February 25, 2018 by Drafts & Crafts
With recently having a baby and several friends due around the same time, I felt inspired to share what I would like to call some Labor & Delivery Visitor Etiquette.
This post came to me in an organic way, thankfully, I did not have any bad experiences with hospital visitors. I thought I would share what I think is appropriate when visiting a new mama or family for the first time after they have a baby incase anyone is unsure or needs some friendly tips. If you are around my age, then you know plenty of couples in their 20’s and 30’s who are having kids! And even if you are not around my age, everyone knows someone who is having a baby- a family member, a neighbor, a coworker, so this is pretty relevant stuff if you ask me! Let me start by saying, anyone who is visiting someone in the hospital should be a family member or relativity close friend. Visiting a new mother is a personal experience, I mean within the last 24-48 hours she gave birth to her tiny human! IT IS A BIG DEAL! To keep in short and concise, here are some pointers.
Do’s
- check with the mother first to make sure it is OK that you visit
- ask if they would prefer a certain time
- bring something- my main suggestion is FOOD. ask what their favorite place is or get something yummy!
- wash your hands right when you get in the room
- don’t over do your visit
- ask if you can get them anything on the way. I forgot chap stick one time and just wanted some Burt’s Bees!
- if you visit the home, ask if you can do anything. Remember, just folding some laundry can be a HUGE help
- be mindful of the mother breastfeeding (espeically if you and your husband go to visit, it may be something that a women is not comfortable learning or doing in front of others)
- pick something up for the new mom or make her lactation cookies. Most people bring something for the baby, but I think its extra special to bring a little something for the mama. After all, she did just push a baby out or have her abdomen sliced open!
Dont’s
- don’t visit with young children (mainly wild toddlers, some hospitals have a no children, except siblings policy)
- don’t hog the new baby and hold he/she for too long
- don’t offer advice or tell the parents they should be doing something a different way
- don’t go if you have been any type of sick in the past 7 days. newborns immune system can not handle anything!
If you are out of town
- send something, I recommend food over flowers. (I LOVE flowers, but when you get a few in the hospital it is just a pain to carry them all out)
- text message a friend or family member to congratulate them and let them know that you are thinking of them, that way they can respond at their earliest convenience.
These suggestions may seem like common sense, but it is nice to just be mindful when visiting anyone in the hospital or at their home. I have heard some crazy stories from friends who’s mother in laws just come in and start giving their opinion and let’s be honest, no one wants to hear that! I would love to hear if you have any ideas!
Keep in touch,
Dani
