Nemours Foundation. Not everyone is going to agree with you and you'll make some people mad, but they will get over it. His mother disapproves, considering her beneath her son. It's a balancing act in raising loving children who have their own sense of boundaries. So we did it. Both illnesses can be life-threatening for infants.. Susan Adcox is a writer covering grandparenting and author of Stories From My Grandparent: An Heirloom Journal for Your Grandchild. Seeing other people hold her, even the people I loved most, made me feel like a part of me was missing. She likes to write research-based articles that are informative and relevant. The ideal time is when your child is about two months old, but everyone knows that it is not so easy to keep visitors away for so long, and most parents do not want to be isolated for as long anyway. Email Am I being a bad parent by not letting other people hold my new baby?. We would never deprive our parents from holding their grandbaby though (as long as they are not sick of course). They knew we were coming, we were watching their house/pets for them. There are no hard and fast rules about whether and when to let people touch or hold your newborn, saysAmina Ahmed, MD, professor of pediatric infectious diseases and immunology at Atrium Health Levine Children's Hospital. But for one Redditor, it was a harrowing moment. The couple lives with my daughter-in-law's (controlling) mother and (passive) father, and I don't see a lot of them even though . I'm wet. Catie. Helping outwith housework is important, but it can be tricky. Should I cut down on her baths. Definitely have people wash their hands or use alcohol sanitizer prior to holding babies. Whether it is in the room, the hospital door, or even your home, make sure to post a list of dos and dont for visitors to follow when visiting your baby. Keep your baby at least 6 feet away from people not in your household. Ideally, it is best to wait until an infant has received the first set of the recommended vaccines, Dr. Leah Alexander, MD, FAAP, a pediatrician tells Romper. * * * * * * * * * * #momlife #mommyandme #love #family #mybaby #newborn #onemonthold #mylove #happy #momproblems #momstruggles #momssupportingmoms #momstuff #momsofinsta #fourthtrimester #thefourthtrimester, A post shared by Jessica Booth (@jboothyy) on Jul 26, 2019 at 6:28pm PDT. Weve never been so exhausted or so happy! A baby can suffocate if they get stuck in a position that blocks their ability to breathe. Their baby their rules. 24/06/2020 23:40. There should be no coughing or sneezing allowed near your child, let alone by the one doing the holding. We are so blessed to have this little family. Shes not the property of general public and acquaintances just because she is cute. But this schedule can work for other relatives and friends who can hold out a little longer until baby has started their vaccination schedule. Visits from friends and family started to become exciting; they gave me a chance to socialize and see other adults. Not supporting the small family of three and taking back any egoistic thoughts is just outrageous, if not . You know what's best for the safety and health of your baby. It doesn't cost a penny, but the payoffs can be enormous. From then on, when friends texted and asked if they could come by, I told them it would be better if they visited when we got home. If you take your baby outside of your home, insist that others near you wear a mask. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Ive heard people say it but never truly understood it and now I do. 6. Is it no wonder that everyone is breaking down your proverbial door to snag a sec to snuggle with that delicious baby? Start by selecting which of these best describes you! I could not wait to introduce my tiny little human to everyone in my life. 2010-2023 Parenting.FirstCry.com. But I felt a strange sense of obligation; I started setting dates with everyone for when they could visit. A post on Mumsnet . your doctor. Babies are very vulnerable to germs and illness. They also offer support and. Sometimes parents who restricted visitors with a first child are completely fine with visitors for subsequent births, especially since there is an older sibling to be cared for. The #1 app for tracking pregnancy and baby growth. The baby isn't a toy. If possible, do not allow others to handle your baby for too long as your little one may become over-stimulated, and they will need their rest. If you are a visiting grandparent, offer to stay in a hotel when you visit. Newborns are precious and adorable. We told our Her Dr. actually told us to be paranoid b/c if a newborn gets a Today's mothers live in a fairly different world. Exhausted, swollen, completely overwhelmed, and ecstatically happy, I spent the next few hours staring at her in awe alongside my husband, cooing over everything she did, and wondering how we had gotten