June 2013 Moms

Children visitors in hospital

I am a FTM and will be having my baby in a couple of weeks. My hospital used to have a rule that only children of the parents could visit on the maternity ward. No other kids were allowed to visit. They have changed the rules now saying that children are welcome-just as long as they are not sick. I don't mind if my sister's kids visit but that's it. My friends keep saying they want to bring their little ones to see me in the hospital. How do I tell them I don't want their kids to come. Just worried about germs. Should I lie and say that old rule still applies and the kids can't come???

Re: Children visitors in hospital

  • Why lie to friends? Just tell them you don't want children other than family at the hospital. They can meet when baby is home and when you're comfortable.
    BabyFetus Ticker IAmPregnant Ticker
  • Loading the player...
  • I don't think it's unreasonable to ask no kids for germ reasons. If they're your friends they should be understanding. I'm iffy about having my own toddler at the hospital after the birth!
  • What PPs said...  no need to lie, just be straight with her. No children except for family.

    This time around we aren't even allowing children from the family (which are actually all our younger siblings/step-siblings, ages 4-13) because having them there was too overwhelming for me last time. So the only LO around besides baby will be M, for a short period the day after baby arrives.

    Proud babywearing, breastfeeding, vaccinating SAHM of 2U2!
    imageLilypie - (qCSN)Lilypie - (5rzN)imageDaisypath Anniversary tickers




  • jennkg3jennkg3 member
    I agree. I was overwhelmed in the hospital and asked people to wait till we were home (except family).

    LOUD NOISES!

    K- born 7/5/2011

    G- born 6/24/2013

    image







  • Just be up front.  Say that you prefer they did not come into the hospital.  You don't need to go into detail if you don't want to. 
    Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker  AlternaTickers - Cool, free Web tickers
  • imageSouthSideDrea:
    Tell them you don't want them bringing their kids to the hospital and you'll give her a call once you are home and you are ready for visitors.

    This
    Image and video hosting by TinyPic Image and video hosting by TinyPic Lilypie Second Birthday tickers Lilypie First Birthday tickers BabyFruit Ticker
  • imageSouthSideDrea:
    Tell them you don't want them bringing their kids to the hospital and you'll give her a call once you are home and you are ready for visitors.


    This. If she's your friend, she should understand.
  • I don't even want my sisters kids to visit. It seems every other week one of them is sick, so I would prefer they don't visit. Just be honest. It's not a crazy request.
    BabyFetus Ticker
  • imageIrishCoffee7:
    You don't really owe her more than a vague explanation.nbsp; You're not sure you'll be up for it, you'll stil be getting used to BFing and have your boobs hanging out, You're just not comfortable knowing you'll be bleeding like crazy and have nurses in and out poking and prodding you every hour, you'll be exhausted and need some time to chill with DH, there will already be tons of close family coming and going...pick one.nbsp;
    It's your call, and she should be understanding.
    nbsp;



    This. Stick to your guns. I read that response and didn't think about all that will be going on after delivery, FTM, and now I honestly think I am going to tell friends to visit when we get home too.
  • Diplomacy is nice and all, but when you've just had a baby, it's about your feelings, not theirs.  Since in my experience some people use childbirth as an excuse to impose--and overwhelm new parents--blunt answers are best.  GL
    image
    image
    image



  • Yes.  Lie and tell them the rule applies.  You can always play dumb if they find out otherwise.
    Warning No formatter is installed for the format bbhtml
  • skioskio member
    I think your friend is dense. I would never bring my toddler around a friend's brand new baby, and certainly not to the hospital if I were even welcome at the hospital, which I also wouldn't assume.

    Ditto everyone else; sounds like being upfront is the way to go. Don't lie, just make it clear that you don't want your newborn around older kids just yet.
    imagePregnancy Ticker
This discussion has been closed.
Choose Another Board
Search Boards
"
"