When you’ve just welcomed a new addition to the family, everyone wants to come over and meet the little one. But it’s important to establish boundaries for visitors. Some may think it’s fine to drop by unannounced, but it’s perfectly okay to let them know when it’s convenient for you. Those first few days are fleeting and so precious for bonding as a new family, especially if you’re adjusting to breastfeeding or lack of sleep. So don’t hesitate to prioritise your wellbeing and your baby’s needs by setting clear boundaries. Here’s how to go about it.
Setting the Rules
Dishing out rules can feel uncomfortable for many of us, we dont want to feel controlling or bossy towards our well meaning family and friends. But now that you have your baby’s best interests to think about, its important that you speak up and let everyone know what you are and aren’t comfortable with. This could mean letting people know there will be no unannounced visits and they must call and schedule with you first. It can mean insisting everyone washes their hands before holding the baby, or not wear any clothes that they have smoked in. Many people now use vapes like Lemon and Lime Crystal Bar and other types of e-juices instead of smoking, so you will need to decide what your stance is about people using those before visiting your newborn. It’s worth having a rule that no one kisses the baby as this can spread germs and viruses that can be incredibly dangerous. Speak up and dont be afraid to make yourself heard as your baby is depending on you to protect them.
Sharing Responsibilities
When guests do come over, don’t feel obligated to wait on them hand and foot. It’s perfectly reasonable to ask them to make their own tea or coffee while you tend to your newborn. Your partner deserves a break too, so don’t hesitate to ask guests to pitch in with household tasks. Your focus should be on caring for your new arrival, not catering to visitors. Feeling guilty for taking time to breastfeed or attend to your baby’s needs is common but unnecessary. Your baby’s wellbeing comes first, and visitors should understand and respect that. Don’t be afraid to prioritise your baby’s feeding schedule over socialising. If guests offer to help, accept it graciously without guilt. They genuinely want to support you during this special time.
Bonding Time
It’s natural to want to snuggle with your baby during those precious early weeks. Don’t feel pressured to pass your baby around to visitors if you’d rather spend that time bonding with your little one yourself. Trust your instincts and prioritize those quiet moments of cuddling and bonding with your baby.
Doing Things Your Way
Ultimately, it’s essential to do things on your terms when it comes to visitors and bonding with your newborn. Set boundaries, accept help when offered, and prioritise your baby’s needs above all else. These early days are fleeting, so make sure you cherish them in a way that feels right for you and your family. By establishing boundaries and sticking to them, you can create a more relaxed and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
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