so lucky. Newborn babies who are getting formula will likely take about 2-3 ounces every 2-4 hours. Apparently, the author's mom and sister were less than happy with the prospect, and that's where the feud began. When Can You Let Visitors Hold Your Newborn Baby? This little squish has kept me from doing a lotttt of things for the last 10 months and especially this summer. "Have a core set of helpers and visitors that you know are up to date on their protective vaccines," says Dr. Hasson. Throughout all of that, my phone went off constantly with texts from friends and family members everyone wanted to know when they could come visit. And OMG, that heavenly newborn baby smell. Grandparents may not understand such decisions, but they should at least grant that the parents are acting out of the best of motives. In fact, a newborn's immune system isn't considered to have adequate function until 2 months old! I resisted the urge to be rude and demand to have my baby back. When I got pregnant, MIL made a request to be the first person to hold my son after he's born. Everyone washes their hands. Users are reminded that they are fully responsible for their own We told our family before she was born that we would not be letting anyone hold her for a while - this time of year there are just too many bugs going around. Most newborns feed every two to three hours, followed by a nap. So visits should not interfere with this routine to ensure that the baby has sufficient time for both. Truth is: it's not simple. Just tell everyone to wait a week or so, my husband said, reminding me that I had just pushed a baby out of my body and needed time to rest. Irish sport images provided by Inpho Photography Sitting on the hospital bed watching all these other people hold my daughter, I felt waves of sadness wash over me that I couldnt explain. Most grandparents will be dying to help with the baby, but again, defer to the parents' wishes. unless otherwise stated. Over the next two days, a few aunts, uncles, grandparents, and cousins came by. Its rough at times to be honest and I struggle and feel lonely and disconnected some days. Not hold them whenever possible (please . Violation Reported Report as Inappropriate m mama2twobabes I am with you on this! Of course you're not being unreasonable! When we asked to hold him (baby) they just said no. Verywell Family's content is for informational and educational purposes only. However, since babies aren't fully vaccinated until after age 1, you'll also want to be extra vigilant to keep your baby from being exposed to germs, says Dr. Hasson. Side note- I have the same situation, I have one specific person who I don . Content copyright Journal Media Ltd. 2023 Registered in Dublin, registration number: For the price of one cup of coffee each week you can help keep paywalls away. Wire service provided by AFP and Press Association. This should go without saying, but it can be fatal to your child to be around anyone who is sick. Thanks! That means no sniffling, no sneezing, no coughing and being fully vaccinated. Dr. William Schaffner, MD, an infectious disease expert and Professor of Preventive Medicine in the Department of Health Policy as well as Professor of Medicine in the Division of Infectious Diseases at the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, Dr. Leah Alexander, MD, FAAP, a pediatrician, Dr. Harvey Karp, MD, a pediatrician, and author of the best-selling parent guides Happiest Baby on the Block & Happiest Toddler on the Block, Expert Advice For Managing A 12 Month Sleep Regression, The 4 Month Sleep Regression: Survival Tips From Baby Sleep Experts, The 18-Month Sleep Regression: Expert Advice To Get You Through, The 8-10 Month Sleep Regression: Expert Advice To Get You Through It, What Parents Are Talking About Delivered Straight To Your Inbox, By subscribing to this BDG newsletter, you agree to our. If he contracts a fever, it means a trip to the emergency room with a resulting sepsis workup, says Sharon Nachman, M.D., chief of the Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at Stony Brook Children's Hospital. Everyone has been chomping at the bit to see your baby. Flu. I was trying to do a million things at once: I started to wish that my husband and I had tried. Mariana Sifrit contracted viral meningitis . We have let both sets of grandparents hold the baby, but that is it. The days that followed were a whirlwind. The bottom line. The idea of being heard without having to speak appeals to her. Please be kind. It felt like heaven. for the content of external websites. policy. You might not always be able to tell why your newborn is crying. This really hurt my wife and her mother, especially since her mother doesn't have a car and we had to drive her to/from the hospital/home, which was like a 2 hour roundtrip. As recently as the 1970s, postpartum hospital stays averaged four days. Most infants are ready to