Totally normal. Your family loves that baby, no doubt. But they have no idea what it feels like to have her literally inside of you. Transitioning from life-giver to life-sustainer is a slow process, and it can be hard to get to the point where you feel comfortable with other people caring for her.
However, for some moms, the hormones kick protectiveness into overdrive. This can lead mothers to develop compulsive cleaning or checking behaviors, fears of letting the baby out of their site or arms, and even fears of falling asleep. Additionally, these protective instincts often feel incredibly natural.
In their first two months, newborns are at the highest risk of infection, warns Dr. Hasson. So, it's advisable to avoid letting most people touch your baby and to avoid crowds, says the pediatrician.
In large groups, make a general announcement, such as, "We can only touch the baby's feet" or "The baby needs to eat, so we're going to give him some space." Parents need to remain strong about who can and can't hold the baby. They're made to feel guilty, but taking risks with a newborn is not worth it.
Fear of strangers starts at 5-6 months and usually becomes more intense at 7-10 months of age. It can last a few months or continue for much longer.
It's a normal part of development. On the other side of the coin, parents feeling separation anxiety is also a sign that their attachment system is working well. Of course, extreme anxiety isn't beneficial; however, not wanting to leave your baby means that there's a healthy mother-child bond.
WWhen visiting a new mother and baby there should be a rule. A principle that is common knowledge within the community and which no one questions and everyone respects. Don't ask to hold the baby. Look, it doesn't matter if you're the grandmother, the great-great-aunt, her sister, or her bestie…
Try to make your baby feel safe by staying near them and gently exploring what is around them. Don't just hand them off to someone that they are not comfortable with. Bring your baby to new places when they are well rested and fed if possible.
While six weeks has long been the traditional timeline for rest and recuperation after a birth, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends ongoing postpartum care from birth to 12 weeks. Six weeks is also the standard recovery time allotted for childbirth-related short-term disability leave.
Parents should try to limit the number of visitors their babies come in close contact with overall. Consider having extended family and friends wait two to three months until your baby's immune system is stronger to plan their visits.
Care and caution need to be on everyone's mind. Dr. VanVleet says it is a good idea for parents to choose who will visit the baby early on and who won't. She says it might make sense to hold off on some visits until the baby is about 3 months (12 weeks) old to allow the baby to build up their immunities.
While some children never experience this type of anxiety, it is a normal developmental phase for most. This type of anxiety occurs because a child forms an attachment to a caregiver, typically mom and/or dad, and at the same time she develops the ability the remember objects and people who are out of sight.
Can babies sense stress and anxiety? Babies sense stress. While most caregivers and parents tend to think the ability to sense stress only happens later in their child's life (after a year or so of age), studies show babies can sense their caretaker's stress as early as three months of age.
Babies not only pick up on their mother's stress, but they also show corresponding physiological changes, according to a UC San Francisco-led study.
“Cuddling helps your baby develop a secure attachment to you. The bond developed has effects later in your child's life in terms of self-confidence, healthy individuation and exploration, expression of empathy, social relationships and ability to cope with life stressors” explains Marcy.
Parents usually start kangaroo care once or twice a day for at least one hour each time or as long as it is tolerated by your baby. The longer you hold your baby, the better. Any amount of time is good, but it is best to try for at least 1 to 2 hours each day.
Many children who have not had ample physical and emotional attention are at higher risk for behavioral, emotional and social problems as they grow up. These trends point to the lasting effects of early infancy environments and the changes that the brain undergoes during that period.
When is it okay to leave my baby with grandparents overnight? It's ultimately up to you. If your baby is able to eat well without you there and grandparents are able to take good care of your baby, it's okay to let your baby sleep over if that's something you want.
Bonding happens in many ways. When you look at your newborn, touch their skin, feed them, and care for them, you're bonding. Rocking your baby to sleep or stroking their back can establish your new relationship and make them feel more comfortable. When you gaze at your newborn, they will look back at you.
The lip-restraining guidance is most pertinent to people outside an infant's household, experts told me, which can include extended family. Ideally, even grandparents “should not be kissing on the baby for at least the first few months,” Tan told me.
In order to prevent serious health issues, anyone and everyone, including parents, should avoid kissing babies. Due to the rise in cases of RSV and other illnesses, it's extremely important for all individuals to be aware of the dangers of kissing babies.
Say the no-kiss rule is only temporary.
Most babies' immune systems will be strong enough for kisses after 2 to 3 months. Until then, it's healthiest not to kiss the baby, painful though it may be. “The baby will need your kisses in a few months!”