My parents showed us so much support and encouragement. When we found out DD wasn't gaining weight and my supply was blamed, mum moved in with us for 5 days (they only lived 25 minutes drive away at the time, lol) and helped me with DD while DH was at work. She was amazing! Dad came for dinner every night and cooked for us while mum stayed. It was such a huge help, especially when I was at breaking point emotionally. They also cooked us meals to freeze for the first few weeks and had me and DD spend the whole day at their house on many occasions when DH was working. They were brilliant.

My in laws on the other hand live interstate so didn't meet DD until she was 8 weeks old. That was fine with me! MIL had lectured me about breastfeeding WHILE I was pregnant telling me how difficult it was and that as she had two children out of three that wouldn't BF that my chances of success were low too She suggested I stock up on Carnation Milk just in case She also 'told' me I must discuss the allergies her kids had with my OB (weird, I know) so we could be prepare for the fact my baby would probably have issues too.

When they visited, despite us asking if they would mind renting a house or staying in a hotel close by as we were still finding our feet and 'house guests' would make things more difficult for me, they refused and told us they wouldn't bother coming if we didn't want them to come them. MIL made it all about her and couldn't understand for a minute why having my inlaws (who are stressful under normal circumstances) as 'house guests' while we were adjusting to parenthood just added to the stress levels. DH and I both set her straight when she arrived though and she did a bit more to help than usual.

MIL lectured me about BF DD for too long each feed (DD fed frequently and for 45 mins or so each time), told us we should let her cry more before we pick her up and wearing her in the sling so much was creating a bad habit. She also told me DDs hiccups were because I over fed her. She added her washing to my never ending pile and told me it was there when for when I did my washing. She only helped with the washing a couple of times in 10 days. She wanted to put honey on DD's dummy and argued with me when I told her how that is no longer the done thing. Actually, she argued about everything I said as 'she had been a nurse looking after babies 50 years ago AND she'd raised 3 children without any issues'. Yes, my MIL was far from helpful!!