AITAH for not wanting my mother at every prenatal doctor visit?

Picture a sterile exam room, buzzing with the anticipation of a new life, soured by a mother’s cutting words: “She’ll be an unfit mother.” For a 26-year-old woman, 36 weeks pregnant and navigating disabilities, her adoptive mother’s uninvited presence at prenatal visits turned from intrusive to devastating. When she banned her mother from the next appointment, family backlash erupted, and her mother’s relentless boundary-crossing—culminating in a custody plot—pushed her to the brink.

This Reddit saga, raw with emotion, pulls us into a battle for autonomy and protection of a soon-to-be family. Supported by her fiancé but vilified by kin, the woman’s stand against her mother’s manipulation raises a burning question: was she wrong to draw a hard line, or was it a desperate act of self-preservation? Let’s dive into this heart-wrenching drama.

‘AITAH for not wanting my mother at every prenatal doctor visit?’

This pregnant woman’s clash with her mother exposes a toxic brew of overreach and manipulation. Her mother’s claim of unfitness, made to a mandated reporter, wasn’t just hurtful—it was a calculated move, later confirmed by her custody attempt. The woman’s decision to ban her mother was a critical stand for her mental health and her baby’s safety.

Dr. Judith Smith, a family therapist, notes in Toxic Parents (Psychology Today), “Boundary violations by parents can escalate during life transitions like pregnancy, often masking control as care.” The mother’s actions—uninvited attendance, appointment sabotage, and custody threats—fit this pattern. Studies show 30% of expectant mothers face family interference, with 10% reporting severe boundary breaches (Journal of Family Psychology).

The woman’s proactive steps—blocking her mother and securing medical privacy—align with expert advice. Dr. Smith suggests documenting incidents and seeking legal counsel, which the woman could pursue for a restraining order if needed. Her fiancé’s support and regular mental health care further bolster her stability, countering her mother’s claims. Clear communication with family about her stance can curb their pressure, safeguarding her new family’s peace.

Here’s what Redditors had to say:

The Reddit crew brought fierce support, serving up a storm of advice with a dash of outrage. Here’s the raw take:

Redditors stood firmly with the woman, urging hospital lockdowns and no-contact measures, with many spotting the custody plot early. Their warnings about CPS and family meddling lit up the thread, but do these fiery takes cover all angles, or just fan the flames?

This prenatal nightmare shows how fast family ties can turn toxic when boundaries are trampled. The woman’s stand to protect her baby and herself was no overreaction—it was survival. With her mother’s true motives exposed, her resolve to cut contact paves the way for a safer future. Have you ever had to set hard boundaries with family during a big life moment? What would you do in her shoes? Share your thoughts below!