Having a baby means making countless decisions for your growing family daily and for many years. While people will have all sorts of opinions surrounding these decisions, only you know what’s best. When you welcome your new baby into your arms, it’s your job to call the shots on what works best for you and your family. And that includes when to let people visit your newborn.
The decision of when to let people visit your newborn will be different for everyone, but it is ultimately about when you are ready. Here are some considerations when determining when to let people visit your newborn.
Factors to Consider for When to Let People Visit Your Newborn
Here are three things to remember when deciding when to let people visit your newborn.
Your Labor and Delivery
Whether you’re planning to deliver in a hospital setting, at a birth center, or at home, your delivery plans are personal and should be made with your comfort and well-being at the forefront.
Hospitals have varying rules and guidelines regarding visitation policies. While some allow for additional visitors (outside of your birthing partner and support person), you are not required to say “yes” to anyone asking to be there. You’ll be in a vulnerable state both during and in the days following your baby’s delivery, so you’ll want to consider whether it’ll bring you comfort or stress to have anyone other than your immediate support team – and the countless nurses and doctors making rounds – at your bedside.
Birthing at home or a birthing center may look different than in a hospital setting, but the choice is still yours when determining when you want to bring extended family or friends into your precious bundle’s circle. You, mama, are the one going through arguably the most physically, mentally, and emotionally taxing event of your life. It’s essential for everyone excited to meet your new baby to remember that – and to give you the space you need.
Your Baby’s Health and Well-being
If you have a full-term, healthy baby with no delivery complications or immediate concerns, you might feel comfortable (and even eager!) having all your favorite people visit your newborn as soon as possible. In that case, go for it.
On the other hand, if you deliver prematurely, have birth complications, and deliver a little babe with health concerns of any sort, introducing them to anyone outside of your nuclear family circle might be the last thing on your mind. Newborns are susceptible to germs and sickness; of course, having one not in excellent health is reason enough for any mama bear to want to keep her baby close.
In addition, you’ll want to consider your general attitude toward health guidelines and recommendations. Some moms wait to take their babies around outsiders until their first round of vaccinations a couple of months in; others have different views. What’s best for your baby might differ from what’s best for your sister-in-law’s baby. These conversations are excellent ones to have with your pediatrician and partner.
Your Health and Well-being
You are the key player in bringing your newborn into this world, and your well-being is just as important as your baby’s when it comes to when people visit your newborn. Whether you deliver vaginally, via planned C-section, or emergency Cesarean, birth takes a toll on any mama’s body and mind. Rest and recovery are crucial in the postpartum period, and you deserve to put yourself ahead of others’ expectations.
Sure, your in-laws might be eager to meet your baby no later than three days in, but you might only want your partner by your side as you bond with the person you just carried for nine months. Or perhaps you’re comfortable having only your own mother over to help while you’re freshly postpartum. The one who gave birth to you. To take care of YOU. While you’re still in oversized hospital pads (or adult diapers). Half-naked half the day, nursing around the clock with chapped nipples and milk-stained shirts. And all the other fun stuff that comes with having a baby. Whatever the case, you don’t have to appease others. Your comfort and recovery matter.
Only you can decide when you want to let people visit your newborn. Whether you’d prefer to max out your hospital’s allotted guest count, invite one or two special visitors to meet your baby once you’re settled at home, or even wait a month or two for anyone to meet the baby, the choice is yours. Everyone else will meet your little one sooner or later, but you won’t get this precious time with your tiny baby back. Consider what brings you peace and honor the decision that feels right to you. Ultimately, letting people meet your newborn comes down to you – and when you’re ready.
