[jennie]

i've posted about my brother visiting -- how difficult it is for me to be assertive and speak my opinion in conversations with him.

he wants to visit me for Memorial Day weekend . . . aughh!! that's waaayyyy too many days, being around him. i don't know how to tell him he can only stay two nights and not three.

when he is here, somehow i need to focus only on the positive stuff about my bro. his obnoxious behaviors, somehow i must overlook.

also, there's the issue of breastfeeding. i don't feel comfy doing that around him. should i leave the living room and breastfeed somewhere away from my bro? that would leave my hubby all alone with my bro (giggle). i have a shawl to cover myself as i breastfeed, but the baby pushes it away because he hates it covering his face.

i love my bro . . . but i love my sanity, too.

Hi Jennie,
I haven't congratulated you on your baby so let me say, CONGRATULATIONS!!!!
Jennie, you have to think about yourself and how you feel. Can you tell him he can only stay for one night because you have other plans? Can you get your husband to do it for you if you're not comfortable?
If you're not comfortable breastfeeding in front of him then go into your bedroom to breastfeed. It would probably make him uncomfortable to watch anyway.
I hope it all works out for the best for you.

[jennie]

jax2923. . . thanks! my baby is wonderful!

good suggestions, thanks. we'll see how it goes. i think it is best to feed baby in the bedroom. it is just a pain to have to do that.

[Maven]

Congrats on your baby, Jennie! I think, at some point, you should have a talk with your brother and be frank with him about how you feel around him. I don't mean you have to or should do it before or during this upcoming visit, or even in the near future, but just someday, when you're ready.

As for this visit, tell him you and your husband plan to do something special one of the days just for you two alone, and you don't want to hurt his feelings, but you'd prefer if he only stayed one or two days. Tell him you and hubby made these plans a while back.

As for the breastfeeding, I agree, you should go into the bedroom or elsewhere. I don't like telling you to do that, being that it's your home, but since he's the guest, I can see where you wouldn't want to ask him to leave while you do that. Or, you could invite a bunch of other breastfeeding moms over for a breastfeeding party. Not only will he stammer and excuse himself to leave, but your hubby will, too! LOL!