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We didn't have anyone staying with us, thank goodness. It's stressful enough coming home with a newborn, and I was half naked most of the time because my nipples were killing me so it felt better to have air on them then clothes. Both of our parents live here so they would visit daily to bring food, help clean, etc. But they always left to go home, and we were able to have time to ourselves as a family.

Could you have your DH talk to your MIL? Especially since it's such a small place, maybe she could just stay in a hotel and come visit, but not stay there at night.

If you don't want your MIL there right away say so!! She doesn't get to "make it clear" what will happen... You do! I've already told my husband that for the first week it will be just us. Then my parents will come and stay with us... Probably for a week. Then once my parents leave my in laws will be invited. My recovery and adjustment to life with a baby will be the deciding factors on whether my in laws are invited to stay at our home or at the hotel down the street.

We just had our LO a week ago, and when I came home, we had a full house shortly thereafter. I got home friday, and by saturday night we had 9 people staying with us. I did cancel a group of family with kids that were to come that first night because the ides of kids running around overwhelmed me (which ruffled some feathers). It was a bit hectic, but I am glad our families had time with our LO as a newborn, since then all live 2-3 hours away. We only had people for 2 nights though, then everyone but my Mom went home. My Mom left today, and I am feeling ready now to just be me, DH and LO. I have no regrets about the guests we had.

No one stayed with us since all our parents live fairly close. Having visitors all day every day was bad enough. Had anyone spent the night I probably would have lost it. You know what you're comfortable with, so put your foot down for what you want.

For starters, she won't know you're in labor unless you tell her. We told no one until AFTER my baby was born. So I am not sure how far away she is, but that might affect how long it takes her to arrive! I personally feel that telling anyone you're in labor will guarantee it's a longer process than if you don't tell anyone. It adds stress knowing other people are out there going, "WELL? WAS THE BABY BORN YET? HOW ABOUT NOW?"