To not want many visitors after the birth

[Yummymummy2020]

Long story short, difficult pregnancy, Have been warned we are likely to be sectioned early, depending on my blood pressure (pre eclampsia) although all seems just about under control at the moment. I’m really anxious about visitors after the birth as my partners family are lovely, but very eager to meet our new arrival Which is lovely. I’m not sure if it’s hormones but I’m really worried about the baby catching something. Often members are sick(huge family) and are very full on affectionate with all the kids(face kisses on babies ect) I just know this will be the case when ours comes and I know a lot of offence will be taken if I ask for no face kissing, hand washing ect. Am I being a total drama queen or what are other people’s feelings on this? I’m hoping to breast feed so also not too keen on many hospital visitors, and when I get back home I know it’s going to be tough at the start at least anyway without the paranoia of baby getting sick. (I do know they could catch something off me or dp also but want to reduce the risk)Side note, I have been refused vaccines in pregnancy due to past reactions and so baby will be more vulnerable aside from the fact they will also likely be a preemie. Am I being over the top to worry about this? I did the worst thing and read up on new babies catching things when the mother wasn’t vaccinated in pregnancy. I know this is a lot to read, so thank you for sticking with it! And I am prepared to be called paranoid without offence if that’s what I’m being!

Maybe when you announce the birth politely tell them we will let you know when we're ready for visitors that way you're not saying no I get it everyone wants to meet your baby more often than not the mother is forgotten maybe ask if they're desperate to come round that your DH could let them know to hand wash etc- I just used to tell my own family straight you need to wash your hands and no kissing-told them hes early dont forget and no one had a problem with it. I too am breastfeeding that would be the cue to "go" as long as you set your boundaries and your DP can back you up you should be fine X and No your not being unreasonable xx

DD was prem and I simply explained when people visited (when we came out of hospital) that she had a weaker immune system and they would need to sanitise their hands. Everyone was fine with this.

OP - if your baby is very early, the likelihood is you won’t be having visitors beyond your immediate family. My DD was in the NICU and initially it was only me and BP who could visit.

Depends on when your section will be. You mentioned the baby being prem and anything over 37 weeks wouldn’t be too much of a concern medically speaking. If your DC comes before then they may need NICU stay and so partly this issue will be moot.

Either way - whether visitors in hospital or at home - just say! Just say baby was early and no immunity and so we need to be careful. People will only want the best for baby and shouldn’t take issue.