They are coming to stay for about a week when LO is born. I'm looking forward to it and I don't mind but I'm worried that I won't be able to cope with whats expected of me.

OH wants the house to be spotless for them. He thinks (& I agree) that we should do all we can before LO is born but we both work & I'm not stopping till LO is born and I'm getting really tired and can't seem to get motivated to tidy up. I do a bit at a time but I'm not convinced it will be ready to OH's standards when his parents come to stay.

Then theres the fact OH wants to take them out to the coast ect while they're here which again I don't mind but I'm not sure how I'm going to deal with days out and sleepless nights just yet. I also don't know how I'm going to deal with 'entertaining' them while OH is working as he won't be able to have all the time off. It means I don't think I'll be able to sleep during the day. I maybe can leave them with LO for a while so I can sleep but since I'm going to be breast feeing there will be a limit to what they can do to help. We also live in a small village and they don't speak English. I don't want them to get bored. They can't even watch TV whilest I'm having a nap as even with sky theres only 1 (very boring) French speaking channel.

Maybe I'm just worrying too much but they're not the kind of guests I can leave to do what ever they want while I do my own thing.

It's great that they are coming, yet I can understand your concerns. When you get home from the hospital, dealing with a newborn baby, etc. it gets tiring and how does one live up to the standards of having guests around too? Especially when OH is not around due to work so you will be the hostess.

I don't know what to say as I haven't been in your situation. At the same time I did have guests arrive and stay for a week when my daughter was 9 months old and even then it was tough. I was still somewhat breastfeeding her when she wanted to cozy down for a nap so it was tough when we were sightseeing, especially when she got very fussy.

One thing I can say though, your baby may sleep a lot during the first week. Mine did and it gave me some time to relax, and it wasn't until the second or third week when feedings were on more of a routine, especially at night, when I started to feel more tired.

I hope you manage to work it out. Try not to push yourself though, they'll understand.

What about OH getting his paternity leave when they are due to come over? Although its kak for you, it may be worth him saving it for then - does that make sense? That way you have the help you need and don't feel the pressure to entertain all the time

Unfortunatly he has no leave. He only recently started his new job and aside from that there would be nobody to cover for him. He does have some holiday he could use but again there is nobody to cover.

Are they coming to visit you to see the baby or coming for a holiday? There is no way that you will be able to do entertaining when you have a newborn.