My MIL Insisted on Being Present for My Home Birth — But Then She Slipped Out of the Room, and I Heard Strange Voices Outside

The moment I told Josh I wanted a home birth, his eyes lit up like a kid on Christmas morning. But it was nothing compared to the reaction we got from his mother, Elizabeth. You’d think we’d just handed her the keys to a brand-new car.

“Oh, Nancy! This is wonderful news!” Elizabeth gushed, clasping her hands together. “I simply must be there to support you both. I can help with anything you need!”

I exchanged a glance with Josh, my eyebrows raised. His shrug told me he was leaving this one up to me.

“I don’t know, Elizabeth,” I said, my voice hesitant. “It’s going to be pretty intense.”

She waved off my concerns. “Nonsense! I’ve been through it myself, dear. I know exactly what you’ll need.”

I bit my lip, mulling it over. Maybe an extra pair of hands wouldn’t be so bad, right? And it would mean a lot to Josh if I invited his mother to help me with our home birth.

“Alright,” I finally conceded. “You can be there.”

Elizabeth’s squeal of delight was so high-pitched, I swear she could’ve scared the neighborhood dogs.

“You won’t regret this, Nancy,” she said, pulling me into a tight hug. “I promise I’ll be the best support you could ask for.”

The big day finally arrived. Our midwife, Rosie, was setting up her equipment when Elizabeth burst through the door, her arms laden with bags.

“I’m here!” she announced, as if we might have missed her entrance. “Where do you need me?”

I was about to answer when a contraction hit, stealing my breath. Josh was at my side in an instant, his hand on my lower back as I tensed and groaned.

“Just… just put your things down for now,” I managed to gasp out.

As the contraction eased, I noticed Elizabeth fidgeting with something, her eyes darting around the room. She looked more nervous than excited now. And I knew that something was seriously off.

“Are you okay?” I asked, frowning.

She turned around, startled. “What? Oh, yes! Just thinking about what I can do to help. You’re doing just fine, honey. Just keep pushing.”

Before I could press further, she was out the door, muttering something about getting me some water.

Josh squeezed my hand. “Want me to talk to her?”

I shook my head. “No, it’s fine. She’s probably just nervous. It’s our first baby, right?”

As my labor progressed, Elizabeth’s behavior became increasingly odd. She’d pop in, ask how I was doing, then disappear again. Each time she returned, she seemed more flustered.

During a particularly intense contraction, I gripped Josh’s hand so hard I thought I might break it. As the pain ebbed, I became aware of a strange sound.

“Josh,” I panted, “do you hear that?”

He cocked his head and listened. “Sounds like… voices?”

I nodded, relieved I wasn’t imagining things. “And is that music?”

Josh’s brow furrowed. He kissed my forehead and turned around. “I’ll check it out. Be right back.”

As he left, Rosie gave me an encouraging smile. “You’re doing great, Nancy. Not long now.”

When Josh returned, his face was ashen as though he’d seen a ghost.

“What is it?” I asked, dreading the answer.

He ran a hand through his hair, looking pained. “You’re not going to believe this. My mother is throwing a party. In our living room.”

I stared at him, certain I’d misheard. “A what?”

“A party,” he repeated, his voice edged with frustration. “There are at least a dozen people out there.”