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Avoid the stress of entertaining visitors after your baby is born by being clear about your desires before hand.
Having a baby is one of the most exciting events in your life, and in the lives of everyone that cares for you. Friends and family all want to share in your joy and be a part of such a special time. You can run into problems when the good intentions of your loved ones interfere with your recovery after childbirth and bonding with your new baby. Setting LimitsMany new parents find an entourage of visitors at their home when they bring their new baby home from the hospital. Some new parents really enjoy the support that they feel when their family and friends are surrounding them and helping them get settled in their new roles in life. Other new parents may feel overwhelmed by the pressure of entertaining a steady stream of visitors and will feel the lack of privacy deeply. It is important to make your wishes clear to family and friends before your baby arrives. If you want to limit visitors let them know that you will call them when you are ready to see people. If you feel like you want your loved ones close by to share in getting to know your new baby let them know what you need help with such as meals, cleaning, or running errands. Visitors, if you choose to have them, should help you be able to more fully enjoy and bond with your baby, not monopolize your new baby while you take care of other matters. It is hard to predict how you will feel both physically and emotionally after having a baby. At any time, if your wishes change, feel free to communicate that. If you choose to have visitors and you find that you are feeling overwhelmed or are not able to heal, politely let your guests know that you need some time to recover. If you choose not to have visitors and find yourself lonely or in need some help with household chores call a trusted friend or family member. Ignore GuiltOverambitious family or friends may make you feel guilty if your wishes do not coincide with their own. Do not allow guilt to dictate your choices after having a baby. Your body needs time to heal. Your baby needs time to grow healthy and strong without being exposed to unnecessary germs. If you are breastfeeding, you and your baby need time to learn how to breastfeed and establish a regular feeding schedule. If family or friends are inconsiderate of your feelings you need to stay in control and let them know clearly what you need at this important time in your life. This time is about you and your baby more than it is about anyone else. Family and friends may be excited but they will have plenty of time to focus on your new baby after you have taken the time that you need.
The copyright of the article Bringing Your Newborn Home in Infants & Toddlers is owned by Rachel Lister. Permission to republish Bringing Your Newborn Home in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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