“When Support Became Control: The Night My Mother-in-Law Hijacked Our Birth Plan”

When I went into labor, we had a clear plan: my husband would take me to the hospital, and my mother-in-law would bring my mom, kids, and grandmother so they could support me.

She arrived alone, saying it didn’t make sense to pick everyone up yet—even though my mom doesn’t drive at night and my grandmother needs help walking. I labored in pain while she scrolled on her phone.

My husband finally called an Uber so my family could come. I delivered a healthy baby, but the hurt stuck—especially when my MIL later bragged about “using her judgment” instead of following the plan.

I stopped relying on her and set firm boundaries.

Months later, she did the same thing during her own daughter’s labor and was finally confronted. Not long after, she apologized, admitting she hadn’t listened or respected our needs.

The lesson: real support isn’t control. It’s listening, respecting boundaries, and showing up the way someone asks—especially in vulnerable moments.