Parenting can be challenging, especially when other people’s opinions affect your choices. Recently, a woman had a fight with her husband because her sister-in-law was interfering with how she raised their baby. This conflict between what she wants to do and what her family expects made her ask our editorial team for advice on how to handle the situation and find a solution.

Here’s her story

My husband (35) and I (32) just welcomed our baby into the world, and we’ve been navigating parenthood together. Breastfeeding exclusively has been challenging, I won’t deny that. While I’m fine nursing in the privacy of our home, I prefer to be discreet when feeding in public.

Recently, my sister-in-law, who has been married for five years and is struggling with infertility, came to town seeking treatment at a nearby fertility hospital. To support her, my husband invited her to stay with us for the two weeks of her treatment, making it more convenient for her to receive her injections and attend doctor appointments.

Last night, while I was in my room nursing our baby, hunger struck, so I went down to the kitchen for a snack while still feeding my baby. I didn’t think much of it since I was in my own house and simply tending to my baby’s needs.

My sister-in-law, who was also in the kitchen, noticed me.

She instantly ran to my husband, who was watching TV in the sitting room opposite to the kitchen, and she whispered something into his ear. Looking displeased, my husband came to me and said, “From today on, you refrain from breastfeeding in front of my sister. It’s making her uncomfortable. Given her current struggles with fertility, she’s feeling particularly sensitive, and it would be helpful if you showed some empathy!”

I didn’t appreciate his tone, so I firmly asserted my right to breastfeed my baby openly in our own home, especially considering his sister was just a guest.

However, he insisted I do it in our bedroom until she left.

Feeling frustrated, I reminded him that it was my decision, not his, and that I couldn’t accommodate her discomfort for the entire two-week stay. This led to an argument, and I expressed my willingness to leave the house to him and his sister if my actions were causing such distress.

This morning, my husband left to work without speaking to me, clearly upset. Now, I find myself at home with my baby and sister-in-law, unsure of how to move forward. I question whether my actions were selfish, but I can’t see how it’s practical for me to restrict breastfeeding in my own home for two weeks.

Any guidance on how to navigate this situation would be greatly appreciated.