My mother-in-law insisted on assisting with my home delivery, but felt terrible since she kept leaving. Unsettling sounds outside returned as she exited the room. I froze when I saw it.

When I informed Josh I wanted a home birth, his eyes lighted up like Christmas morning. It paled in comparison to his mother Elizabeth’s response. You’d think we gave her a new automobile.

“Oh, Nancy! Great news!” Elizabeth held her hands and gushed. “I must assist you both. Need anything? I can assist!”

I looked at Josh, eyebrows raised. His shrug indicated he left this to me.

“I don’t know, Elizabeth,” I stumbled. “It’s going to be pretty intense.”

She dismissed my worries. “Nonsense! I went through that, sweetheart. I know what you need.”

I chewed my lip, thinking. Maybe an additional set of hands wouldn’t hurt. Josh would appreciate me asking his mother to assist me have our baby at home.

“Alright,” I caved. “You can be there.”

Elizabeth’s high-pitched shriek of joy may have startled the local pets.

“You won’t regret this, Nancy,” she hugged me tightly. “I promise I’ll be the best support you could ask for.”

The big day came. Elizabeth rushed in with suitcases as our midwife, Rosie, prepared up her equipment.

“I’m here!” she shouted, in case we missed her. “Where do you need me?”

My breath was taken by a contraction as I prepared to respond. Josh was there instantly, holding my lower back as I strained and gasped.

“Just… just put your things down for now,” I gasped.

Elizabeth was squirming and looking about as the contraction subsided. She seemed worried rather than thrilled. I realized something was severely wrong.

“Are you okay?” Frowning, I asked.

She turned, surprised. “What? Of course! Thinking about how I can assist. You’re OK, honey. Continue pushing.”

Before I could continue, she left, grumbling about bringing me water.

I was squeezed by Josh. “Want me to talk to her?”

Shaking my head. “No problem. She’s probably anxious. Our first child, right?”

Elizabeth behaved strangely throughout my childbirth. She’d visit, inquire how I was, then go. Each reply made her more agitated.

I worried I may shatter Josh’s hand during a strong contraction. I heard a peculiar sound as the agony subsided.

I panted, “Do you hear that, Josh?”

He cocked his head to listen. “Sounds like… voices?”

I nodded, happy I wasn’t dreaming. “And is that music?”

Josh frowned. He turned after kissing my forehead. “I’ll investigate. Return soon.”

Rosie smiled encouragingly as he went. You’re doing well, Nancy. Not long.”

Josh reappeared looking like he’d seen a ghost.

“What is it?” I inquired fearing a response.

He looked hurt as he stroked his hair. You won’t believe it. Mom is having a party. In our living room.”

I gazed at him, sure I’d misheard. “A what?”

“A party,” he repeated, frustrated. “There are at least a dozen people out there.”

Labor discomfort paled in comparison to my wrath. I struggled up, rejecting my midwife’s warnings.

“Nancy, you shouldn’t—”

“I need to see this for myself,” I raged.

Josh helped me reach the living room. We encountered a bizarre scenario. People were drinking and socializing like a Sunday cookout.

A wall banner read “WELCOME BABY!”

Elizabeth was the center of attention, presiding over a gathering of unfamiliar ladies. She didn’t notice our arrival.

“What the hell is going on here?” My bellowing sliced through the conversation like a knife.

The room was quiet as everyone watched us. Elizabeth turned to look at me, pale.

“Nancy! Holy Christ! Why are you here? You should—”

“Elizabeth, what’s going on over here?”

“Oh, I… we were just…”

“Just what? My home birth as an exhibition?”

Elizabeth dare seem offended. Nancy, don’t overreact. Just celebrating!”

“Celebrating? It’s labor, Elizabeth! Not a social event!”

Her hand waved dismissively. “You wouldn’t know we were here! Hope you appreciate the help.”

A contraction made me bite my teeth against the agony and wrath. “Support? Not support. This circus!”

Josh advanced, his voice low and threatening. Everyone must go. Now.”

Elizabeth tried one final time as others gathered their things. You’re overreacting, Nancy. A happy event!”

I approached her with chilly remarks. My home birth. Time for me. Leave if you can’t respect that.”

Without waiting for an answer, I turned and waddled back to the bedroom to finish, leaving Josh to clean up.

As I held my newborn kid, the drama seemed like a faraway nightmare. Josh touched our baby’s face alongside us, his eyes wide with surprise.

He muttered, “He’s perfect!”

Too stunned to speak, I nodded. We relaxed until a quiet doorknock interrupted the stillness.

Elizabeth showed her red-rimmed eyes. “Can I… can I come in?”

My jaw tightened. “No!”

Crumpled Elizabeth’s face. “Please, Nancy. I’m sorry. Just show me the baby.”

I stared at Josh conflicted. He softly clasped my hand, his eyes understanding yet begging.

“Fine. Five minutes.”

Elizabeth approached hesitantly, as if worried I’d alter my mind. She approached the bed with a pale, drawn face.

I’m sorry, Nancy. Not sure what I was thinking. I got carried away with excitement.”

I gazed at her in silence. Cleared his throat. “Would you like to see your grandson, Mom?”

Elizabeth nodded, crying as Josh tenderly placed our kid in her arms. Her whole manner shifted as she held him. A sweet, awe-struck grandma replaced the party-planning rush.

A few minutes later, I said. “It’s time for him to feed.”

Elizabeth nodded and grudgingly returned the infant. She waited at the entrance. “Thank you for letting me see him,” she said before departing.

Josh looked at me as she closed the door. “Are you okay?”

Shaking my head. “No. Josh, I can’t forget what she did.”

He nodded, drawing me closer. I get it. This will be resolved jointly.”

I struggled to go on for weeks. I intended to remove Elizabeth from our son’s first celebration to avenge her home birth misdeeds.

I was still furious and upset, making it hard to include her.

I saw her love our kid throughout her visits, always respecting our space and routines, and I understood there was a better way.

I phoned her to plan the baby’s first party.

“Elizabeth? It’s Nancy. Please help me prepare for the baby’s celebration next weekend.”

The other end was deafeningly silent. Finally, she spoke. Want my help? After I did?”

“Yes. Because families do this. Forgiving, learning, and moving ahead together.”

“Oh, Nancy,” she said, crying. Thank you. I won’t disappoint.”

Elizabeth lived true to her promise by being calm and supportive during the gathering. She silently assisted, smiling with delight as we presented our kid to friends and relatives.

She approached me with gleaming eyes after the last visitor departed. “Nancy, thanks for including me. I now understand how you rejoice. Love and respect.”

I grinned, letting our boundaries fall. That’s perfect, Elizabeth. Come join the family!”