The arrival of a new baby is an exciting event for everyone, so you'll probably have friends and family keen to visit you both in the hospital and once you get home. It's not a problem if visitors hold your newborn, but you will need to take a few precautions.
Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Traditionally, mums follow a 40-day confinement period to recover from the birth and to keep their newborn baby safe from infections. It may be a good idea to speak to your husband and let him or an elder such as your mum or mum-in-law, help you handle any visitors during the first few weeks.
- If possible, try to fix a set time for visitors. A constant stream of visitors all through the day may leave you tired and exhausted. Some mums find mid-mornings or evenings work best. This way they can have a late start to their day or fit in an afternoon nap.
- It is safest to request visitors to wash their hands before holding your baby. You may be worried about offending your guests, but, if you, your spouse or any other willing family member can lead by example, things should go just fine. Washing or using sterilised wipes or a hand sanitiser helps to limit the viruses or germs your baby is exposed to. You could say that you are following doctor's orders or taking precautions as there is the flu or viral going around.
- Try not to let too many people handle your baby for too long as he may get tired or over stimulated. Instead, settle your baby in his pram, palna or cradle in one place, and allow the guests to go and see him there. If your baby is sleeping, you could suggest visitors take a peek without touching or lifting him. You can tell your guests that they can hold your baby and play with him when he is awake.
- Young children, especially older siblings and cousins will be excited by the arrival of a new baby and may insist on holding your newborn. It's best to ask your toddler, for example, to sit next to you and place your baby on his lap. Keep a hand under your newborn's head to make sure it's supported. Place your other hand around your toddler (as if you're hugging him from the back) and hold your baby.
- Do make sure no one feeds any honey, mithai or herbal preparations to your baby. Your baby could pick up an infection from food, as his digestive system isn't mature enough. All your baby needs at this point is breastmilk or formula if you are bottle-feeding.
- If you are having a puja, naamkaran or chhatti celebration, try to limit the gathering to close family members and friends. Your baby may feel overwhelmed with too many people around, especially if every visitor wants to hold him.
Newborns are more susceptible than adults to whatever bugs might be going around because their immune systems aren't mature yet. Once they're more than a month or two old, you won't need to be so vigilant about protecting them from germs. It's advisable though, to keep your baby away from people who have recently recovered or are just recovering from infections and communicable illnesses.