I’m approaching my due date with my first baby. She is expected to arrive around the end of November. As far as we can tell, baby is healthy and I’ve had the flu, whooping cough and RSV vaccinations as recommended by my midwife.
DH’s stepbrother is setting up a Christmas get-together for mid-December, which will include him, his partner, their three children, his daughter from his first marriage, her husband and their new baby (born in July), as well as my FIL and his friend. I know I’m not going to feel like seeing all of these people a few weeks after I give birth. I’m not close to most of them (and neither is DH particularly), but I would normally make an effort as they are family.
My concern is that it’s flu season and there will be a lot of people there, including children. I’m worried that baby won’t have a good immune system yet and might catch something awful. It will also be chaotic and I fear losing control of the situation, such as people kissing the baby on her face which I don’t want. On the other hand, there aren’t that many opportunities to see this part of the family and I know they’ll be disappointed if I don’t go.
Am I being overly cautious if I choose not to go? DH doesn’t care much one way or another and says I should do what I’m comfortable with. We’re going to see some people shortly after the birth, including FIL, but not in such a large group.