struggling with anxiety about germs/illness

[Butterflyy20]

my baby is nearly 2 weeks old and i'm really struggling with my anxiety about germs and people holding my baby!! i know to an extent is normal but i can't seem to shake just not wanting him to be with anyone else or risk getting poorly. Can anyone talk some sense into me?? i've read so many horror stories before i had my baby it's scarred me. tia

It’s hard to tell from your post if your developing a problem. It’s completely normally for only Mum and a few very close people to hold your baby in the early days.

Put baby in a sling when people are around so no chance for cuddles and keep an eye on your anxiety. If it doesn’t improve then a drop to the GPS maybe useful.

I would just not invite so many people over to meet the baby. Wait a few more weeks. I avoided seeing lots of people the first few weeks. And I don’t let everyone hold her. Luckily most people don’t ask!! But I don’t offer it, as some mums do.

I think you can be previous with your first.. you have the luxury to keep baby away from germs etc..

But just have a think about those with second babies. My toddler is the germiest thing on earth. Can I keep her away from my soon to be newborn? No I can’t. She goes to nursery, softplay, the park, local kids museum, library, toddler group etc. And within reason, I’m going to have to keep entertaining her once baby arrives, so baby will probably also come to said activities (bar nursery). Or even if baby stays at home, either I, my OH or Grandparents will be taking her and then cuddling/feeding newborn.. it’s literally impossible to avoid.

Second born babies don’t get horribly ill on mass.

So try not to worry too much. Your little one will be a’ok. Just ask visitors not to come if they aren’t feeling great and don’t feel pressured into giving your baby over for cuddles if you don’t want too. I handed my daughter over to anyone who’d have her 😂 so I could have a hot drink or sandwich two handed but your baby, your choice.