New mom leaves newborn son with 26-year-old sister after deciding she couldn’t take care of him, only to return after 15 months to demand him back: ‘I won’t let him go’

Author image for Bar Mor Hazut
Bar Mor Hazut • Senior Editor
Jul 10, 2025 6:00 PM EDT

We all know that being someone's parents is much more than a biological thing. You don't have to be related to a child to be considered their parents, and being related to someone does not necessarily mean they are your child.

Many people have experienced these blurry lines in the definition of parenthood on their own skin, whether it is because they are adopted or because someone else in their family has stepped up as a makeshift parent when they were needed. Either way, there are enough people out in the world to testify that being a parent is a commitment that goes a lot deeper than the act of creation. 

In a few years, the son in the story below will also join the list of people who were raised by someone who was not their biological parent. Since he was 9 days old, this baby was being raised by his aunt, who later became his mom, when it was clear that his 'real' mom is not up for the task.

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  • However, 15 months later, his biological mom is now back in town, and she wants her son back. Her sister, and the child's actual, capital M, Mom, refuses to give in to the demands.

  • 01
    "I'm supposed to just hand him over because she changed her mind?"
    via SolStock

    The image does not depict the actual subjects of the story. Subjects are models.

  • 02

    I’m raising the baby my sister abandoned, and now she wants him back

    I (26F) have been raising my nephew since he was 9 days old. My sister (28F) left him. at the hospital after giving birth.
    via SatisfactionOld2074
  • 03
    She said she "couldn't do it." CPS called me because I was listed as emergency family, and I didn't even think, I just said yes.
    via SatisfactionOld2074
  • 04
    He's 15 months now. I've been to every appointment. Every fever. Every 3am feeding. I've watched him learn to roll over, babble, take his first step.
    via SatisfactionOld2074
  • 05
    I didn't plan to be a mother, but I've become one. I love him like he's mine.
    via SatisfactionOld2074
  • 06
    Three weeks ago, my sister reached out and said she wants him back. She's "in a better place." She started calling him her son, like I was just holding him for her.
    via SatisfactionOld2074
  • 07
    I said no. I said I'd fight this. And now I'm the villain.
    via SatisfactionOld2074
  • 08
    WORLD BEST AUNT stations were dor 214 gender or type of programme applied for) caused by DIF. atic diferences in outcome among equally able candidates from di essionalism. Secondly, we aimed to Investigate whether there ceptual equivalence; the concept in this case being entry-lev thinking, teamwork [receiving instruction]. to assess 6 Methods: Data Collection
    via TunTeja

    The image does not depict the actual subjects of the story. Subjects are models.

  • 09
    My mom told me I'm "ripping. a family apart." My aunt said I'm "using him to fill a void." But where were they when he needed formula?
    via SatisfactionOld2074
  • 10
    When he had RSV? When I maxed out my card to get him diapers?
    via SatisfactionOld2074
  • 11
    My sister gave him up. She didn't call. Didn't visit. Didn't ask. And now I'm supposed to just hand him over because she changed her mind?
    via SatisfactionOld2074
  • 12
    I know I'm young. I know I'm scared. But I won't let him go. Even if it means tearing my family apart.
    via SatisfactionOld2074
  • 13
    1stTimeCommentor You're his mama. Fight for that baby.
    via 1stTimeCommentor
  • 14
    MizzyvonMuffling I applaud you for stepping up for your nephew, great job! Info: I wonder if there was anything legal done when she left him and you got him? Was CPS involved and was there some kind of legal arrangement?
    via MizzyvonMuffling
  • 15
    That_Birdie I'd call CPS and get a lawyer. Ask what your rights are. She gave up her rights when she abandoned her child. If she has not been in the baby's life and you can prove abandonment in court she shouldn't stand a chance
    via That_Birdie_
  • 16
    Temporary_Safe8056 She may be his mother but you're his Mom. Hopefully there is a paper trail to document her relinquishing her rights but either way you'd have to be made whole with all you've done for the baby for them to take him from you. I understand that that's likely the least of your concerns
    via Temporary_Safe8056
  • 17
    Embarrassed_Wrap8421 She'll want him for a little while and as soon as the novelty wears off, or he starts getting a little cranky, she'll want to give him back. He's not a toy that can be shared-get a lawyer fast
    via Embarrassed_Wrap8421
  • 18
    and if your Mom mentions that you're "tearing the family apart", ask her why didn't she step up to mother him after your sister decided to give him up. Good luck!
    via Embarrassed_Wrap8421
  • 19
    Tremenda-Carucha You've done so much for this kid, and it's not like you asked for this... but here you are, doing what needs to be done. It's wild how quickly people forget what real love looks like. You're not just raising a baby,
    via Tremenda-Carucha
  • 20
    you're building a future, and that takes courage. I hope you remember that you're not alone in this, even if it feels like it. You've got strength inside you that no one can take away, and that little guy is lucky to have you.
    via Tremenda-Carucha

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family drama aita baby kids mother siblings reddit story parenting aunt family sister newborn Reddit women parents children Father
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