My mother-in-law insisted on helping with my home birth, but something felt terribly wrong as she kept slipping out. The moment she left the room again, I heard unsettling voices outside. When I saw what it was, I froze.
The moment I told Josh I wanted a home birth, his eyes lit up like a kid on Christmas morning. But it was nothing compared to the reaction we got from his mother, Elizabeth. You’d think we’d just handed her the keys to a brand-new car.

A pregnant couple sitting on a wooden bench | Source: Unsplash
“Oh, Nancy! This is wonderful news!” Elizabeth gushed, clasping her hands together. “I simply must be there to support you both. I can help with anything you need!”
I exchanged a glance with Josh, my eyebrows raised. His shrug told me he was leaving this one up to me.
“I don’t know, Elizabeth,” I said, my voice hesitant. “It’s going to be pretty intense.”
She waved off my concerns. “Nonsense! I’ve been through it myself, dear. I know exactly what you’ll need.”