40 answers

House Guest After Miscarriage??

Hello. I recently had a miscarriage. On June 16th my husband and I along with our 16 month old daughter went to our 12 week ultrasound appointment. We found out that our baby had died at 8 weeks. There was no heartbeat and the baby had stopped growing at 8 weeks. I had NO signs of a miscarriage so as you can imagine it was shocking and literally took us to our knees in desbelief. I layed there on the sonogram table sobbing. We had heard the hearbeat at 6 weeks and thought everything was fine. The Dr. gave me the choice of either waiting for a natural miscarriage at home (which she said could take up to 3 weeks) or I could have a d&c. I opted for the surgery. I couldn't imagine having to go through that at home and just wait for it. I had already been what felt like a walking grave for 4 weeks without even knowing it. I had the d&c on June 18th. It was horrible and I have nightmares about what they did to me while I was asleep. I am completely devastated. It is now 3 weeks after the d&c and I'm starting to feel better!! Until this evening. My husband told me last week that his grandfather wanted to stay with us for a month. And no... not because he was concerned for us. He lives out of state with his youngest daughter and her family. His wife still lives here but doesn't have much to do with him (which is why he lives out of state now). He has slight dementia and he would need to be cared for... meals cooked and reminded of his medicine throughout the day. I know how much my husband loves his grandfather so it was incredibly difficult for me to tell him how I felt. But I decided to tell him the next day. I told him that it had only been 2 weeks and I was NOT up to having a houseguest for even a couple of days. He said he understood and that he would take care of it. He has a history of not being able to tell his family no... but in this case I really thought he would take care of it. My husband had even told me that he thought the real reason his grandpa wanted to come stay with us that long was because he really wanted to try to see his wife that lives here. After telling me that his grandpa was going to go visit his sons in another state and that he still wanted to fly in for a week to stay with us first, I again told him there was no way I could handle that. My husband works a lot and I am a stay at home mom. His grandfather is known for having "heart to hearts" and I just couldn't bare it. He also has said pretty negative things about me to my husband in fits of rage he has had due to problems he has had with his wife and family here. It's really a soap opera so I'd rather not get into it. He's never apologized for it but I have done everything I can for him when he visits. I cook and clean and remind him of his medicine. I am absolutely not up for ANY houseguest that is actually going to be staying even a night here. Caring for his grandpa isn't the issue or even being alone with him... it is the fact that right now my home is my sanctuary... I don't have to put on a happy face for other people while I"m here... (My daughter makes me incredibly happy so there is absolutely NO faking when I am playing with her during the day) My husband told me this evening that his grandfather is coming on July 25th (Sat.) and will leave on July 27th (Mon.). I was shocked. I felt alone in this miscarriage to begin with... I thought it was just female thing because I was the one going through the physical part of it... now I truly feel alone. I don't have family or many friends to talk to about any of this. I have been dealing with it on my own and have actually been doing REALLY WELL. But I feel like this is absolutely the straw that broke the camel's back. I feel like just giving up and giving in to the depression and devastation of the miscarriage. I told my husband that he needed to call his family back and tell them no. We got in a fight. I am pretty sure the tickets have already been purchased as of a few hours ago. I'm just not ready for a houseguest. I am not ready to have to get the house ready for a guest and I"m not ready to entertain one no matter how long they would be here for. Has anyone experienced this? Am I being over dramatic? It would only have been a month ago when I had the surgery when his grandpa would come to visit. I should also include that my husband hasn't even talked to his grandpa about ANY of this. His aunt has been calling the entire time trying to book flights for his grandpa. She is NOT pushy is the least way. My husband has really made me feel very small and unheard. Like my feelings and words mean nothing. He says that he thought that I just didn't want to be alone with his grandpa during the week while my husband was at work. I told him that it was not what I had said... I had said that I was not up for having a houseguest no matter who it was or for how long. I feel like my husband is just saying that so he can hide behind why he didn't tell them no. I feel like his family is going to think badly of me if they have to pay more money to change the ticket for his flight. Thank you for listening. I'm so sorry this is so long!!

What can I do next?

More Answers

I know what you want to hear is just confirmation of your feelings, and I do agree with you, you have been through a terrible ordeal. But at the same time, it sounds like your husband has been working through it with you and has tried to make the grandfather's trip as short as possible but he still feels obligations to his family. A big part of marriage (the biggest part) is compromise. I think it would actually do you some good to have someone visit so you aren't alone in your own thoughts for a while. You're going to be married to this man for a lifetime, his (your) family will only be in town for two days. Take this opportunity to be the hero. I know you'll feel better for it and it will help you get your mind off things for a while.

1 mom found this helpful

I'm just going to tell you the first thing that popped into my head after reading your story...

Tell your hubby he is on his own when the grandpa gets there and take your daughter to a nice hotel with a pool for the weekend. It might be nice for you to have a little girls weekend of relaxation with your daughter. You tried to tell him and he didn't listen so, in my opinion, it his problem now and he can deal with it!

Sorry if it sounds harsh. I have never had a miscarriage or a family situation like yours. But, I feel for you and will pray it all goes ok, whatever you decide to do. God Bless!

T.

1 mom found this helpful

J.,

I have to say that my heart breaks for you. And I understand what you are going though. We delivered our 3rd child Jody Michael on April 10th. He grew his wings an hour after being born. We knew of his condition for many months and chose to carry to term with the hope that he would survive for just a while to be showered in love.

