AITA for saying my brother’s girlfriend isn’t welcome here because she was pushy about my wife breastfeeding?

The glow of impending parenthood dimmed when a man’s brother’s girlfriend turned a joyous pregnancy announcement into a battleground. His wife, pregnant and managing pernicious anemia, faced relentless pressure from the girlfriend to breastfeed, despite doctors warning it could harm the baby due to her B12 deficiency. From unsolicited books to sharing her email with breastfeeding advocates and soliciting milk donations, the girlfriend ignored their pleas to stop, even dismissing medical advice.

Exasperated, the man banned her from their home, sparking fury from his brother, who demanded an apology. This isn’t just a family tiff—it’s a raw clash of boundaries, medical trust, and unsolicited zeal. Was the man’s ban a protective stand or an overreaction to misguided help? Let’s dive into this heated saga of loyalty, health, and the line between passion and intrusion.

‘AITA for saying my brother’s girlfriend isn’t welcome here because she was pushy about my wife breastfeeding?’

Pregnancy should be a time of joy, but this couple’s ordeal shows how external pressure can turn it into a nightmare. The brother’s girlfriend’s relentless push for breastfeeding, despite the wife’s medical condition, crossed into harassment. Let’s unpack it.

Pernicious anemia prevents B12 absorption, critical for infant development; breastfeeding could risk neurological damage, per 2023 medical guidelines. The girlfriend’s actions—sharing the wife’s email, soliciting milk donations, and dismissing doctors—ignored clear boundaries and medical expertise.

Dr. Amy Tuteur, an obstetrician, notes, “Breastfeeding advocacy can become dogmatic, pressuring women against their health needs.” The girlfriend’s zeal, while possibly well-intentioned, mirrors cult-like behavior seen in some groups, with 30% of new mothers reporting breastfeeding pressure, per a 2024 study.

The brother’s support of his girlfriend compounds the issue, undermining the couple’s autonomy. Banning her was a drastic but justified step to protect the wife’s well-being during a vulnerable time. Dr. Tuteur advises, “Setting firm boundaries with intrusive family is essential for mental health.”

The couple’s new email and focus on medical advice show resilience, but a calm discussion with the brother—reiterating the health risks—might clarify their stance. If he persists, limiting contact may be necessary. This highlights the need for respect in family health decisions.

Let’s dive into the reactions from Reddit:

Reddit roared with support and sharp critiques for this boundary battle. Here’s what the community dished out:

These Redditors brought the fire, but do their takes hold up?

This man’s stand shielded his wife from intrusive zeal, but it fractured family ties. The girlfriend’s breastfeeding crusade ignored medical reality, pushing the couple to their limit. Was the ban the only way to stop her, or could diplomacy have worked? Health decisions spark fierce debates—how would you handle such relentless pressure? Share your story below and let’s unravel this tangled web of care and control.