'My mum demands I change daughter's name because it reminds her of dark past'

When it comes to naming a baby, some parents keep the moniker a secret up until the birth, while others share it openly throughout the pregnancy. While there's no right or wrong way to go about it, one new mum has shared how other people can influence your decision-making, putting their needs before yours.

The 26-year-old mum said on Reddit: "I just gave birth to my daughter Annabelle. I didn't announce it beforehand because in the past one of my family members stole a baby nameand it created a lot of drama. My mum wanted to know but I was adamant on keeping it a secret." She went onto explain how her parents were in the room when she gave birth and her mum gently asked for the baby's name when it came time to sign the birth certificate.

She said: "I told her Annabelle. Her face went pale and my dad didn't look too happy but he said he loved the name.

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"My mum left a few minutes later claiming she didn't feel well. She said she'll come over in a few days to help with the baby.

"Now I'm at home with the baby and my mum hasn't talked to me that much. We used to talk every day so I was confused by this sudden behaviour."

Baffled, she invited her sister, Emily, over to her house to see whether she knew anything, as she still lives at home with their parents.

She added: "When she got to my house she explained how she overheard dad and mum arguing because about ten years ago dad had an affair with a coworker named Annabelle.

"Mum hasn't been talking to him and he's been trying to get her to talk. I guess Dad realising that Emily had come over decided to come over himself.

"He asked if there is anyway that I can change Annabelle's name. I asked him why to see if he'll tell me the truth.

"He admitted to the affair. He begged mum not to leave him and she stayed, but just hearing that name had always put her in a bad headspace."

But she refused to change her daughter's name, explaining how they settled on the moniker because it's her husband's grandmother's name.

Seeking advice, she said: "My dad begged and pleaded for me to change it, saying mum was in the middle of packing her bags and heading to her sister's house.

"I told him I won't change her name and that it means so much to me and my husband.

"He began to raise his voice and immediately my sister yelled back and told him to get the hell out.

"She told him not to stress me out about a mess he created. He left immediately.

"I'm not changing my baby's name but I feel like this is tearing the family apart. What should I do?"

Commenting on her post, one user said: "You're not wrong but your daughter is going to deal with most of this backlash so brace yourselves for it.

Another user added: "Your kid's grandma will always resent the kid because you won’t change the name. If you can accept that for the rest of your mum's life"

A third user said: "You're not wrong , but honestly is it worth hurting your mum so much for the name?

"Taking your dad fully out of the equation, it's really your mum that's going to be in pain every time she hears that name. I'm not sure it's worth it."