Woman Refuses To Cancel Long-Planned Cruise Despite Family Pleas To Stay Home To Help With Newborn

Some of life’s biggest joys are even sweeter when shared with family, like planning a dream vacation with cousins or announcing a new addition to the family. But what happens when those two collide? What if you find yourself wanting to be in two places at once?  

That’s exactly what happened when one person’s long-planned Disney cruise suddenly became the center of an unexpected family feud. Their brother and pregnant SIL were counting on their mom for support during the birth, but when they realized she’d be away just weeks before the due date, tensions exploded. Now, the family is torn over whether the trip should be canceled or carried on as planned.  

Keep reading to dive into the drama and don’t forget to check out our interview with Hebamme (midwife) Christina Büchl from Germany, who shares insights on pregnancy support and family expectations.

Planning a cruise takes months of preparation, from booking tickets to coordinating schedules

Cruise ship sailing on open water under a cloudy sky, related to a mother's decision about an upcoming trip.

Image credits: Chris Gent / Wikipedia (not the actual photo)

Someone shared how their brother and sister-in-law were upset because their mother had to go on a cruise so close to the due date

Text recounting a mom's decision not to cancel a pre-scheduled cruise despite potential early childbirth concerns.

Text dialogue about a mom refusing to cancel her cruise despite her daughter-in-law's objections.

Stressed woman with long hair holding her head, concerned about a cruise during DIL's early birth.

Image credits: Curated Lifestyle / Unsplash (not the actual photo)

Text screenshot discussing trip cancellation concerns for an early birth.

Cruise scheduled before pregnancy announcement, with induction in May; timing issues realized recently.

Text discussing lack of other grandparents and unclear childcare plans; implies calendars weren't used for scheduling.

Image credits: KittenPuppyCookie

Midwifery is a common and essential profession in many countries, providing crucial support during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care

Bringing a baby into the world is one of the most exciting, overwhelming, and downright life-changing experiences ever. It’s a mix of pure joy, a little chaos, and a whole lot of learning on the go. With so many changes, physically, emotionally, and in everyday life, it helps to have a strong support system to lean on. From pregnancy checkups to those first few months of adjusting to life with a newborn, having the right guidance can make all the difference.

That’s why many countries have midwives who offer essential care and support to parents not just during pregnancy and childbirth, but also through the crucial postpartum period. Unlike doctors, midwives focus on a more personalized and holistic approach, ensuring that both the baby and the parents feel supported. They offer medical care, emotional reassurance, and practical advice, helping families transition into their new reality with confidence.

To understand this better, we spoke with Christina Büchl, a midwife (Hebamme) from Germany who has over 20 years of experience in the field. She has worked closely with expecting and new parents, offering expert guidance on everything from prenatal care to breastfeeding support. She shared insights into the role midwives play, why their presence is so valuable, and how families can benefit from their expertise.

“Midwives usually operate within a specific area so they can easily do home visits after the baby is born,” Christina explained. “For prenatal checkups, some midwives visit expectant parents at home, while others ask them to come to their practice, if they have one. It depends on the midwife’s setup and the family’s needs.”

“We typically support families until the baby is about three months old,” she added. “However, our services can extend beyond that. Some parents still reach out to us for advice when introducing solids, taking their first trip with the baby, or even weaning from breastfeeding. The goal is to provide guidance whenever it’s needed.”

Midwives offer a range of essential services to ensure a smooth pregnancy and postpartum period. “During prenatal care, we help parents prepare for birth by monitoring the baby’s development, offering birthing classes, and addressing any concerns they might have,” Christina shared.

Pregnant woman on sofa receiving support, in context of cruise plans during possible early birth.

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

After the baby arrives, parents need even more support as they navigate newborn care, recovery, and adjusting to their new routine

Their role doesn’t stop at childbirth. “Once the baby arrives, postnatal care becomes just as important,” she emphasized. “New parents need all the support they can get, whether it’s learning how to bathe a newborn, getting breastfeeding assistance, or simply having someone reassure them that they’re doing okay.”

In Germany, health insurance covers midwifery services, making it easier for families to access care without financial burden. “This allows parents to focus on their baby without worrying about additional costs,” Christina explained. “It ensures that every family regardless of their financial situation has access to quality postpartum care.”

At the end of the day, midwives are there to ease the transition into parenthood. “We try to make things as easy as possible so parents can enjoy these first few months instead of feeling overwhelmed,” Christina said. “Having a baby is a big change, but with the right support, it becomes a more manageable and joyful experience.”

In this particular case, the author’s brother and sister-in-law expected their mother to help during this important time. But does that mean she should cancel a long-planned vacation to be available just in case? Was it fair to expect her to change her plans, or should personal commitments take priority? What do you think?

Many people online pointed out that the situation largely stemmed from a misunderstanding and poor communication

Discussion about mom's refusal to cancel cruise for DIL's early birth, comments on responsibility for older child care.

Text discussion about a mom refusing to cancel her cruise if daughter-in-law gives birth early.

Reddit discussion about a mom's decision to keep her cruise plans despite DIL's early due date possibility.

Text screenshot discussing cruise and high-risk pregnancy concerns.

Reddit comment discussing mother refusing to cancel cruise if DIL gives birth early.

Comment defending mom's decision not to cancel her cruise amid family stress.

Comment discussing a situation where a mom refuses to cancel her cruise, mentions prior arrangements and communication issues.

Comment discussing a mom's decision to not cancel a cruise despite an early childbirth.

Text response discussing mom's decision about cruise and its impact on family relationships.

Text discussing precautions about newborns and cruise germs, with focus on family planning and childcare solutions.

Reddit comment discussing a situation where a mom refuses to cancel her planned cruise despite an early birth.

Text discussing potential issues with going on a cruise close to a due date, highlighting concerns about reliance and germs.

Reddit comment discussing a mom's decision not to cancel her cruise despite a potential early birth.

Text discussing a mom refusing to cancel her cruise despite potential early birth of her daughter-in-law.

Text exchange discussing a mom unwilling to cancel her cruise if DIL gives birth early.

Comment advising to proceed with cruise plans, addressing concerns about SIL's reaction to mom's trip.

Comment discussing backup arrangements for a child's birth amid a cruise plan dilemma.

Reddit comment discussing disappointment in parents not helping during a second child's birth, keyword: cruise cancellation.

Reddit comment discusses a mom planning a cruise despite her daughter-in-law's impending birth.

Text discussing high-risk pregnancies and the implications of not canceling plans for potential early birth.

Reddit comment discussing dilemma of a mom refusing to cancel a cruise amid possible early birth of daughter-in-law.

Reddit comment about a mom not canceling her cruise, discussing backup plans for an early birth without involving her.

Text from an online discussion about refusing to cancel cruise for early birth plans.

Comment discussing mom refusing to cancel cruise due to potential early birth, emphasizing planned return before birth.

Text post discussing a mom's decision not to cancel a cruise despite the possibility of an early birth.

Online comment discussing a mom's decision to continue with her cruise amid potential early birth.

Text conversation about cruise conflict with early birth concerns.

Text commenting on a mother's decision about her cruise amidst family birth timing concerns.

Text exchange about a mom refusing to cancel her cruise despite the potential early birth of her daughter-in-law.

Reddit comment about a mom refusing to cancel her cruise for a possible early birth, discussing family dynamics.

Comment discussing a mom prioritizing a cruise over potential early childbirth, mentioning family struggles.

Comment discussing cruise timing and potential early birth concerns.

Reddit comment discussing a mom's decision to not cancel a cruise despite potential early birth.

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