Mamas of Preemies.....

We went through this. Our child was a preemie & the doctors were adamant about limiting his exposure.

So I didn't take him out for the first
6 months per his instructions.

We had a few close family members come by to the house, wash their hands. My SD had to wash her hands, face & change her shirt when she came home from school every day. She did not like this but I am glad we did as he instructed as the baby made it through the 6 month window.

We gently told ppl what the doctor said over the phone. Sent out pictures right away. Tol them we would let everyone see him as soon as possible.

I sent out pictures, video etc so they could see his baby face. :)

Then we had ppl come by the house after the 6 month period to see the baby. It was all worth it.

I would say something to the effect of, "We are so happy to finally be home with our new baby. Most of you know he/she came into the world early, and of the challenges we had. Though we'd love to see you all and enjoy the holiday season, our biggest priority is to keep our new little one healthy, so we respectfully ask for a few things from you...

Please call us before you'd like to visit, and don't be offended if we've had a rough night and ask you to come another day or time.

Please be sure to wash your hands before touching or asking to hold the baby.

And lastly, we are acutely aware of the cold and flu season and it's impact on a tiny person. Please wait to visit if you have been exposed to anyone with a cold or illness; or even if you have the slightest sniffle.

We will not be attending holiday gatherings this year, as advised by our Dr.

Thank you for all of your support and understanding. We look forward to seeing you, and enjoying more social visits when the baby is a little older and stronger."

People will understand, and will not want to put the baby at risk no matter how much they want to see him/her or you~ Be sure to go out with your baby some though... walk and fresh air are always good for you and for them :)

Congratulations on your new sweet one~ And if it eases your worries at all, my son was born at 34 weeks, and is now a strong, healthy, brilliant, funny, beautiful 7 year old. As hard as it is now to imagine that your tiny precious baby will ever be running circles around you, I bet that will happen for you too~
Best of luck!

We had a preemie last year. We just told everyone that the doc said we needed to not have a lot of visitors right away. I skipped a Christmas last year because of it. For the ones that did stop by, I made everyone wash their hands or use hand sanitizer. Also, we got in the habit of changing our clothes when we got home, I had the kids do this also when they got home from school. Good luck keeping everyone healthy and happy! Enjoy the baby!

A friend of mine had micropreemie twins and just asked everyone to not stop by even if they were SURE it was " just allergies" if they had anytype of cough, sniff, etc. I think that most people will surely understand. People that woudl come visit are those that love the baby, too, right :) If they are offended, too bad, honestly. They will just need to get over it.

This person had a blog that people visited often, so she posted it there, but I would think a mass e-mail, or sending it out with Christmas cards if you are going to do that soon would be a great idea.

I won't go visit anyone with a baby if I have any type of sniffle.

Honestly, I love your "circle the wagons" phrase. Everyone SHOULD understand your wanting to protect your child, especially now during the flu season. Just tell them that you would love to share your little bundle of joy with them but you have to be very cautious. Set what ever rules you think are best. Hurt feelings are very trivial when the flip side is a preemie becoming ill from exposure to a friend or family member.

Good Luck,

M

I think that is a great idea!

I would also say that your doctor has said to limit exposing your child to potential illnesses.......