Bringing your newborn home is a huge moment. One aspect that often adds to this chaos is managing visitors eager to meet your little one. While their enthusiasm is heartwarming, it's important to balance these visits with your need for rest, recovery, and bonding with your newborn. Here are some practical tips to help you handle visitors after giving birth, ensuring a smooth transition into parenthood.
Establish Boundaries Early
Before your baby arrives, it’s a good idea to have a discussion with your partner about what you’re comfortable with regarding visitors. Decide together on the best times for visits and how regularly you want people coming round.
This conversation can help you both feel more in control once your baby is here. It’s also wise to communicate these boundaries to your family and friends ahead of time. A gentle conversation can set expectations and prevent any misunderstandings in those early newborn days.
Read More: How Often Should I Feed My Newborn?
Prioritise Your Needs
Your well-being and your baby's needs should always come first. If you’re feeling exhausted or overwhelmed, it’s perfectly okay to postpone visits. Your true friends and family will understand your need to rest and recover, and to put yourself first. Remember, it's okay to be assertive about what you need during this time.
Schedule Visiting Hours
Creating specific visiting times that fit best into your daily routine can help manage the flow of guests. Let your loved ones know when it's convenient for you to have visitors.
This approach can prevent unexpected drop-ins and ensure that you have time to rest between visits. You might find it helpful to limit visits to certain days or times, such as afternoons when you and your baby are more likely to be settled. These few weeks are all about getting into a routine with your newborn, and unexpected visitors every day can make this much harder.
Keep Visits Short and Sweet
While it’s lovely to see friends and family, long visits can be tiring. You’re likely sleep deprived and thinking about a million other things. Don’t hesitate to set a time limit for each visit or cut them shorter than you normally would.
You can kindly explain that you need to rest or attend to your baby’s needs. Most visitors will appreciate your honesty and be happy to accommodate your schedule.
Delegate Tasks
When visitors ask how they can help, don't be shy about assigning tasks that would help out! Whether it’s bringing a meal, running an errand on their way round, or simply holding the baby while you take a shower, these small acts can significantly ease your burden. People are often eager to lend a hand in any way they can, so take advantage of their offers.
Create a Comfortable Environment
Make your home as comfortable as possible for both you and your visitors. Set up a cosy area where guests can sit and chat without disrupting your routine or getting in the way of your little one’s things. Having a designated space can make visits feel more manageable and less intrusive, and prevent you feeling like you need to prepare the house for visitors. Ensure this space is stocked with essentials like water, snacks, and comfortable seating to keep everyone at ease.
Be Honest About Your Needs
Transparency is key. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, it’s okay to let your visitors know. A simple, honest conversation can help manage their expectations. Most people will appreciate your honesty and be more than willing to adjust their visit to better suit your needs.
Pick Up The Phone
If you’re not up for in-person visits, consider a FaceTime with loved ones. Video calls can be a great way for friends and family to see you and your baby without the added stress of hosting and preparing for guests. This option is particularly useful for long-distance relatives or during times when any health concerns may limit in-person visits.
Set Up a Visitor Calendar
A visitor calendar might sound over-the-top, but it can be an effective tool for organising and spacing out visits! If easier, share this calendar with close family and friends, allowing them to book a time slot that works for everyone. This method can help prevent overlapping visits and ensure that you have adequate time to rest between seeing guests.
Take Time for Yourself
Amidst all the excitement, don't forget to carve out time for yourself. Whether it’s a quick nap, a hot shower, or a few minutes of quiet time, these small breaks can make a big difference in your overall well-being. Encourage your partner to help facilitate these moments by taking on some of the baby duties or managing visitors.
Read More: 5 Self-Care Practices for Mums to Prioritise Their Mental Health
Prepare for the Unexpected
Despite your best efforts to plan, there will be times when things don’t go as expected. Be prepared for the occasional unannounced visitor or longer-than-expected visit.
Or, be prepared for your little one to sleep all the way through a visitor! Remember, it’s all about letting your newborn settle into the world, so don’t feel the need to disrupt their routine to accommodate for visitors.
Communicate with Your Partner
Maintaining open communication with your partner is crucial during this time. Make sure you’re both on the same page about visitors and support each other in enforcing these boundaries. Having a united front can make it easier to manage guests and ensure that both of you are getting the rest and support you need.
Read More: Important Conversations to Have with Your Partner Before Birth
Enjoy the Moments
Finally, remember to enjoy this special time! The newborn stage is short, and while visitors are eager to share in your joy, it’s essential to cherish these moments with your little one. Don’t feel guilty about prioritising your family’s needs and savouring the precious early days together.
Handling visitors after giving birth requires a balance of setting boundaries, prioritising your needs, and maintaining open communication. It’s an amazing feeling when people want to come and visit your new family, but remember to put your own well-being first.
