I have so many beautiful little bundles of joy entering my life recently! And mostly girls! Is it the year of the girl? Is pink glitter in the air?! My sister in law shot her 2nd baby out quickly, all 10 pounds of her! She has a head full of dark locks and the sweetest face :) I just love visiting new family or friend's babies hours after they are born, it is just the coolest thing ever to me. To sit and think about the fact you can be part of the first day on Earth with them and share in that celebration is beyond words exciting. Well not beyond words, cause I just called it exciting. I hope we get that opportunity with our child, since we said we would accept up to 2 month old babies, it would be really neat to be there the first day, though!
A little late, but I looked up hospital visiting etiquette adn came across some articles...here is one and my feedback!
Visitor Tip #1: Stay at home if you're sick
DUH! This SHOULD be a given. This unfortunately happened to me when my best friend had her first child. I had mono at the time (don't even ask) and so when she got home from the hospital I stood outside their glass storm door and stared at lil baby Ava through tears in my eyes. It wasn't as good as snugglin up with her, but a nice moment. And one we laugh about.
Get your sickly butt back home!
Visitor Tip #2: Know the visiting hours
Ya, those woulda been good to know last night. Luckily we were within them, but didn't know 9 was the cutoff until they told us. Maybe we stayed 15 minutes past, but you wouldn't blame us, looking at that precious face!
Visitor Tip #3: Don't bring children
I hadn't really thought about that one! I don't have a child to bring, but makes perfect sense. Don't need lil Brandon unplugging new mama's pain meds or discovering something he shouldn't!
Visitor Tip #4: Don't invite your own 'guests'
I can't imagine this happening, but the fact they say it on multiple articles shows it does. Awkwwwward!
Visitor Tip #5: Don't bring gifts to the hospital
Really? Clearly a big fail on my end! I sometimes bring multiple presents including flowers AND balloons. I am a gifter!! I mean not a damn diaper genie, but a lil stufffedy or balloons for sure. I want feedback on this one! Anyone against gifts in the hospital? Anyone against gifts ever? ;)
Whats the prob, Bob?
Visitor Tip #6: Be polite - knock, announce, and don't stare
As much as we love our family and friends, we don't wanna see their naked boobies, either! Mainly the men. I have so many friends with kids, I have seen more than my share of the ol ti tas!
Visitor Tip #7: Wash thoroughly
My OCD self has no issue with that, I am cleansed at any point in the day. Thoroughly. I must have washed my hands 80 times before and after the hospital. And I hit the elevator keys with my knuckles. These things work, I am rarely sick! OK except the whole mono thing?! ;)
Visitor Tip #8: Be positive
If your friend does this, you need new friends.
Visitor Tip #9: Don't intrude on medical staff
Last night, at times, was like a chess game trying to let the nurse through. Of course, I did not want to give lil M up to get blood taken, but I did ;) I sure am in a winky mood today.
Visitor Tip #10: Take hints and read between the lines
I think am a good hint taker. Even if I wasn't, I think since I am so direct, people feel fine being direct with me. At any point, I hope my friends would say, "Get the hell out" Maybe without the hell and maybe while bribing me with a pink sprinkled donut.
Visitor Tip #11: Know your place in the hierarchy of visitors
I wasn't sure about all of the tier shiz, but with my BFF (her second baby since the first couldn't be near my death disease), I hopped the hell over there as soon as I got off work. With family, like last night, I texted my bro in law to tell him to just let me know when we could visit. Lucky for us he said Anytime! After best friends and close family, I feel like visiting once people are home may be better. I kind of feel like leaving the hospital time for family and best friends. Not sure if that is right, but I'd rather wait then impose or put someone in a weird place.
Visitor Tip #12: Keep opinions and advice to yourself
In many cases I will state my opinion, this is not one of those times. First of all, I am not even a mama yet, second, even when I am, every parent is different, will parent differently and every child is different. Parenting is a very sensitive topic and new mothers and fathers are quite vulnerable. I agree with keeping your advice to yourself just in case!
Visitor Tip #13: Don't overstay your welcome
See tip # 10!
Visitor Tip #14: Offer help, favors or company before you leave
Breastfeeding causes crazy hunger! Offering to go get the new mama food (something better than hospital food?) is great idea! Last night, the men went to get food for my SIL. All that madness made lil baby M SO HUNGRY upon arrival! Her hunger = Mama's hunger!
Lil Baby M last night! Much cuter, though!
About to research the etiquette of the hospital visit with the birthmother so I can prep and post about that one! Should be interesting. And by interesting, I mean awkward and full of tension.
Chewing my nails already,
Bumpless Baby Mama
Wow, I didn't even know the hospital rules!! Thanks for coming!! I love having you there! I'm so touched you mentioned her in your blog :)
ReplyDeleteof course!! Let us know when we can visit again! <3
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