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How to politely ask people to stay away from your newborn

By Nikolina Koevska Kharoufeh |

T?he post-birth, newborn bubble is something many families never want to burst.

But family and friends who are eager to meet the new addition, can sometimes be not so understanding of this.

Add to this any health concerns parents have for their fragile newborn, it can be tough to communicate boundaries during this tricky time.

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A caucasian mother in a hospital gown sits up in bed and holds her newborn baby to her chest
The post-birth recovery period can be quite challenging. (Getty)

Paediatrician and dad-of-three, Dr Daniel Golschevsky "Dr Golly" admits he made a few mistakes when his first child was born.

"I didn't protect my wife enough, as we were one of the first amongst our friends to have a baby," he tells 9Honey Parenting.

"She was much more aware of the need to protect our newborn bubble and prioritise sleep during those initial weeks."

With a pretty large family, the Golly's? had a lot of family and friends keen to come and see their babies, which was sometimes hard to navigate.

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Dr Golly alongside his wife and daughter.
Dr Golly alongside his wife and daughter. (Supplied)

"It was more about protecting the house harmony and our own health as parents of newborns."

"From a physical health perspective, if our visitors were feeling well, we were very comfortable letting our children be showered with love by those closest to us," he shares.

"Especially if we knew these visitors were rocking up with food!"

While it can be daunting inviting people into your home with a vulnerable newborn, Dr Golly says parents should avoid 'cocooning in their homes' for fear of exposure to illness.

"Many parents elect to remain home after leaving hospital until their baby's first round of immunisations, though this is not necessary and not advised."

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Tackling this topic in his new book ?Your Baby Doesn't Come with a Book, Dr Golly suggests parents try to discuss what they are comfortable with post-birth.

"Everyone is different and it's your choice for the parameters you set around your in-home visits."

And for those parents who aren't up for visitors straight off the bat, he reiterates that this is absolutely fine.

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"Never feel like you need to justify yourself, the newborn stage of parenting can be all-consuming and often inviting people into your sacred space can feel unmanageable.?"

He especially makes it clear that breastfeeding mothers should be protected during the early vulnerable stage of post-birth, as she get's her head around the sometimes challenging practice.

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Baby breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding mothers can feel quite overwhelmed during the first few weeks. (Getty)

Though communicating your decision to not take visitors during the early weeks of parenting can be quite daunting for parents, who don't want to offend their loved ones.

So Dr Golly suggests putting together a simple text.

"Something along the lines of - 'Thank you for all the lovely wishes! We're in the thick of post-birth recovery right now and not quite up to visitors จC we'll let you know when we are. Can't wait for you to meet this gorgeous bub!'."

"Try to explain the situation firmly but kindly," he says.

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And when you do finally feel ready for visitors to come into the house, there are a few things ?Dr Golly recommends you communicate to visitors before they arrive.

"Please wash your hands before your cuddle. If you aren't feeling 100 per cent, please stay away from baby until you're symptom-free and please bring food during your visit."

The last point is a 'cheeky' demand he always used to ensure they didn't feel the pressure to serve guests when they arrived.

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