5 tips for handling visitors after you give birth

So, you've had your baby and now the hospital is getting ready to discharge you and send you home. You're excited, but you're also nervous because family and friends all want to come over to visit the baby. You think "Will they be upset if I say no visitors?" and "How long should I let guests stay?". For new moms, it can be difficult dealing with family and friends so soon after childbirth. Let's talk about 5 ways you can deal with visitors as a new parent.

1. Schedule visits.

If you have several family members who want to see the baby, instead of letting everyone come whenever, schedule visits ahead of time. This can help you to prepare before they arrive and cut down on family interrupting you & baby's rest. You also want to make sure to space the visits out. Try scheduling 2 visits a week on maybe Tuesday and Friday.

2. Set clear boundaries.

This one may be hard for some moms, but remember you're doing this for the safety of your family. When we decided to have visitors for our son, one of our boundaries was (and still is), NO SHOES IN BABY'S ROOM. We didn't want family tracking germs and the entire outside world in our son's room. This may not be a boundary for you, but whatever it is, stick with it. Family members will either respect it, or not be allowed over.

3. Make visitors wash their hands.

One reason some moms are nervous about having visitors is they are not ready to expose their baby to so many germs so soon. A newborn's immune system is fragile, and an influx of germs can make them ill pretty quickly. One way to cut down on the amount of germs baby is exposed to is by making visitors wash their hands before they hold your baby. I also recommend making visitors throw a receiving blanket over their clothes before holding baby. I was a tad bit extra with my visitors, I required them to wear full protective gowns + masks (See below). After all, Covid was still very active.

Nana & grandson

4. Have visitors bring you a meal.

During those first few weeks of motherhood, you may not have time to cook for yourself. Between diaper changes, feeding sessions, crying spells, housework, and rest, it can be hard to find time to do anything for yourself. Luckily, you can put your visitors to work. Have them make your favorite dish and bring it over during their visit. You can enjoy an uninterrupted meal while they get to know your baby. This ensures that you both get something out of the visit. Don't feel bad for asking visitors for what you need. Most people don't mind running errands or holding the baby while you shower. You just went through an exhausting experience, use your help.

5. Wait a few weeks.

This one is a doozy, I know. You spent 40+ weeks with your baby inside of you, it's ok to not be ready to share your baby with the world right away. You have a right to be selfish with your baby for however long you deem appropriate. Let family and friends know that you won't be taking visitors for the first few weeks. You can send them pictures and videos to keep them updated until visitation begins. This will give you and dad time to bond with your baby. FaceTime and Zoom visits are definitely an option too!

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