What we can learn from the 3 Wise Men about visitors after having a baby
Managing visitors after having a baby…
Christmas is a time for lots of family and friends to visit. Having a baby brings even more reasons for visitors as everyone wants to meet your new arrival, plus you want to show off the new tiny, beautiful human that you’ve created.
It’s one of those things though that looking back, mums often say that they wish they took it slower or managed visitors after having a baby a bit better.
My top tips for managing visitors after having a baby
I’ve put a Christmas spin on it as everything is better with a festive twist.
Be clear on times and who
Mary would have been sat there trying to get to know the baby she’s just birthed and in walked three Kings. Now I don’t know about you but in the presence of kings I would be worried about whether I would be leaking blood through my PJ bottoms or if my nipples were on show in front of a King. Both highly likely scenarios after having a baby. When you want to sit their with your boobs out trying to figure out breastfeeding, stay in your PJs all day with a dishevelled mum bun or when you want to just have a nap when baby is sleeping, it’s good to know exactly who’s coming over, what time and when they’re leaving too.
Don’t be afraid to ask for things
Lots of people when planning their visit ask to see if you need anything. Rather than being polite and saying no and then ending up with Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh. Ask for a certain size of baby clothes that you need, or ask for a lasagne if you’re struggling to find the time to cook. I bet Mary wished that she had an easy meal to cook for the next few weeks rather than some Frankincense to carry home on her donkey.
Let people do the things
You’ve just had a baby. Your job is to enjoy your baby, get to know your baby, feed, cuddle your baby and rest up. This comes first over entertaining 3 wise men. It shouldn’t be up to you to be making the teas and baking the cakes. So put those visitors after having a baby to work! Get your friend and family to make the tea and more so, mums and mother-in-laws are always happy to put the washing away or unload the dishwasher!
Make use of the visitors too
If your family is coming over for the morning and you know they’re going to want to cuddle the baby, don’t be afraid of using this time to take a shower, get yourself dressed or even take a nap. You can’t pour from an empty cup after all so looking after no. 1 is important.
Have an “escape” plan
If it all becomes a little overwhelming have a safe space in your house where you can go with your baby. You could always take the baby upstairs to feed so you can get a little time out or space. Having a baby is busy and over Christmas especially it can be that bit more hectic.
Don’t be afraid to say no
Even if your guests are Kings, Wise and are from afar. You and your baby are the most important beings at this moment and if you don’t want someone visiting or holding the baby, then it’s ok to say no!
Make a plan with your partner
Have a conversation with your other half before baby arrives to see if you’re on the same page when it comes to visitors. It’s one less thing to think about when baby gets here.
What are your top tips for managing visitors after having a baby?
For other Christmassy birth and pregnancy blogs, you can read why Christmas ‘Tis the season to have a baby… Fa La La La La La La and How Mary Bossed Her Birth.
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