I had a similar situation with my parents, his services were a week after he passed. My parents had known for so long that no matter what his condition was fatal. When they were on their way to AZ for his services they called to say they would be here the next day. I said “okay we have a ton of stuff to finish so we will call you when we are done” then proceeded to ask where they were staying. My mom indicated with us. She had never asked to stay with us or even broached the conversation, just assumed our door was open. I am much like your husband and have a very hard time saying no to my family. But I did draw the line, I requested that they stay at a hotel. My parents are high maintenance, they expect to be waited on when they are here and it was just more then I wanted to take on. My dad threw a fit, which left me feeling very alone.

Know that you are not wrong. Given what you have just gone through your husband should be understanding. It is not a lot to ask, but you should tell him (if I am correct) that in time you will be ready for company. If he explained to the Aunt what was going on then she would be understanding.

You do not stand alone in the loss that you have experienced. It is something no matter how long you carried your child that is heartbreaking and far more devastating then most people imagine.

Know that if you would like to talk please feel free to email me.

You can read about our journey at www.carlajoe.vox.com.

1 mom found this helpful

maybe your husband needs the visit to help him cope with the loss. it seems he's done a lot to a least compromise from 1 month down to 3 days, and over a weekend when he'll be home. i think you need to talk to him about the miscarraige and his feelings, too.

1 mom found this helpful

Hi J.,
I'm so glad you posted this. I am typing through my blurry tear filled eyes. I had a miscarriage the same as you. D&C two days later. Two longest days of my life. Only someone who has been there can understand the feeling of being a "walking grave" for your own child. All this happend to me two weeks after my dad died. I have another son(3 years at the time)and I ran a daycare from my house. To make matters even worse one of the moms who's children I watched (also a good friend) was pregnant too. We were only a week apart. Depression was hanging over me like a dark cloud. The only thing that got me through it were prayers and well wishes from the people who loved me. My chuch put me on the prayer chain and I have to say I could feel it. I don't know where you stand with prayer but I will pray for you as some other moms said they would too. Try not to be angry with your clueless husband. Fathers really just don't get it. They don't have the connection we moms do. He may seem heartless at times (mine did), but he doesn't know how to treat you. He knows your suffering and he wants to help, but sometimes his help make things worse. Trust me, he loves you, he is just waiting for his wife to come back. In the mean time he will often be an idiot! You can do what ever feels right for the weekend his grandpa will be there, I just wanted to talk to you about the miscarriage. You would not believe how many others have been there. Sometimes it help to know you are NOT alone!

Dear God, Please wrap your loving arms around J. and let her know her baby is safe with You. While this seems like the end of the world, remind her that You have a plan for her and her children here and in heaven. Give her a feeling of peace in knowing that she is not alone. You are there with her.

Did you feel it? You will get through this and there is so much happiness on the other side, trust me.

1 mom found this helpful

First. Number One. Your husband should do as you ask if you really can't take it. Marriage is more important than any other family relationship - including parents, grandparents, and children. Number two. You should ask why he felt pressured to take his grandfather against your wishes. Maybe the reason is something you hadn't thought of. Let him know that you appreciate him being caring about his grandfather, but that your health (including mental health) is more important. Number three. If you really can't take care of him (and it could be a good thing to get your mind off it if you could manage for a few days - depending on how bad off you are), then find somewhere else for him while he is here - a hotel, or whatever. Then go over there while he is here to make sure he gets his meds and eats. Let him visit your daughter for a few minutes - at the hotel - do not let him come to your house. Number four. Have your husband go over when he gets home from work to spend time with him. Be firm about not letting the grandfather in your house. Also, let your husband that you may be able to have him at some time in the future, but now now. Assure him (your husband) of your love for him. Good luck!

big hugs to you, mama - I also had a miscarriage similiar to the situation you described. Can you ask your husband if he can do as much as possible to take his grandpa around town and be out of the house? That way you can still have some time to yourself. I know it doesn't seem fair or even right, but if your husband's grandpa already has some health issues then your husband may be wanting to spend a little time with him before things get really bad and the grandpa doesn't know him. If that makes sense at all. Your recent loss may have put in his mind - even subconsciously - the idea that life is very precious and every day is a gift so we have to embrace it (similiar to feelings you may have discovered about your daughter) so perhaps he just wants to spend that time with grandpa.

another idea is to have the grandma keep grandpa at her house - it's only for 2 nights! your husband wouldn't get to spend that time with him, which is what I think he really wants - but it would get grandpa out of your house which is what I think you need.

I am sorry if this seems disconnected - I am typing furiously while my kids sleep. :) I wanted to respond and at least tell you how sorry I am about your loss. Also, have you considered medication for the hormones/depression? I had to take some for a little bit after mine. Like you, it was about a month after that things got the worse. My doctor told me it was like post-partum depression because my body wasn't pregnant anymore - but also I didn't have a baby either so my hormones & mental state were even more unbalanced.

I recently had my second miscarriage, at about 8 weeks for both like you. You have to remember that having a miscarriage is much like giving birth. You are still changing hormonally back to your pre-pregnancy state. For me, this was a big adjustment. (You know how you have that "crying time" about 5 or so days after giving birth? Well, this is the same only 10 times worse and lasts longer!) Watch yourself for postpardum depression, especially a desire to hurt yourself or others is a sign that you need help from your physician.

I know that you just want to wallow in your grief right now(I did!)and that's okay for a while. Relax if you can and try not to worry too much about this visit from your husband's grandfather. By the end of the month, you should be feeling much better and, although you may not believe me now, you will find that it will feel good to have some distraction from thinking about what you've been through recently. Be thankful that your husband was willing to shorten the visit, and remember that your relationship with your husband is the most important one you have!

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