5 days Ago By Kalpana Sharma
I still remember the day my first daughter was born. She was just 2.7 kilos, tiny and perfect.
When she returned from her NICU checkup to our hospital room, it was already bustling with people – family, friends, everyone excited to welcome her into the world. In less than 24 hours of her existence, my little girl had met over 30 people right there in the hospital. The excitement followed us home.
People kept visiting to meet her and check on me. I tried telling my husband that this constant flow of people might not be safe for our newborn, but we didn’t know how to voice it without upsetting their enthusiasm. Some visitors touched her cheeks despite our gentle reminders to use sanitiser, and others kissed her, leaving me silently worried.
We were flooded with advice: "Give her honey, it will soothe her." But we knew honey could be dangerous for a newborn baby. "She’s crying because she’s hungry, give her top feed," a few insisted.
So, I held her close to me, nursing her every chance I got. I even hid bottles of honey, only to find new ones appearing everytime. Looking back, my older child’s first days were filled with so much love, but also so much overwhelm and silent panic from my side.
I was an exhausted, inexperienced mother managing an endless stream of visitors while trying to keep my baby safe. When my second child was born, things were different. I was more aware, more confident, and better prepared to set boundaries.
This time, I requested everyone to be a little more careful. Only immediate family visited us in the hospital, and even at home, we kept the number of visits to a minimum. It gave me the space to recover, to bond with my baby, and to settle into this new phase of life without the constant worry of handling the guests.
Two deliveries, two very different experiences. And through it all, I learned that sometimes, it’s okay to say no and put your baby’s safety and your own well-being first. I see every new mother who struggles to voice her concerns, afraid of upsetting loved ones or depriving her child of the warmth and love of those around her.
It’s not easy to speak up when you yourself are overwhelmed and vulnerable. You worry that setting boundaries might come across as ungrateful or distant, even though your intentions are in the right place and you just wish to protect your child. You want your baby to be safe, but you also don’t want to hurt those who care.
I see you, and I know how hard it can be to balance both. But dear new mommy, start by communicating your concerns honestly but gently, whether it’s about hygiene, visits, or holding the baby. Most people will understand when they see you come from a place of love.
And remember, it’s okay to say 'no' when it feels right, after all you are your baby’s best advocate! Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from Parenting, Lifestyle and around the world..
