They told her they “always” get their vaccines.
One mum turned to the internet for advice after finding out that her in-laws had lied to her about getting the flu vaccine before they met her newborn.
She explained that she and her partner had asked everyone to get the flu vaccine before he was born.
They were told by her mum-in-law that it wouldn’t be a problem because they “always” get their vaccines.
The mum’s post on What to Expect continued:
“A couple of weeks later SO and I asked if everyone had a chance to vaccinate and they all said yeah.
“We didn’t think anything of it. Our LO [little one] was born.
“We had strict rules put into place. Always wash hands before holding baby, don’t bother coming over if you’re sick, and wear a small blanket over your clothes when holding LO [little one]. Small blanket was due to MIL and SIL coming over smelling like they bathed in perfume which used to make LO [little one] break out.
“They swore it was their ‘natural scent’ but their ‘natural scent’ magically disappeared once they got tired of following the blanket rule.”
After a few months had gone by, the woman was talking to her sister-in-law one day about her baby’s upcoming shots.
She recalled:
“A few months go by and I’m casually talking to SIL about LO’s upcoming shots and she said ‘aww poor baby. I haven’t had shots since I was little!’
“I was very upset. I never told SO though I just started limiting visits.
“Well I’m pregnant again. I am wondering how to go about the flu shot topic.
“My sister has had 3 employees pass away within this past month just because of the flu.
“I know my baby will be born right after flu season is over but I would still like to take that extra precaution.
“I was thinking of sending a group text letting everyone know if they don’t get their shots they will not be around LO2 until he gets his shots.
“I also want to ask for proof since they lied to us last time. I don’t really know how to say it without coming off rude.
“I plan on talking to SO tonight but he’s the type who doesn’t care if it comes off rude. I was just wondering if anyone had any suggestions?”
Many of the replies were from parents who were outraged that the family would lie to the new mum.
One person said:
“Personally I’m not a vaccine person, however I’d be furious if they lied about it. I honestly would have said something to your SIL right away.”
Someone else added:
“With the flu season as bad as at it i say be blunt.
“Send an email or whatever and say in no uncertain terms that the flu vaccine (and updates on others like whooping cough if you’re so inclined) are mandatory for anyone who wants to me LO once she’s born.
“Period. I’m with you on this one big time.”
Another person wrote:
“Require proof of vaccination by a doctor’s office (not a clinic…). Say your pedi told you to demand proof…”
Meanwhile, another mum tried to play devil’s advocate – asking if the SIL possibly got the flu mist instead.
She wrote:
“Is it possible they didn’t lie and just meant they hadn’t had other types of vaccines since then? Or maybe got the flu mist instead of intramuscular injection?
“Believe me, I’m a nurse, I’ve worked in neonatal, and I’m all for if you’ll be around baby get your flu shot, but you can’t make anyone get vaccinated.
“We had that issue with my ILs and they even accused us of trying to kill them because they are so anti flu vaccine (but they did get the pertussis for us).
“We initially said that they couldn’t come around LO1 until after flu season and they were okay with it, but we ended up feeling guilty because as overbearing as they are, they aren’t bad people and don’t have ill intentions-they just genuinely don’t agree with the flu vaccine.”
