Hi All

I wonder if anyone has a similar story and give me some tips on how to deal with my very-excited MIL...

I would like to say at the outset I love my MIL and have always gotten along very well with her. I would like to handle this situation so that her feelings are considered as she really is doing a lot to help us get ready for the baby and I don't want her to feel I don't appreciate that. As with all MILs she can be a little nuts sometimes - but nothing I haven't been able to handle... so far.

MIL has been desperate for grandchildren for some time and my DP's older brother doesn't look like having any. DP is now also in his 30s, so it's probably just our kids that she'll have as grandkids. She lives alone, although she has a lovely BF that will be honorary Grandpa.

She has been knitting and buying frantically since we told her we were pg. It's now stepped up a notch to saying she'd like to come to the u/s (NO!) and she has hinted how much she'd love to be at the birth (NO! NO! NO!). My own Mum and sisters live interstate, but I wouldn't even want them there!! Now she's saying she will come to the hospital while I'm in labour and wait. I don't think this is a good idea, and I've said it will only distract DP and best to wait until after everything is over.

BUT - I don't really want her (or anyone else) to come right away. I would like to see how we feel and maybe even postpone visitors until the following day. I have said if she is intending to come to the hospital while we're giving birth we won't tell her until afterwards, but how do I now break the news that I might not want to see her until the next day?

BTW, DP totally supports whatever I want to do and will 'handle' his Mum, but I think it might be better coming from me.

I know I am going to have the same kind of issues after baby is born as well IYKWIM. Any advice from someone who's dealt with this??