L.C.
Hi J., I'm a little curious about the amount of influence and power this relative has had over you. Are you and your husband financially dependent on her? As the other posts have stated - get some distance! My concern is that getting some distance might require the help of a really good therapist. Do you trust your last OB/GYN? Do you currently have one that you could discuss your preterm labor issues with? Your response to this situation with your last pregnancy was rather extreme, and quite possible not going to happen at all with this pregnancy. Every pregnancy is different, and being with a midwife or doctor you can really talk to, one who listens to you, can be temendously helpful. Also, seeing a couselor who can specifically address your responses to this relative will be helpful. I have a brother who is bi-polar whom I once had a really good relationship with. Because he can be so antagonisitic and hostile, I had to limit my realtionship with him because I would get too upset. He now lives far from me and I'm glad. I do really miss him and he's been significant in my life in the past so I really feel a loss, but it's healthier in the long run to remain only cordial to him. You won't regeret this next baby, and I'm sure you'll do just fine. God bless you!