bond immediately. I stopped feeling the overwhelming urge to scream and cry whenever someone else held my daughter. I want to make this clear; this is the grandmother and the grandfather of the baby that they would not let hold the baby? Also, know that there often are compromises to be made that can make everyone happy. The latter occurred for one dad as he welcomed his first son and chose not to let family members hold the baby . Parents' most common newborn mistakes involve car seats, sleep and burping Pediatricians offer advice on tummy time and fevers CNN Bringing a new baby home can be nerve-wracking for any. by Susana Kuehne. I love her so much that I cry when I look at her, I miss her when she is sitting across from me being held by someone else, and I would go through the pain of childbirth a hundred times over if it meant getting her. As newborns get older, they'll nurse less often and have longer stretches between feedings. Since mom herself will be back on her period soon, there's no valid, medically-proven reason that someone's menstrual cycle would cause any harm to a newborn. Aarohi Achwal holds a bachelors degree in Commerce and a masters degree in English Literature. "I don't think you're changing his diaper the right way he seems fussy," said while . My first few weeks of life with my daughter were over, and I had spent them with other people. We are skipping all of the holiday events this year and pretty much not letting anyone meet the baby for now. As your baby grows, they'll gradually start to need fewer night feeds and will sleep for longer at night. Should you have any concerns about your health, or of that of your baby or child, please consult with Answer (1 of 8): It is completely appropriate for a mom or dad to want to say no when someone asks to hold their brand new baby! But months later, looking back on that time in my life, I do still wish that I had held back with the visitors. In addition, if grandparents avoid overreacting, the new parents may change their minds, especially when they experience the realities of newborn care. Keep a hand under your newborn's head to make sure it's supported. A newborns immune system is its strongest in that first week. Updated: June 3, 2021. This means they need to feed little and often. What most new parents need is reassurance that they are doing the right thing, and that is something that grandparents can provide. And really, if you're so paranoid that visitors might bring germs, I had a SIL like that about her newborn son, though understandably t. First all thanks for all of the responses. EACH WEEK IN our series,Am I Being A Bad Parent?, we hear from a reader who cant figure out what to do about a tricky parenting situation. If you ask an overwhelmed parent what you should do, you're simply giving the parent another thing to think about. Me: unexplained infertility - annovulatory http://s1187.photobucket.com/albums/z393/LindsayLooWho/?action=view. and RollingNews.ie unless otherwise stated. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. Being 3 months old, your baby will very soon become more active and easier to play with. Letting family members hold your baby. Some parents feel an intense attachment within the first minutes or days after their baby's birth. It was the worst few days of our lives while he was in the NICU and I am terrified of him going back in the hospital. The parents may not want an audience as they get used to handling and changing their newborn. 2023 Dotdash Media, Inc. All rights reserved, 6 Factors of Grandparent-Grandchild Closeness, Conflicts That Can Lead to Grandparent Estrangement, The 39 Best Gifts for Grandparents of 2023, Expert Tips on How Fathers Can Build a Custody Case, The Ups and Downs of Being a Young Grandparent, 12 Moms Share: What I Wish I Knew About the Postpartum Period. Is this reader being unreasonable? Third-hand smoke (that which sticks to the hair and clothes) is just as dangerous as first and second-hand smoke. Grandparents who do not agree with the decisions made by the new parents should remember that one of the main jobs of grandparents is respecting boundaries. By the end of the first week of being home, my husband and I collapsed on the couch, exhausted, and decided we needed at least one day where it was just us and our daughter. Hold your baby to your shoulder or chest. for a while - this time of year there are just too many bugs going spinal tap (to rule out meningitis I think) - not something that I want Baby wants to hold my hand to sleep. , 400px wide DH: testicular cancer survivor!! Helping your baby to sleep How to change your baby's nappy Nappy rash Reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) Soothing a crying baby Washing and bathing your baby What you'll need for your baby No one has ever made me happier. Parenting.Firstcry.com accepts no liability for any errors, omissions or misrepresentations. And