When I was a few weeks from labour, I had a conversation with my husband where I requested that my mom come over and help me take care of the baby. He didn’t agree. He said we would manage and that my mom was old, so we should allow her to rest.

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My mom was ready to come over. I’d already told her about it, and she was excited to be with us, but because of what my husband said, I had to find a way to tell her that I could manage.

Two weeks after delivery, my husband came home with his mom. That shouldn’t have been a problem, but the problem was, he didn’t bring his mom in to help me. His mom had been sick for several months, and according to him, there was no one to care for her, so he brought her home for me to take care of.

I told him, “In my condition? How can I take care of your mom when I need someone to take care of me?” He answered, “You’re in the house every day. Can’t you give her food and help her take her medicine?”

His mom is almost immobile. You have to help her sit up and also help her walk. Sometimes, you have to put food in her mouth if it’s liquid. I couldn’t argue much because his mom was already there.

He would wake up, go to work, and leave all the work to me. My baby would cry for help while I was busy helping his mom bathe. Doing it for a week made me sick. There was no rest for me. When my baby was asleep and I could sleep, I would be attending to his mom.

I told him, “I’m going to spend the rest of my maternity leave with my parents. I will get help there.” He asked me, “And who will take care of Mom?” I answered, “You’re here. Your sisters are also there living their lives. Any of them can come and live here and help.”

His anger didn’t shake me. I brushed off his emotional blackmail and left with the baby. I’m not angry. He’s the one who’s angry and calling me names. He hasn’t called since I’ve been here. I’m the one who calls. I learned there’s an aunt of his who comes to help. He’s currently fighting with his sisters to find a way to help.

I Was Fine Until I Was Alone In My Room

That is my backstory. I sleep soundly here. My mom takes care of everything while I rest until my baby cries. Who doesn’t need this comfort? After my maternity leave, I will go back home. He should bring it on.

—Sylvia 

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