how to set rules for visitors when you have a new baby
For the hospital or birthing center and the early days with baby, you shouldn’t be stressed out about communicating with friends and family or sending messages to everyone. This article helps you create a plan for visitors.
Make a plan
Create your expectations and make your plan. Who will you tell that you’re in labor? When will you tell them? Who do you want to visit you in the hospital or birthing center? How long do you want visitors to stay? Are there certain hours you’d like visitors to come?
share the plan
Share your plan with friends and family. If you don’t want anyone in the waiting room, if you’re not going to tell everyone your baby arrived until you’re home, let them know in advance.
put one person in charge
The birthing person shouldn’t be in charge of texting and responding to texts. Let the partner or support person be in charge. And don’t feel pressured to respond to all the messages.
Have a code word
Create a code word for when visitors have over-stayed their welcome. If the birthing parent uses the code word, a support person or co-parent will tell the guests it’s time to go.
categorize your visitors
There are two types of people who come over after your baby is born: the helpers and the visitors. The helpers will wash dishes and hold the baby while you shower. The visitors will come, look at the baby, hang out, and leave. Schedule the helpers to come when you need more support (and give them some guidance about what you need); schedule the visitors for calmer times.
Tell the visitors the rules before they enter
Let people know your rules before they come over and come inside your home. You can use this sign.
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Hi! I'm Gigi; I'm a postpartum doula, mother to three toddlers, including twins, and a wife to my high school sweetheart.
As a former teacher, I bring realistic, evidence-based, and actionable advice (and LOTS of handouts.) I help families get all the tools they need to prepare, so once baby arrives, they can focus on resting and bonding instead of researching or stressing. I’m here to streamline the newborn learning curve and help birth parents, partners, and other family members. There isn’t ONE way to have and raise a little human. I’m here to guide parents to find THEIR way so that they can thrive in the fourth trimester and beyond.
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