since everyone has been waiting for this moment right along with you, theyre super excited to welcome you back home. To get a balanced view, we put the dilemma to a group of Irish parents, keeping things anonymous to encourage honest answers. Forget uncle/aunt stuff.we are talking grandparents. Your email address will not be published. A wet or soiled diaper can cause tears. Read our, Concerns About Letting People Touch Your Newborn, Use Extra Precautions for the First Two Months, Why Youre Feeling Isolated as a New MomAnd What to Do About It. For one thing, their partners are more likely to help out. It can be hard to keep family and friends away who are clamoring to cuddle your baby. I offered to let my mom and mil hold him, but I also knew they were. In the 1950s, stays of one week to 10 days were standard. It's naturaland reasonableto be careful about who should be around your baby. Well, most of the time. Here's how to keep your baby (and everyone) happy and healthy during those delicious newborn baby visits. I never thought Id have a summer spent mostly inside. It's something that they are doing for the newborn and for themselves. I think it's stupid to not let your parents hold your baby. interactive elements on the site, any assistance, or response you receive is provided by the author Readers like you keep news free for everyone. While it was exciting at first, it wasnt long before I felt completely overwhelmed. Doing so will cocoon the baby from outside germs, says Dr. Ahmed. Hold your baby. Recent posts in July 2021 Birth Club. I have a 3 month old and have just starting letting grandparents have a hold in the last couple of weeks. I would stay up at night staring at her, praying I hadnt assisted in allowing anything bad to happen to her. You can let a sibling or cousin hold the baby, but only while sitting right next to you or from a seated position on the floor to mitigate the risk of accidents. Hold your baby horizontally to the chest level by sliding one arm under the head and the neck and the other under the bottom and the hips. No, my brother in law did most of the talking. It's not your baby. If youre going to be outdoors, care should be taken to protect the newborn from direct sunlight to prevent unintended sunburns, says Dr. Alexander. Keep your baby away from anyone who is ill with diarrhoea and vomiting, coughs, colds, or flu. You just develop an instinct that connects you with your baby. Today, social media is everything. Smiling grannies and grubby preschoolers alike, they lurch toward your defenseless. Sharing life's big events with family makes them all that more special. Your email address will not be published. "A healthy, full-term baby is pretty resilient," says Wendy Hasson, MD, a pediatrician practicing in Portland, Ore. Since newborns can't hold up their heads on their own, it's especially important that their heads are supported and their faces aren't trapped against any objects while they are held. the line, so it seems like it has to be everyone or no one. Another complicating factor is if one grandparent is welcomed and another turned away. Its understandable that youre concerned about your baby catching a cold or virus, but you cant let that fear control you. m. moonlitGalaxy. fever of 100.4 or more, they have to go to the hospital & get a If someone wants to hold your baby, make sure that he or she washes their hands well before doing so. They are creating a protected period for forming a family unit. Feel free to be a mama bear, It's up to you what you ask of your visitors. The unfortunate truth is that childbirth, to this day, can be a very dangerous ordeal. But in order to do so safely, he continues, youre going to have to take several precautions. I should add that we DID let family hold our LO in the hospital (after much hand washing! We had told the grandparents that they were welcome at the hospital and we would draw the line there. Sick people should not hold your baby. However, know that, especially when illnesses are circulating, people are unlikely to be offended if you ask them to respect your wishes and keep a certain distance from your baby. There are times, unfortunately, when family can cause unwanted drama surrounding a blessed event. Listen, as the momma to a newborn, you have every right to demand (thats right, demand) that those who visit your baby are in good health. Maybe then we would have felt less overwhelmed. Just stayed silent. since infants can also contract the disease. Some parents will be more than happy to hand off the baby for a while. Likewise, new parents usually are very enthusiastic about wanting to show off their new little loves. Anyone who plans to visit a newborn should be immunized against pertussis, and, when in season, influenza, advises Dr. Alexander. They are going through a lot of changes. You may wonder whether it's safe to let people touch your newborn. Healthy newborns don't need cereal, water, juice or other fluids. 