Setting Boundaries with Visitors
Setting boundaries with well-intentioned through the first few days or weeks can be a healthy way to ensure the family is able to recover and bond as needed. It can feel difficult to set new boundaries, especially with family members. It’s important to remember that boundaries are not placed to harm your relationship or to cause feelings of harm to your family and friends. The intention is to help ensure that your new family has time to bond and recover from the overwhelm that birth often brings.
Having a new baby is exciting for the whole family! Everyone wants to meet the new baby as soon as they possibly can. This excitement is absolutely understandable, but this time can also be quite stressful for the parents. Whether this is a first baby, or if baby was welcomed by several siblings, a new baby always bring a change from previous routines and a need for rest and recuperation.
Setting boundaries with well-intentioned through the first few days or weeks can be a healthy way to ensure the family is able to recover and bond as needed. It can feel difficult to set new boundaries, especially with family members. It’s important to remember that boundaries are not placed to harm your relationship or to cause feelings of harm to your family and friends. The intention is to help ensure that your new family has time to bond and recover from the overwhelm that birth often brings.
Parents may choose to share their chosen guidelines ahead of time, whether directly or through social media posts. I’ve attached a free, printable door sign and social media graphic of guidelines below; feel free to share!
What boundaries or guidelines did you set postpartum? Let us know in the comments; your ideas may help other new families choose their own!
FREE Printable Hospital Packing List
Deciding what to pack in your hospital bag can be a daunting thought for many parents. Here is our list to get you started! Check here for the printable file.
Deciding what to pack in your hospital bag can be a daunting thought for many parents. Here is our list to get you started! Check here for the printable file.
For Mom
Insurance and ID card
Birth plan, if you have one
Cell phone and charger
A couple pairs of comfy socks (the hospital also has non-slip socks)
2-3 bras (Nursing bras without underwire are great!)
If planning to breastfeed:
Nursing pads
Lanolin cream
Nursing cover (if desired for visitors)
Chapstick or lip balm (labor tends to cause dry lips)
Toiletries
Toothbrush, tooth paste, deodorant, hair brush
Contact lenses, case, and cleaning solution or glasses if needed
Elastic pony tail holder and/or headband
Mints, gum, or hard candy to keep mouth moist
Snacks or Change for vending machine
Camera, memory card, extra battery or charger cable
Pillow and comfy blanket, if you want specific ones from home
Comfy pajamas
Change of clothes and toiletries for partner or other family member
Music and a way to play the music (plus batteries or charger)
Slippers and/or flip flops
Any medications you need daily
Book or Magazines if you want to read
Pen and notebook
For Baby
Car seat, already installed in the car
2-3 onesies (helpful to bring newborn and 0-3 size)
Soft blanket for the ride home
Weather appropriate gear (socks, snowsuit, hat, mittens, etc.)
For After the Delivery
Change of clothes to go home in
NOT pre-pregnancy clothes! You will probably still need maternity clothes for now
Extra large, loose underwear
Maxi Pads (the hospital has these as well)
Extras, If Desired
Hair dryer
Makeup
At least one pack of Depends Underwear (they may be more comfy for postpartum bleeding than hospital undies)
Robe or nightgown if you do not want the hospital gown
Massage tools, oil, or tennis balls
Dermoplast spray or witch hazel pads (for comfort postpartum)
Flushable wipes (may be more comfortable than regular TP)
Baby book (some nurses will do footprints directly in the book!)
Extra snacks for the nurses is always a pleasant surprise