Stranger touched my baby

[Lynsey953]

My son is 12 weeks old and I've been diagnosed with postnatal OCD so I'm hyper sensitive anyway. I took him to a coffee shop today and before I could stop them a stranger touched his face.
Is it my OCD that is causing me to stress about this or is it normal to do so? The lady was being nice but germs terrify me (they didn't use to).
Any thoughts on this would be great.

It's not great, and most people wouldn't do it, but seeing as she didn't stick a finger in their mouth I think baby will be fine!

I wouldn't touch a strangers baby but I don't think it's a terrible thing to do...people like cooing over babies.

Everyone loves a baby!
My son was a real cutie when he was a baby, he was always getting patted/stroked/cooed over!

I think it's your OCD that is probably stressing you out, it's not a terribly unusual thing to do. I mean, I wouldn't do it, but others probably don't think twice and doubtful any harm would occur.

She stroked his cheek.

I would not like this at all, you’re definitely not unreasonable. However, he will be fine.

It's not really OK in this day and age, but it's something that the older generation wouldn't think twice about. To answer your question, I would be annoyed but not concerned. Your OCD is overreacting about the germs aspect. Sorry you're struggling x

Any thoughts on this would be great.

Baby will be fine

When my child was born, I was working in a job that meant I had weekly contact with homeless people. Quite a few took an avid interest in my pregnancy, in a nice caring way. While I was on MatLeave, every time I took baby to town to shop, I'd come across a number of these people (most of whom were lovely, by the way) who'd want to have a look and coo over baby, and yes, stroke their beautiful skin.

Baby is now in their 50's, no harm done.

You know the saying that it takes a village to raise a child? I really think there is a kernel of truth in that. But how can that happen if said village can never get to meet that child?

Your OCD, I think, is what's driving your feelings and I'm sorry that you are suffering that.

I remember someone on my road physically blocking her pram with her body from me when I walked past….I had no intention of touching her baby but it shows how people can become unwell and germ obsessed. I had PND myself so am well aware of the thoughts that can go through your head…the best thing to do is challenge these. Strangers shouldn’t in this day and age touch your baby without permission but no harm is likely in this situation. If you google EFT/ tapping techniques, they are quite useful for this sort of anxiety.

It was a normal thing to do and your baby needs exposure to germs in order to grow up healthy.

He will be absolutely fine.

And this won't be the first time it happens.

Germ-wise it's absolutely fine.

Part of a newborn growing up into a toddler/child/adult is learning to navigate the world and the germs within it.

You survived to adulthood didn't you? And I'm sure you were touched by other people's hands.

You’re going to have a great time once he starts crawling and attending daycare!

You need to sort this out with treatment, and fast.

Is it my OCD that is causing me to stress about this or is it normal to do so?

I think it's normal to not want strangers to touch your baby, but equally I wouldn't be worrying that any harm had been done.

It's quite sweet. What is your issue with it?

This

I went out to lunch with my third baby at 1xweek old. There was an older women there looking wistfully at him. I offered for her to hold him which she was delighted about while I ate my lunch with both hands. But I had PPA with my firstborn and was an anxious mess and wouldn’t have been doing it then.

it is your anxiety and it is awful. I’m so sorry because if makes you doubt everything. I hope you have reached out to your GP for help and know that it does get better

I ve got a newborn baby myself, it’s lovely when I go out that people what to see her but I do think the older generation at times can be a bit too friendly. Especially considering it’s cold season. Congratulations on your baby.

Your baby will be fine. In just a few months they'll be licking the ground and trying to eat the fluff they find behind the radiator.

🙄

There was a time when it was seen as completely normal to touch a baby on the cheek.

Your baby will be fine.

Hopefully you're seeking support for your ocd before it destroys you and your babies lives.

Fuck off with your eye rolls. OCD is a mental health condition, I was also extremely unwell after having my babies and people like you need to not comment.