Welcoming a newborn into the world is a joyful, exciting time for parents, but it can also be overwhelming—especially when family and friends are eager to meet your baby. While it’s natural to want to share the excitement, managing visitors (especially during cold and flu season) is crucial for your well-being and your baby’s health.
Create a Foundation For Nourishing Postpartum Recovery & Bonding
At Pediatric Associates of the Northwest, we are here to help you navigate this new time of life. Here are some of our top tips to keep your new family healthy and safe:
1. Set Visitor Expectations Before Birth
The best way to handle visitors after birth is to set clear expectations before your baby arrives. Having a plan in place can help reduce stress and avoid awkward situations during a busy and emotional time.
- Discuss Boundaries with Your Partner. Talk to your partner about your preferences for hospital or home visitors. Will you welcome family and friends at the hospital or after you return home? Are there specific people you’d like to prioritize?
- Create a Communication Plan. Use a family group chat, a social media post, or a list of contact points to keep everyone updated on when and where they can visit. This reduces the need to repeat information to multiple people and avoids surprise guests.
2. Focus on Recovery by Limiting Hospital and Home Visits
After birth, it’s important to prioritize your health and recovery as well as your baby’s. Hospital and home visits can be exciting, but it’s best to limit them to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
- Hospital Visits. Many hospitals have specific visiting policies, so don’t hesitate to inform staff of your preferences. You may want to allow only close family members to visit, especially during your stay. Rest, recovery, and bonding with your baby should be your main goals during this time.
- Home Visits. When you return home, entertaining guests is tempting, but setting boundaries is vital. Let friends and family know that you’re limiting the number of visitors at one time or per day. This ensures you get the rest you need and helps manage any overwhelm.
- Have a Code Word/Gesture. Even if visitors are there at an agreed-upon time, your feelings or the baby’s needs can change at a moment’s notice. It can be helpful for you and your partner to have a code word or gesture that when signaled, means it’s time to politely escort guest(s) out.
3. Prioritize Health and Safety for Newborns
Newborns are particularly vulnerable to germs and infections during the first 6-8 weeks of life, so health and safety guidelines are essential when managing visitors.
- Hand Hygiene. Ask all visitors to wash their hands before holding or touching your baby. Consider having hand sanitizer available at the entrance for easy access.
- No Sick Visitors. It’s crucial to communicate that anyone feeling sick or who has been around others who are ill should postpone their visit until they are symptom-free. This includes common colds, flu, or any contagious illnesses.
- Vaccines. Parents, caregivers, and anyone in close contact with the baby should have an up-to-date Pertussis vaccine (Tdap or DTaP) and seasonal flu, COVID, and RSV vaccines if eligible. Newborns cannot receive flu and COVID vaccines but may be eligible for the RSV monoclonal antibody shot (Beyfortus). Ask your pediatrician about this.
- Masks and Distancing. Consider asking visitors to wear masks during peak flu season (typically February in Oregon). This adds an extra layer of protection for your newborn’s developing immune system.
4. Don’t Be Afraid to Say No
As a new parent, you’ll be managing a lot—both physically and emotionally. It’s okay to say no to visitors if you need rest or time to bond with your baby. Your friends and family will understand!
- Set Limits. Turning down visits or suggesting another time is okay. Communicate openly with visitors and let them know you’ll be in touch when you feel ready for a visit.
- Delegate Help. If visitors offer to bring meals, help with chores, or run errands, take them up on it! Delegating tasks can help you focus on resting and recovering after birth.
5. How to Prepare Visitors
To avoid surprises, prepare your visitors by sharing some helpful guidelines on how to make their visit easier for both you and your baby. Your friends and family will understand!
- Be Transparent. Let visitors know what to expect during their visit. Are you comfortable with them holding the baby, or should they just watch? Make sure they understand your preferences for when to visit and for how long.
- Keep It Short. The first few visits should be brief, especially when you’re still adjusting. Let visitors know that short visits are appreciated so you don’t get overwhelmed.
- One Visit at a Time. Managing one or two visitors at a time is much easier than hosting large groups.
- Honor Siblings. It’s natural for all of the focus to be on the new baby, but this is a transitional time for siblings too. They can begin to feel overshadowed or like they are being “replaced.” Ask visitors to spend extra time engaging with the “big brother/sister” to help them know they’re still an important part of the family. This can do a world of good for helping siblings bond with the new baby.
6. Keep Your Mental Health a Priority
While it’s great to see family and friends celebrate your new arrival, listening to your mental and physical needs is crucial. Don’t feel pressured to entertain visitors if you are not feeling up to it.
- Recognize Your Needs: If you need some quiet time, it’s okay to politely ask visitors to leave or reschedule. Your well-being is the most important thing right now.
- Trust Your Instincts: If you’re not ready for a visit or need a break, trust your gut. Take care of yourself!
The arrival of your newborn is an exciting time, AND it’s important to manage visitors carefully to ensure both you and your baby get the rest, bonding time, and recovery you need.
Your body has been through a lot to bring your little one into the world! By setting boundaries, communicating health guidelines, and prioritizing your own well-being, you can navigate eager visitors with ease. Remember, it’s okay to say no and put your health and comfort first. After all, you’re creating a strong foundation for you and your baby as you embark on this new journey together.
Pediatric Associates of the Northwest Are Newborn Experts
Our experienced and compassionate team of pediatricians, nurses, lactation consultants, and psychologists is here for you every step of the way! We’ve got you covered regarding newborn sleep, feeding, soothing, and safety.
We guide families and answer questions even before the baby arrives, so you feel empowered and confident as you prepare for your little one. Schedule a complimentary Meet-and-Greet appointment to learn about our convenient, comprehensive services!
