Post # 1
Member
39 posts
Newbee
Yesterday my Mother-In-Law suggested the baby call her mama when he or she is born. I’m only 10 weeks along so I know this is something to handle now but am I wrong that it bothers me she want to be called mama? Maybe I’m just possessive but I feel that I should be the only one called that. Plus I think it would confuse the baby when he or she does start talking and tries to distinguish me and Mother-In-Law. DH doesn’t think it’s a big deal but he’s willing to correct Mother-In-Law if it bugs me. What do you guys think?
Post # 2
Member
2797 posts
Sugar bee
newbie1123 : Absolutely hell no. Mama and Dada are usually the baby’s first words (because they are so easy to say- there’s a reason those sounds or variations of them, like papa, mean mom and dad in many different languages). She can pretty much be called anything else besides Mama, Mommy or Mom, in my opinion.
Post # 4
Member
8007 posts
Bumble Beekeeper
newbie1123 : Well, you’re the mama so nope. How about Nana? Mimi? Grammy? Grandma? Plenty of options other than Mom or Mama. If she asks again just reminder her that your child already has a mother…
Post # 5
Member
275 posts
Helper bee
My Mother-In-Law is awesome but I’m Mama. No way would I be okay with that.
Post # 6
Member
9436 posts
Buzzing Beekeeper
Hell no. YOU are the baby’s mother, mama, mom, mommy, and any other term of endearment that means mother. I would have laughed in my MIL’s face if she asked me something so ridiculous.
Maybe your DH doesn’t get it because the baby isn’t here yet but how would he feel if his child called someone else dad? It’s great that he’s willing to back you but I’d be lying if I said that I wouldn’t be annoyed if my DH thought it wasn’t a big deal. I feel like he must be purposefully being obtuse, because I don’t know anyone who would be okay with that.
Post # 7
Member
387 posts
Helper bee
Post # 8
Member
5995 posts
Bee Keeper
Heck no. Mama is too close to Mummy (or Mommy if you’re in North America).
On the bright side, she can’t really win this one. Unless she spend an awful lot of time child minding, baby will pick up what you say, e.g. “We’re going to Grandma’s today”, “Say hi to Grandma” etc. We distinguished grandparents by also using their first names when necessary, e.g. “Grandma Sue” and “Grandma Carol”.
Post # 9
Member
3936 posts
Honey bee
newbie1123 :
“Mama So-n-so”? Sure. “Mama”? Nope.
Post # 13
Member
2956 posts
Sugar bee
These women who have raised adult children and want to be mommy again BLOW MY MIND. And freak me out.
Post # 14
Member
940 posts
Busy bee
Nope.
And I say this even though I grew up calling one of my grandfathers “Papa”.