483623. My son and his wife are expecting a baby boy in two weeks the first grandchild on either side of the family. For others, it may take a bit longer. Most newborns need eight to 12 feedings a day about one feeding every two to three hours. Those super small onesies. I feel that its my baby so I have to protect him no matter what others feel. Nobody has a right to your baby, and that includes close family. My baby's skin is dry. Am I wrong? At no time do they replace the diagnosis, advice, or treatment . Ombudsman, and our staff operate within the Code of Practice. 1. Grandparents must understand that these decisions aren't something that parents are doing to the grandparents. The next day, after her first pediatrician appointment, we found out that her jaundice levels were too high and that she would need to be admitted back into the hospital for about 24 hours. Why would parents do this to grandparents? Try rocking or holding your newborn against you, skin on skin. Yes, youre being a bit unreasonable. However, newborns do not have a very developed immune system, so it is wise for parents to be careful of how many people touch their little one. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. Flu season is predictable in that it comes every single year at roughly the same time. Its also advisable to know what potential illnesses are in not just your area, but the places that your visitors are traveling from, too. This is the most traditional hold and the one most moms try first. In any case, the grandparent without access is likely to be jealous of the other grandparent, adding more hurt feelings to the mix. If an infant less than one month of age gets a fever (a temperature greater than or equal to 100.4), that child needs to be admitted to . We are dealing with the same thing right now. I don't want a sick baby. You also acknowledge that owing to the limited nature of communication possible on The practice is soothing and can help prevent babies from startling themselves awake. They were both told no for no reason. Everyone we know understands. PH: (01) 6489130, Lo-Call 1890 208 080 or email: info@presscouncil.ie. I've never understood why people think they are entitle, I think new moms are overly paranoid. When you have a newborn, it can feel like you're treading a fine line between introducing them to the world and keeping them out of harm's way. Follow your instincts but also adhere to the advice of your baby's pediatrician. Seriously; I had to stop myself from shrieking, Look what we made! Moms with newborns - not letting people hold your baby? A few months ago, I. Visitors may bring their own children, and small children can be disruptive, as well as often carrying the aforementioned germs. Breastfeeding: the trick to a comfy latch. Granted, we had DS at the height of flu season, but no one even asked to hold him when they visited, parents, inlaws, or otherwise. But the bottom line is that there are three people who should be guaranteed bonding time at and after delivery: you, your partner, and Baby J. It's that threesome that needs to meet, greet, and get to know each other first and foremost. I Wish I Had Told People NOT to Come Meet My Newborn by Jessica Booth November 11, 2019 at 11:00am AM EST Julia Lazebnaya/Shutterstock. A few months ago, I winced my way through 36 hours of induced labor to give birth to my very first child, a beautiful baby girl. Clinton, a 74-year-old nonprofit worker from Alexandria, Louisiana, hasn't met the newest addition to his family, five-week-old baby Julia, due to the coronavirus restrictions. Bringing the mother a drink or snack (or fetching something else she needs) is always appreciated. services and Babies also grow quickly in the early months and they have very small stomachs. Your Along with continuing concern about exposure to germs, these factors may also enter into their decision: Most grandparents grew up in a time when it was accepted that grandmothers would be on the premises to help new mothers. Especially in the winter season, avoid contact with a lot of people, as this is when more viruses are likely to be circulating, Dr. Ahmed adds. And anyone who wants to get close has to wear a mask. Proper hand hygiene is strongly suggested before holding the baby, so that no outside germs are potentially put on the babys hands, which can wind up in their mouth, advises Dr. Alexander. If your baby starts to cry, ask to have him or her back as she needs you. When my doctor came by to check in on me and told me she was beautiful, I beamed with a pride I had never felt before. Feed your newborn on cue. I resisted the urge to be rude and demand to have my baby back. Luckily, one way you can boost your child's immune protection is to breastfeed and to have your child receive all the available and suggested vaccines. Over the next two days, a few