‘My MIL tried to change my baby’s name at the hospital, so I kicked her out’

"She left, but has been telling family members a different story."

Making decisions about your child's name can become a battleground for conflicting opinions. 

You love one name, but your partner hates it.

Your sister suggests one, but it reminds you of a school bully.

You worry about whether people will pronounce it properly and whether finding a novelty keyring with their name on it is a big deal or not.

One Reddit user recently shared her experience with naming her child and sought validation for her decision to kick her mother-in-law (MIL) out of the delivery room for attempting to influence a significant choice that should be reserved for the parents only.

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The backstory

The user, a 29-year-old new mum, explained that she and her husband had chosen to name their newborn son after her father, with the middle name paying homage to the husband's grandfather. 

This decision held deep sentimental value for the couple, particularly for the mother, who had lost her father at the tender age of 14.

As the day of delivery approached, the mother expressed a desire for a private birthing experience with only her husband present. 

However, her MIL, known for her strong opinions, barged into the delivery room, offering unsolicited advice on the baby's name and other parenting matters.

“The day I was due, I only wanted husband there,” she shared.

“He drove me to the hospital and MIL walks into the room and starts babbling on about the baby's name, feeding schedules, etc. I kept it together as best as I could.”

Post-birth, the MIL persisted in trying to change the baby's name, going so far as to inquire with the hospital staff about the legality of doing so. 

Accusations were hurled, suggesting that the new mum was manipulating her husband into the chosen name. 

“[She}was trying to talk [my] husband into convincing me to change the name. She asked the nurses if she could legally change his name [and] even went as far as to accuse me of controlling husband.”

After reaching breaking point, the new mum demanded her MIL leave the room, firmly declaring that the chosen name would remain unchanged.

“I yelled at her to get out of the room and we will not be changing the name. She left and has been telling family members a different story.”

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This special moment was marred by an entitled MIL. Source: iStock

The drama continues

In the aftermath, the MIL painted a different narrative to family members, creating a rift between relatives, who are now asking for an apology from the new mum. 

“My husband has been sticking up for me and told her that nothing will be changed. If she continues, we will be cutting her off from seeing her grandson,” she wrote.

“Now, most of her side of the family are calling me names and demanding I apologise to MIL. She has texted me a few times, calling me an A**hole.

“Am I the A**hole for kicking her out?”

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Absolutely not!

The thread was inundated with support for the new mum, with the post amassing over 600 comments.

One user wrote, “Barging into the delivery room where you are unwanted is already a huge A**hole move.

“Barging in and demanding to change the baby's name, and even asking the nurses how she can do this legally?? Wow. I just... wow.”

Another advised, “Cut her off now. She doesn’t deserve a relationship with your family.”

A third gave words of support and shared, “Wow, your MIL is a handful! Stay strong, and enjoy your little one.”

This article was updated in June 2024. 

Originally published as ‘My MIL tried to change my baby’s name at the hospital, so I kicked her out’