Dinner last night with SO, his dad and step mum involvd the usual family pollitics and of course 'baby talk'. FIL gave me the opening I need to mention my plans for the birth when he said "Of course you have to ring me as soon as you go into labour so I can come down".

I thanked him for wanting to be there but explained that I feel the birth is a very personal and private time. SO and I would not be calling anyone until after bubs had been born and we were settled. FIL then proceeded to tell me how selfish this was and how it wasn't how things were done in there family. Before I had a chance to reply SMIL told him to grow up and respect our wishes. She said she agreed with me and that during labour the last thing I would need would be the stress of them all there waiting. She was fantastic.

On the way home SO however was not quite so understanding. We ended up having yet another arguement. He said he would call whoever he wanted whenever he wanted. So I said that would be fine but if anyone turned up at the hospital before I was ready for people to be there he wouldn't be in the birthing room either. I need his support, not to be put in a possition where I feel like a sideshow for his controlling, obsessive family and friends.