Newborn Etiquette
There must be something in the water! Everyone is either having a baby, pregnant, or thinking of having a baby in my world. It is such an exciting time in life where families grow, and friends can raise their children together. I sure feel blessed to have family and friends to go through this crazy process with! When it comes to having babies, there are a few unspoken rules you must follow when meeting the new little one for the first time. Not everyone is aware of these “rules” per say, but it is important to educate yourself before going over to someone’s house with a new baby. Every new parent can feel a little overwhelmed at the beginning, whether it is their first or fourth so it is important to be sensitive to basic etiquette beforehand!
Rule #1: Dropping By
Don’t just drop by on a new mom who is trying to get a handle on life with a newborn! She might be pumping, feeding, or trying to sleep. Always text or call before just coming over, unless the family has told you otherwise. There is nothing more annoying than trying to cover up your bare breasts, or unplug your pump equipment when someone decides to drop by unannounced. This also goes for trips to the hospital, and every parent has their own preferences! I personally didn’t mind if people stopped by, and I thought it was great to have company at certain times as long as knew they were on their way.
Rule #2: Make Yourself Useful
When a newborn comes into a family it is important that you make yourself useful at every visit. Bringing dinner or lunch is very helpful, along with sweeping the floor or doing the dishes. These small things go a long way, and they are greatly appreciated. This is not a time to “hang out” with the baby and mom, that is after you have gotten to snuggle and chit chat for a bit. Don’t overstay your welcome, and find a way to help when you are there. The mother will feel less stressed when you leave because dinner is on the table, and her floors and kitchen are cleaned up! What a relief!
Rule #3: Leave Your Germs
Newborns are fragile, and their immune systems are weak. I am not one of those parents who never lets their kids get dirty, and is paranoid about every little speck of dirt by the way! When you go visit a newborn for the first time- WASH YOUR HANDS! Do it in front of the new mother and father, and their mind will be at ease when you are holding their new bundle. Oh and for the love of babies, do not kiss the child! If you have little ones, either leave them at home or make sure they do not touch the baby during the visit. They will have plenty of time to pass germs back and forth later on in life, but this is not the time!
Rule #4: Visit When It Is Convenient For Them
Don’t try and coordinate your visit around what time works best for your schedule. Ask the new mother when she wants you to stop by, and she will most likely tell you. In her head she is going through a checklist of things she wants to get done before you arrive (feeding the baby, changing the baby, getting normal clothes on, and brushing her teeth!) so go with her schedule!
Rule #5: Only Positive
With a newborn comes lack of sleep, emotional highs and lows, and a world of change. This can be overwhelming for the whole family! When I was one week postpartum I remember only wanting to hear “good” news due to my hormones being out of whack. Anything remotely sad, I would be balling my eyes out. Try balling your eyes out and breastfeeding a newborn! It is not easy. Bring good news, and not drama during your visiting time and this will be better for the new mom and her ever changing hormones! She does not need any extra stress in her life for the first few weeks home.
Do you have any other rules that you liked postpartum when you had visitors come over? Comment below, as these are always helpful for any new mother! No matter what, a visitor is a great joy in life and they are greatly appreciated 99% of the time! I remember feeling so blessed by everyone who stopped by and showed their love and support. It was a wonderful time in life!
xoxo Lauren Nicole
