Episode 21 | Essential Rules for Newborn Baby Visitors: Top Tips for New Parents

Ep 21 | Essential Rules for Newborn Baby Visitors: Top Tips for New Parents

Today, we’re diving into a topic that often catches new parents by surprise: how to handle visitors after the birth of your baby. We’ll cover the top five rules to ensure those first few hours and days go as smoothly as possible. Let’s get started!

1. Delay the Big Announcement to Friends and Family

The excitement of your new arrival can make you want to shout the news from the rooftops, but consider holding off on that big announcement for a few hours. This precious time, often called the ‘4th stage of labour,’ is crucial for both you and your baby.

During these first hours, both mum and baby undergo significant physiological changes. It’s a time for you to bond as a new family and initiate breastfeeding, which is best done without interruptions. Mum, Dad and Baby are getting to know each other for the first time since birth.

Your midwife will be there to ensure everything is going well, while they also try not to disturb this special moment.

You can never get this precious time back so keep it quiet and private.

Remember, you can always make that initial call to close family and friends, setting expectations for when you’ll be ready for visitors. And it’s completely okay to postpone these visits if you need more time to rest and recover.

2. Discourage Sick Friends or Family from Visiting

This one might seem obvious, but it’s essential: if friends or family members are sick with coughs or colds or anything catchy, it’s best to ask them to hold off on visiting. Newborns are especially vulnerable to infections, and illnesses like cold sores can be particularly dangerous.

Reassure your loved ones that you’re excited for them to meet the baby, but your baby’s health is the priority. Most people will understand, especially after the recent pandemic, but if someone does show up unwell, don’t hesitate to remind them that now isn’t the best time for a visit.

3. Ask Visitors to Wash Their Hands

Before anyone gets close to your baby, make sure they wash their hands or use hand sanitiser gel, which is readily available in hospitals. This simple step can significantly reduce the risk of germs entering your newborn’s space, helping to keep them safe and healthy.

4. What About Smokers?

For visitors who smoke, ask them to put on a clean jacket over their clothes before holding your baby. This helps prevent harmful chemicals from getting into your newborn’s airways. Alternatively, they can use a designated ‘smokers’ jacket that they remove before cuddling your little one.

5. No Vax, No Visit?

You might have seen the phrase ‘No vax, no visit’ floating around on social media. It’s a good idea to ensure that family and friends are up to date with their whooping cough vaccine before they come to meet your baby. Pregnant women are advised to get this vaccine between 20-32 weeks, which provides some protection to the newborn from birth. Partners should get vaccinated every 10 years, and close relatives should check with their doctors about their vaccination status.

Some new parents have additional vaccination requests of their close family and friends, and these are best discussed well before the birth if possible so that everyone can get on the same page, medical advice can be sort for all involved and there is no big issues at a time that should be full of joy!

Handling Overstaying Visitors

Sometimes, visitors can overstay their welcome. It’s important to have some strategies in place. Get to know your midwife—they can help by gently suggesting that it’s time for you to rest. This way, you don’t have to be the ‘bad guy.’ Your partner can also help by walking visitors to the foyer or a nearby sitting area, giving you some much-needed privacy.

Building Your Village

In these first few days, the most important thing is for you, your partner, and your baby to bond. But it’s also a time for close friends and family to start becoming part of your support network. When people offer to help, accept it! Whether it’s bringing over a meal, holding the baby while you shower, or sharing parenting tips, every bit of support counts.

I truly believe every family needs a village surrounding them. This is your chance to start building yours.

Connect With Belinda:

Web: www.BelindaJoyce.com
Facebook: @BelindaJoyceMidwife
Instagram: @belinda_joyce_midwife
TikTok: @belinda_joyce_midwife

Download Belinda’s FREE Baby Bundle:

• Checklists for baby equipment, hospital bag, nappy bag, travel & childcare bag
• Newborn Sleep Flowchart-what to do next
• Baby Feed & Sleep Tracker

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