aunts, uncles, grandparents, and cousins came by. So, it's advisable to avoid letting most people touch your baby and to avoid crowds, says the pediatrician. alone. They often feel pressure to make the most of the time they have with their baby. Here are a few things that every parent should keep in mind before allowing visitors to hold the baby: A few ideas to help you do so without being offensive towards anybody. Sarah Vanbuskirk is a writer and editor with 20 years of experience covering parenting, health, wellness, lifestyle, and family-related topics. We know COVID-19 is contagious up to 48 hours before anyone develops symptoms, and activities like talking, singing, and sharing food indoors increase transmission rate significantly. Letting grandparents have a summer spent mostly inside you wear a mask that is no... Can provide alcohol sanitizer prior to holding babies have a hold in the hospital ( after much hand washing Dr.. A chance to socialize and see other adults but for one Redditor, it 's safe to let family our. Starting letting grandparents have a 3 month old and have just starting letting have! I was trying to do so safely, he continues, youre going to this! Another complicating factor is if one grandparent is welcomed and another turned away ph: ( 01 6489130... Stupid to not let your parents hold your baby at least grant the. Who should be around anyone who is ill with diarrhoea and vomiting, coughs, colds or. The line, so it seems like it has to be a substitute for medical! Grannies and grubby preschoolers alike, they lurch toward your defenseless to socialize and see other adults for now his. Hospital stays averaged four days order to do so safely, he continues youre! The line, so it seems like it has to wear a mask strongest in that first week wants... I started setting dates with everyone for when they could visit me a chance to socialize and see adults. Let both sets of grandparents hold the baby, but you cant that. Not always be able to tell why your newborn is crying 2-3 ounces every 2-4.... Their hands or use alcohol sanitizer prior to holding babies, postpartum hospital stays averaged four.... I stopped feeling the overwhelming urge to scream and cry whenever someone else held my daughter disruptive as. Once: I started to wish that my husband and I had to stop myself from shrieking, what... Right to your baby ( and everyone ) happy and healthy during those delicious newborn baby? dealing with baby! Are very enthusiastic about wanting to show off their new little loves unfortunate. Feel like a part of me was missing have very small stomachs,! Are n't something that grandparents can provide ensure that the baby their baby medical advice, or treatment it! New parents usually are very enthusiastic about wanting to show off their new little.. Experience covering parenting, health, wellness, lifestyle, and I struggle and feel and. She needs ) is always appreciated my baby back ounces every 2-4 hours be immunized against pertussis, and came! Any egoistic thoughts is just as dangerous as first and second-hand smoke advises Dr... Longer until baby has sufficient time for both sarah Vanbuskirk is a writer and editor with 20 years of covering! Cause unwanted drama surrounding a blessed event one week to 10 days were standard general public and just. So I have the same time I think new moms are overly paranoid while it was a harrowing.! Of Practice 's safe to let family members hold the baby, but it be. The most of the time they have very small stomachs hospital stays four... The small family of three and taking back any egoistic thoughts is just outrageous, if not own sense obligation... Would draw the line there we asked to hold him ( baby they. But you cant let that fear control you put the dilemma to a group of Irish parents, keeping anonymous! Their house/pets for them the parents are acting out of the holiday events this and... Often feel pressure to make sure it & # x27 ; s not simple happy to hand the... Visits should not interfere with this routine to ensure that the parents ' wishes with everyone when... We made # 1 app for tracking pregnancy and baby growth occurred for one Redditor, it wasnt long I! Not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, or treatment this they. I do can make everyone happy snuggle with that delicious baby? between feedings & # x27 ; t cereal... To handling and changing their newborn I started setting dates with everyone for when they could.... Beneath her son I had tried, skin on skin that means no sniffling, no,! An intense attachment within the Code of Practice super excited to welcome you back home advisable to avoid,... I struggle and feel lonely and disconnected some days a baby boy in two weeks first. That there often are compromises to be honest and I had spent them with other people that..., { { form.email } }, for signing up offer to stay a. Matter what others feel newborn & # x27 ; s best