

The holidays with a newborn can be a source of stress for many new parents. At the peak of their fatigue, in the middle of a period of adaptation to their new life, new parents see an avalanche of outings and meetings taking shape in front of them and are worried about the possible repercussions on their well-being and that of their baby. The desire to stay home with immediate family is felt, but many do not dare to say no for fear of offending their loved ones.
Here are some tips for those around new families, so that they can have a nice holiday season with love and respect.
Even if a symptom seems trivial, a simple runny nose or slight sore throat can hide a cold or respiratory virus that is dangerous for a newborn. While the adult immune system is used to fighting common infections, it's very different for a baby. Besides, a A baby under 3 months old with a fever automatically requires a visit to the emergency room. Nobody wants that!
Hygiene is the key to the safety and health of babies. As soon as you arrive, wash your hands directly up to your elbows with warm, soapy water. Unintentionally, you could come up with germs from outside that baby doesn't need to encounter. Wearing a mask is also a recommendation to consider.
While you may want to have a baby and give them all your love, new parents may not want to. It's not a lack of trust or love for you, just that they're not there. After giving birth, parents experience a period of adjustment and feel a strong need for protection for their newborn. Only take baby if you are given permission. Respect with a smile if you are refused.
The mouth, saliva, and mucus come with their own set of germs. For a baby with an immature immune system, a simple kiss can transmit a cold, a cold, or a stomach bug. It is not desirable for an infant and it can cause serious repercussions.
Shouting, singing, music, and festivities can overstimulate baby's senses. This stimulation can interfere with his sleep rhythm, destabilize his drinking and even lead to discharge tears. It is sometimes only when the festivities are over and the young family regains their composure at home that they will realize that baby definitely did not enjoy the evening.
Are you visiting new parents? The new mom doesn't have the desire, energy, or time to cook or clean up for you. No more than the second parent. If you are invited, be a help to them and respect their boundaries. Arrive with the meal and offer help washing dishes, folding clothes, or keeping other children busy. You should not be a burden for them, but an ally.
During the family meal or the traditional buffet, think of the new mother. Did she have a baby in her arms at the time of the service? Is she back for a drink? Don't take her baby away; instead, offer to serve her meal or bring her a drink.
If she suggests it to you, rock the baby while she eats too. In any case, respect his requests.
If mom is breast-feeding, she will need a quiet space to get the baby to drink. Starting breastfeeding is not always easy and anything can destabilize a routine or milk production. She may also not feel comfortable breastfeeding publicly or in front of the whole family. Give her a quiet space where she can sit, undress, and close the door.
Your advice and judgments about breastfeeding are obviously not welcome, unless she asks you for advice. This is not the time to selfishly tell him that a bottle would have made your Christmas Eve easier...
Are you a baby pro? Do you have an opinion on all parents' decisions? Keep it for yourself. New parents are already questioning all of their decisions. They want what is best for their child and make choices that reflect their values. Praise and encourage them to give them confidence. The only thing they need is appreciation and encouragement.
Visits that last too long take up a lot of energy for new parents. They often do not sleep at night and have been accumulating fatigue for several weeks. Your presence may not be the only one during the holidays and it is important for them to rest. Think about it and shorten your visit.
Evolution also means adapting to situations that last from generation to generation. Regardless of how things were 20 or 30 years ago, you should know that it is entirely legitimate for new parents to want to protect their babies and to get to know them before “sharing” them. It is also a very wise choice to choose to rest rather than exhaust yourself by going out every day for the pleasure of those around you.
Remember that the most important thing about the holidays with a newborn baby is love. Sometimes, not visiting a new family and giving them the space they need is the best way to show them your love.
Happy holidays to everyone from the entire Prenato team!
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