How to get over the fear?

tarapaige1

How do I get over the huge fear of germs and sickness? I know I can't keep DS isolated at home forever. How do I become ok with taking him out in public, not now, but eventually. And letting him play with other kids when he's older. At the pedi I thought I was going to have a panic attack and constantly put on hand sanitizer. I just feel like I'm being a little over protective about things, but how do I get over it?

ijack

it just comes with time. each little step is progress. first you'll take him to target and when he doesn't get sick then you'll take him to a restaurant and so on and so forth. the older they are the easier it gets

mek10976

Germs are really tricky with preemies.  On one hand, you want to protect them from every single organism so they don't get sick. But on the other hand, you don't want to isolate them and make things worse when they do actually go out into the real world. 

Simon was born in December, so we were told not to take him out and about until April-ish.  I was freaked out that I would go bonkers not being able to leave the house, but the pedi pointed out that the infant carrier is kind of a barrier against germs b/c people are less likely to touch a baby when they are in the carrier.  I felt better knowing I could at least go to Target or the mall without too much worry. 

I also agree with pp, that it comes with time.  With each month that passed and Simon was stronger and healthier, I felt more confident about taking him out and to activities with other children.

Bippy798

Let me know if you figure it out lol! The only people who have even visited me at home are the same ones I let visit at the hospital!