“[Am I The Jerk] For Refusing To Let My Mother-In-Law Use My Breast Milk For ‘Wellness’ Smoothies?”

New moms know just how difficult it can be to breastfeed their baby or pump and do multiple feedings a day. Every drop of milk is precious and helps the little one get all the nutrients that they need. No wonder breastfeeding moms are so protective of their supply.

A new mom became extra protective of her breast milk bags after storing them in the freezer, only to have her mother-in-law steal them. She never anticipated something like this happening and was shocked when her husband’s mom began gaslighting her about it.

More info: Reddit

Stealing milk from a new mom means depriving their baby of food and essential nutrients

Woman tasting a wellness smoothie in a kitchen while preparing a mil-use breast milk wellness smoothie with a blender.

Image credits: The Yuri Arcurs Collection / Freepik (not the actual photo)

The poster shared that since she was exclusively breastfeeding her baby, she also stored a lot of her supply in the freezer

Text excerpt about a mother refusing to let her mother-in-law use breast milk for wellness smoothies, discussing breastfeeding.

Mother-in-law passionate about natural health preparing wellness smoothies with breast milk for added nutrition.

Text about using labeled breast milk bags from the freezer to add breast milk to a wellness smoothie being blended.

Woman using a breast pump to express milk, focusing on mil-use breast milk for wellness smoothies preparation.

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

One day, she found her health-obsessed mother-in-law using one of her breastmilk bags for a smoothie without asking

Text discussing use of breast milk in wellness smoothies, emphasizing breast milk is for babies, not an adult immune booster.

Text quote about defensiveness and breast milk, related to mil-use breast milk wellness smoothies discussion.

Text message conversation with a person stating their husband agrees someone crossed a huge line related to breast milk wellness smoothies.

Image credits: IvoryFeatherxoxo

The poster was shocked and told her mother-in-law that the milk was only for her baby, but the older woman got defensive and called her “selfish”

Since the poster was a new mom, she must have been focused solely on her baby’s health and wellness. She had been breastfeeding her child and storing the extra supply in the freezer to be used whenever needed. What she never expected was to find her mother-in-law stealing one of the milk bags to consume herself.

People don’t just take another person’s breastmilk without asking. The only time the milk might be exchanged is between new moms. This may be done to help out someone who doesn’t have a good supply or isn’t able to breastfeed. Taking milk without the mother’s permission is not the right thing to do because breastfeeding requires a considerable amount of energy and effort.

The mother-in-law probably felt entitled to one of her daughter-in-law’s milk packets. Since she was obsessed with healthy food and natural ingredients, she saw this as the best option to enhance her smoothie. She didn’t think to ask the OP first and just went ahead and stole one of the bags.

It might seem weird to mix breastmilk into food, but it actually makes sense since it has several health benefits. Some people use the milk in home remedies to treat bug bites or bee stings. In certain cultures, it’s used to cure eye infections like conjunctivitis. Apart from that, breastmilk is said to boost immunity, so it makes some sense why the poster’s mother-in-law swiped her supply.

Two women having a serious conversation on a couch, illustrating family wellness and breast milk smoothie discussions.

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

The new mom was obviously shocked and annoyed that her husband’s mother could stoop to such lengths. She confronted her and said that her milk supply was only for the baby and not to be used as an adult immunity booster. She didn’t understand how the older woman could just take the bag without asking and use it for some wellness trend.

When it comes to stubborn or overbearing family members, it’s difficult to know exactly how to deal with them. Setting boundaries becomes tough, either because they don’t listen to reason or use guilt-tripping as a weapon. That’s why it’s important to ease into boundary-setting with one thing at a time, and to stay firm on what you believe. 

The poster’s mother-in-law couldn’t seem to understand why she was being called out. She became defensive instantly and tried to put the blame on her daughter-in-law. Instead of apologizing, she called the OP “selfish” for trying to set a boundary.

That’s why it’s very important for couples to stick together when it comes to conflicts with one’s in-laws. Instead of taking other people’s sides, both partners need to present a united front, so that the message is really driven home in their parents’ minds. Luckily, the poster’s husband was on her side and knew that his mom had done the wrong thing.

How would you have handled this situation if you were in the OP’s shoes? Let us know in the comments.

People were shocked by the audacity of the mother-in-law and felt that she needed to be stopped from coming over at least for a while

Screenshot of an online comment discussion about MIL and therapy, illustrating mil use breast milk wellness smoothies topic.

Text conversation about concerns over a guest disrespecting the home, related to mil use breast milk wellness smoothies.

Screenshot of a forum discussion advising to avoid contact with a MIL and protect child’s safety, referencing mil use breast milk wellness smoothies.

Screenshot of a social media comment warning to keep a disturbed person away from children, related to mil-use breast milk wellness smoothies.

Baby holding and drinking from a milk bottle, illustrating the use of breast milk in wellness smoothies for health benefits.

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

Commenter questioning the normality of using breast milk in wellness smoothies with a casual tone and strong language.

Text conversation discussing household boundaries with a guest, relating to mil use breast milk wellness smoothies topic.

Comment criticizing a mother for using breast milk in wellness smoothies, calling her selfish and questioning the effectiveness.

Screenshot of a Reddit comment discussing concerns about a MIL using breast milk in wellness smoothies.

Comment discussing the uncomfortable situation with a MIL wanting to drink breast milk, advising changes and security tips.

Screenshot of a comment section showing a user boundaries4546 expressing a personal opinion about not allowing someone in their home again.

Comment highlighting a crossed line and disapproval of a visit, related to mil use breast milk wellness smoothies discussion.

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