Mother-in-law’s kiss leads to infant ICU stay and family conflict

In the column, a parent describes how her mother-in-law, Heather, defied a no-kiss rule for newborn Oscar, giving him oral herpes that required ICU treatment and may cause permanent effects. The husband promptly removed Heather, who later infected him, making his illness severe as well. After the baby’s hospitalization, the family placed Heather in a local nursing home, with the husband handling most of the logistics and visiting only a few times a year.

Relatives, including the writer’s sister-in-law, persistently claim the couple is unfairly cutting off the grandmother, despite the husband’s firm stance when present. The writer seeks strategies to stop these accusations and protect her mental well-being.