Anxiety about illness with a newborn

[Eyelashwishes]

I have a almost 3 year old and an 11 day old baby. My son was born during covid and so we were home constantly until he was a few months old. My partner is due to go back to work on Tuesday and I know I will find things easier if I can get out and about, but I am so worried about my newborn catching something and getting ill. I think it may stem from my son getting bronchiolitis multiple times with a couple of hospital stays when he was around 1. Obviously this was a very scary time and I'm so worried about it happening again and it being worse.

I know I need to not isolate myself, but I'm finding it really difficult with the anxiety I'm feeling about this. Did anyone else experience this, is it normal? And if so, how did you cope with and get over this fear?

I'm so sorry you're feeling this way and it's absolutely understandable that you'd be anxious. Congratulations on the birth of your little one too!

In terms of anxiety, can you try and reframe it at all? Your 3 year old (and no doubt your husband) will bring things back home, especially over the next few months with it being winter.
That's sadly inescapable. However, by going out and getting fresh air you'll be giving you both some strength to manage those bugs. It'll also safeguard your mental health and give you the best chance of staying well enough to care for both your DC.

Also, as a rule, going out in general likely won't put you both at any greater risk (unless you're letting him kick around in a ball pit at a soft play, in which case expect the snot to start shortly after...!)

It's also worth trying to remember that eventually DC2 will need to build an immune system. You can't do that until you catch things. Their little immune systems will build as they get older and you may well find you have less of a rough ride as they get older and go to nursery/childminder/school.

I know it's a worry but you've got this. One step at a time. And remember the benefits of you both seeing the outside world.