Setting Visitor Boundaries After Baby: Postpartum Tips

Welcoming newborn into your home is an exciting and new experience. While it’s a joyous time, it's also an adjustment for new parents. Whether you decide to restrict visitors or have a revolving door of guests, it's essential to set boundaries after having a baby. Everyone wants to meet the newest family member (and hopefully check on you and your partner too), but it's important to remember that postpartum is a delicate period, and there are many valid reasons to limit visitors and establish expectations. Here are some postpartum tips to help you maintain boundaries.

Postpartum Tip 1: Why Setting Visitor Boundaries Is Important

Postpartum recovery involves physical healing, emotional adjustments, and establishing a bond with your newborn. Too many visitors can disrupt this time, causing stress and fatigue. By setting boundaries, you can ensure a smoother transition into parenthood.

Postpartum Tip 2:It's Okay to Limit Who and When

Decide Who Comes Over: You have the right to choose who gets to visit your home. This might mean only allowing immediate family members or a select group of friends. The key is to make decisions that feel right for you and your family.

Set Specific Visiting Hours: Think about your daily routine and when you feel most comfortable having visitors. Maybe you enjoy morning coffee and cuddles with your baby, or you prefer quiet evenings. Whatever your schedule, communicate it clearly to potential visitors.

Postpartum Tip 3: Visitors Should Be Helpers

Encourage visitors to lend a helping hand rather than expect you to host them. This could include tasks like:

• Preparing meals

• Doing laundry

• Running errands

• Taking care of older siblings

By setting these expectations, you can ensure that visitors contribute positively to your postpartum experience.

Postpartum Tip 4: You Aren't Hosting

Remind yourself and your guests that you are not hosting a get-together. Your primary focus should be on your recovery and bonding with your baby. Feel free to:

• Stay in comfortable clothes

• Take breaks whenever needed

• Limit visits to a short duration
  

Postpartum Tip 5: Breastfeeding Rules (If They Apply)

If you are breastfeeding, establish rules to maintain your comfort and privacy. This might include:

• Asking visitors to step out or cover-up while you breastfeed, or my personal favorite: breastfeeding in front of visitors (if they are uncomfortable, they need to leave my space)

• Limiting the number of people around during feeding times

• Encouraging understanding and patience from your guests
  

Postpartum Tip 6: When Should People Visit a Newborn?

Here are some general guidelines:

• Immediate Family: They can often visit sooner, but still, respect your need for rest and recovery.

• Friends and Extended Family: It might be best to wait a few weeks until you feel more settled and confident in your new routine.

• Sick Visitors: Politely ask anyone who is unwell to postpone their visit to protect your baby's health.
  

Conclusion

Setting visitor boundaries after having a baby is not just about protecting your newborn; it's also about ensuring your own well-being during the postpartum period. Remember, it's okay to limit who comes over and when they come over. Communicate your needs clearly, and don't hesitate to enforce your boundaries. By doing so, you create a supportive and nurturing environment for your new family. If you need any help setting boundaries with family and friends, a birth/postpartum doula can help!