And that was the situation today’s Original Poster (OP) found herself in—in a battle of priorities when her mother insisted she take on wedding prep duties right after giving birth. Because, apparently, cutting out paper hearts is a top-tier postpartum activity.

More info:Reddit

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Pregnant woman in lace dress sitting cross-legged on a bed, holding her belly, symbolizing motherhood challenges.

Image credits:Getty Images / Unsplash (not the actual photo)

The author was eight months pregnant but managed to perform all her maid of honor duties for her sister’s wedding planning

Image credits:pax_et_veritas

Bride embraces a guest during a wedding reception, with seated attendees and floral decorations in the background.

Image credits:freepic.diller / Freepik (not the actual photo)

Pregnant woman smiling at baby clothes while man assembles a crib in nursery.

Image credits:gpointstudio / Freepik (not the actual photo)

Pregnant woman on phone looking concerned while sitting on a sofa, discussing sister’s wedding plans.

Image credits:krakenimages.com / Freepik (not the actual photo)

However, when the author maintained that she wouldn’t be able to help, her mother started to guilt-trip her

As the maid of honor for her sister’s upcoming Septemberwedding, the OP had already gone above and beyond in organizing the bridesmaids, managing dress fittings, and planning a bachelorette weekend while eight months pregnant. But her mom still expected her to continue helping even after she gave birth.

Pregnant daughter looks frustrated as mom pressures her about sister’s wedding in living room discussion.

Image credits:shurkin_son / Freepik (not the actual photo)

According toThe Mother Chapter, life with a newborn is a huge adjustment, often leaving parents exhausted and overwhelmed. Between sleepless nights, recovery, and new responsibilities, many things take a back seat. This is why taking on extra tasks—like planning a wedding—right after childbirth can feel completely unrealistic.

This is why the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologistsemphasizesthat postpartum care is just as important as prenatal care, as complications can still arise. A strong support system of family, friends, and healthcare professionals is essential for a new mother’s recovery and well-being.

Having help is crucial during this period. This is why postpartum support should focus on assisting the OP, not adding extraresponsibilitieslike wedding tasks, which can add unnecessary stress during an already demanding time.

Mom Therapy Chicagosuggestssetting boundaries is very important, especially with one’s own parents, if they tend to be overbearing. However, they acknowledge that this is a challenge for new moms. While their intentions may be good, new moms don’t have to agree to everyvisitor piece of advice. Clear communication is key, and there’s no need to justify every decision either.

Others called out her mother’s lack of empathy and advised the OP to set firmer boundaries.

What do you think about this situation? Do you think the new mom should have set even firmer boundaries, or was her response reasonable?

Netizens suggested that the author rethink her mother’s visit altogether, given her disregard for her daughter’s postpartum needs

Reddit discussion on mom guilt-tripping pregnant daughter; comments and replies in a thread.

Text exchange about mom’s involvement in sister’s wedding planning, highlighting potential family favoritism.

Reddit comment discussing post-delivery recovery and the importance of protecting the initial weeks after birth.

Reddit comment about setting boundaries and dealing with new motherhood stress and mom guilt.

Reddit comment discusses mom guilt, advising rest for new moms facing family pressure.

Reddit comment discussing “mom guilt” and new motherhood exhaustion.

Comment discussing mom guilt, emphasizing lack of time for crafts after childbirth, mentioning postpartum challenges.

Text advising new mother on postpartum recovery and support, emphasizing rest and self-care post-delivery.

Reddit comment discusses mom guilt with a pregnant daughter, emphasizing support for new mothers postpartum.

Comment discussing mom guilt surrounding wedding responsibilities. Monika Pašukonytė

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