closer to the bed, her face was drawn and pallid.

“I’m very sorry, Nancy. I’m not sure what I was considering. I simply became overexcited and careless.”

I just looked at her stonily, not answering. Josh cleared his throat. “Would you like to see your grandson, Mom?”

As Josh tenderly placed our son in Elizabeth’s arms, Elizabeth nodded and began to cry. Her whole manner transformed as she held him close. The frenzy of party planning had vanished, to be replaced by a kind, incredulous grandma.

A few minutes later, I raised my voice. “It’s time for him to feed.”

Elizabeth gave me a reluctant nod and returned the baby to me. She stood at the door for a while. She whispered softly, “Thank you for letting me see him,” and walked out.

Josh turned to face me as the door shut behind her. “Are you okay?”

I gave a headshake. “Not at all. Josh, I can’t just let go and forget about what she did.”

With a nod, he drew me in. “I recognize. Together, we will solve the problem.”

I struggled with how to proceed in the weeks that followed. A small part of me wanted to take Elizabeth out of the first birthday party for our son as payback for her mischievous home birth.

It was difficult for me to even think about including her because I was still hurt and angry.

There was a better way, though, as I saw her sulk over our child throughout her visits, always mindful of our personal space and routines.

When it came time to plan the infant’s first birthday, I gave her a call.

Elizabeth? Nancy is here. I was hoping you could provide a hand with the baby’s birthday celebration the following weekend.”

There was an unbearable quiet on the other end. She finally said anything. “You’d like my assistance? following my actions?”

Indeed. Since this is the nature of family. Together, we move on, forgive, and learn.”

She answered, “Oh, Nancy,” and I could hear the tears in her voice. I’m grateful. I swear that I won’t disappoint you.”

Elizabeth kept her promise to be a role model of support and moderation throughout the celebration. As we presented our boy to our friends and relatives, she discreetly assisted in the background and grinned with pride.

She came over to me with sparkling eyes as the final guest departed. “Nancy, I appreciate you allowing me to participate in this. I realize now that you rejoice in this manner. With affection and deference.”

I grinned, see the walls thawing between us. Elizabeth is completely correct. Greetings from the family!”