Grandparents already fighting over who spends more time with newborn

[Anonymous]

Your step MIL is awesome to offer to do this, and your mom and MIL need to back off and let your little family do what is best for you.

That said, I join the chorus of folks encouraging you to stay at home and set boundaries. Being a new mom you can out your foot down in ways you hadn't done before. Practice some lines to use with them and say them out loud like mantras until they are second nature. "Thanks for stopping in but the baby and I both need a nap now, so we'll see you tomorrow!" "I appreciate your offer to hold the baby but I really just need some privacy to nurse and bond with him. If you'd be willing to help out with the dinner and dishes, I would really appreciate it!" "Thanks but we have had a lot of visitors lately and we really need a couple of days to ourselves." Etc.

The last point I'll make is about your MIL as an LC. I had 2 different LC's in the hospital and 2 out of the hospital. One was great, we clicked, and she worked wonders. One was really pushy and kept insisting I do things s certain way that just wasn't right for me and the baby. It was uncomfortable enough firing her after 2 visits, b/c she was really attentive and kept calling and texting to see if I was ok. I can't imagine how much worse it would have felt if she was observing my every nursing session. What if you didn't like how she wanted you to nurse? What if you felt judged by her presence? Another reason to keep your home as your bounday.