Hello.  Does anyone have advice or experience with a new born and developing allergies to mold or having a problem with house hold mold?  My delimma is my mother in law to be has a mold problem in her home (which she denies) and this will be her first grandchild.  I'm concerned for my baby to spend much time over there.  You see how this is going to cause some serious issues.  Am I being a crazy new mom for this concern?  Thanks!!

My mother had a problem with mold (specifically, black mold) and when you walked into her house, you could smell it. It was so thick, that it almost had the smell of a greenhouse. (That thick dense earthy smell)

As soon as I spent any amount of time in her house, I'd need to take a Benedryl.  There was nothing that could be done to help the house - it was just a damp place and the mold thrived.

Anywho - No, I don't think your paranoid - your going through some perfectly normal feelings and we've all been there and done that (especially with our firsts)

I was told by my pediatrition that babies under 1 year old generally do not develop environmental allergies, but you'll want to check with your doctor anyway. (yadda,yadda,yadda)

Be very gentle and kind about the situatuion with your mother-in-law. You don't want to hurt her feelings and remember this is a special time for her too - she wants to participate in the joy of the new baby without any harsh feelings or insecurities about her own environment. Even if she did acknowledge that there was a mold problem, it's not like she can just go out and get a new house to fix the situation before the baby is born. It's a little unreasonable to expect her to.

I can clearly remember feeling like my precious, new, squeeky-clean baby fresh from my belly deserved a better house to go home to then the one we had. I remember feeling like I didn't clean or paint or get enough beautiful new things to welcome each of them to our humble little home - and although it is a normal feeling, it's not at all realistic. Your baby needs love more importantly than a clean house and new clothes.

If your mother in law is willing to give love unconditionally, then you too should allow her to, unconditionally. The baby should be fine, but again - check with the doctor to ease your mind.

Sincerely,
Sarah

Thanks Sarah.  My MIL is going to get a mold spore kit and at least see what she's dealing with and is considering replacing the carpet in tihe basement, which was flooded years ago and never replaced. It's a start and I guess I can't ask for more and take it as it comes. I appreciate her efforts, not only for my childs health but for the grandparents health as well.

That sounds like a great idea for everyone! Good luck and enjoy everything about having that precious bundle of joy! We're rooting for ya!

Sincerely,

Sarah