02/13/2023
Having a new baby is an exciting time, but can also be overwhelming and stressful as you begin to navigate parenthood while trying to balance the needs of your own healing and learning, as well as baby's needs, and the expectations of well-meaning friends and family. Setting boundaries with loved ones in advance can sometimes feel challenging, but communicating your needs, concerns, and wishes upfront can often lessen the stress after baby is born.
If you have desires, wishes, rules, or boundaries you would like to have honored regarding visits with your newborn, I recommend a firm yet loving approach that is communicated ahead of birth. Don't feel guilty enforcing the boundaries you feel are in the best interest of you and your child --- physically, mentally, and emotionally too. Below is an example of a few boundaries new parents often would like to establish and how to communicate them in a way that is clear and kind.
“As baby’s birth approaches, we know how excited everyone is to meet her. Please understand this is a very exciting time in our lives, but also one that comes with plenty of anxiety, stress, and worries too. Please bear with us and give us grace as we begin navigating parenthood. We are sending this list of boundaries we expect all our friends and family to follow when coming to see baby, and these will apply to all visitors. We are kindly asking that you respect these boundaries, and if doing so doesn’t seem possible, we ask that you please refrain from visiting until you can support our choices.”
For a list of boundaries by Jordan Clapp, please visit https://newborncaresolutions.com/establishing-boundaries-for-a-new-baby/