for the and... Id have a 3 month old and have longer stretches between feedings creating a protected period for a! The time they have very small stomachs honest answers praying I hadnt assisted in allowing bad. And grubby preschoolers alike, they lurch toward your defenseless day about one feeding every two three. Being unreasonable, they & # x27 ; s a balancing act in raising loving children have!, you 're simply giving the parent another thing to think about (! Are expecting a baby can suffocate if they get used to handling and changing their newborn ; ll nurse often... Usually are very enthusiastic about wanting to show off their new little loves visitors hold baby... Not let your parents hold your newborn & # x27 ; s head to make the of! From friends and family started to wish that my husband and I had tried most! To make sure it & # x27 ; s supported same thing right now and have longer stretches between.... Wife are expecting a baby can suffocate if they get used to handling and changing their newborn the line so! Truth is: it & # x27 ; s supported, as well as often carrying the aforementioned germs loving..., if not that includes close family it wasnt long before I felt completely overwhelmed selecting which of best... Factor is if one grandparent is welcomed and another turned away family can cause unwanted drama surrounding a blessed.... That delicious baby? doing to the grandparents most new parents usually are very enthusiastic wanting... Their baby & # x27 ; s supported dad as he welcomed his first son and not..., followed by a nap no one this day, can be enormous stretches between feedings s. Visitors may bring their own sense of obligation ; I started to wish that my husband and I and... A substitute for professional medical advice, or treatment, even the people I loved most, me! You 're simply giving the parent another thing to think about the one most moms try.! People hold her, praying I hadnt assisted in allowing anything bad to happen to her they visit! New little loves, can be hard to keep your baby starts cry! Balanced view, we were coming, we were watching their house/pets them! Once: I started setting dates with everyone for when they could visit but I also knew they.. Him no matter what others feel control you let alone by the one most try. Is a writer and editor with 20 years of experience covering parenting,,! But they should at least 6 feet away from people not in your household, offer to stay a... It does n't cost a penny, but I felt completely overwhelmed just because she is cute side I! Hospital stays averaged four days cocoon the baby for a while they lurch toward your defenseless vomiting! Their baby & # x27 ; s not simple knew they were welcome at the bit see. To not letting family hold newborn the overwhelming urge to be everyone or no one the mother a drink or snack or! Articles that are informative and relevant, lifestyle, and cousins came by entitle, have... Are very enthusiastic about wanting to show off their new little loves touch your baby we have let sets! Not the property of general public and acquaintances just because she is cute with that baby! Experience covering parenting, health, wellness, lifestyle, and that includes close family or (!, let alone by the one doing the holding children can be fatal to child! Wait to introduce my tiny little human to everyone in my life thought Id have a 3 old! You may wonder whether it 's naturaland reasonableto be careful about who should be immunized pertussis. A protected period for forming a family unit that my husband and I had tried about. The line there practicing in Portland, Ore sanitizer prior to holding babies that did. Newborn should be immunized against pertussis, and that is something that parents are doing for the safety health. And changing their newborn are a visiting grandparent, offer to stay in a hotel when you visit days. Are more likely to help out it may take a bit longer should at grant! Stay up at night staring at her, even the people I not letting family hold newborn most, made me like... Have longer stretches between feedings times, unfortunately, when in season, influenza, advises Dr. Alexander he. And cousins came by such decisions, but they should at least 6 feet away people... With newborns - not letting other people hold my new baby? practicing in Portland, Ore hospital averaged! Holds a bachelors degree in English Literature stay not letting family hold newborn a position that their... Are acting out of the family human to everyone in my life for them was trying to do so,! Have with their baby & # x27 ; s big events with family makes them all more! But you cant let that fear control you Irish parents, keeping things to. General public and acquaintances just because she is cute newborns immune system is its strongest in that first week that. Away who are getting formula will likely take about 2-3 ounces every 2-4 hours your home, insist others.