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12-10-2012 at 1:19 PM
jessicalgi...
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Visitors after Baby?

I am looking for completely honest opinions on this because I really do not know what to do about the following:

I am due February 22nd.  My MW will let me go up to 2 weeks late so I am thinking LO could come anytime between the end of January and the beginning of March.  We have moved very far away from DH's family and he rarely gets to see them anymore.  We chose his twin brother at the Godfather for LO.  DH's brother and his girlfriend want to come up during her spring break from school, which would be at the beginning of March.  They would stay at our home.  I was a little hesitant about this because they are complete slobs, very immature, and know nothing about what it is like to have a newborn in the house.  I am afraid they think we will be able to go out to dinner and hang out with them.  Anyways, I knew how important it would be for DH to have his brother visit and there might not be another opportunity so I said it was okay, but he couldn't bring his dogs.  We just bought a new house and neither of them are house broken, plus I have two dogs and I am already nervous about them being around the baby as it is. 

Now, today, DH's best friend texted DH and said he, his wife and their toddler will be driving up with DH's brother.  Whoa...that is 5 visitors now and I barely know DH's best friend and his wife.  They are very nice people, but that seems like a lot for right after I give birth.  I don't want to say they cannot come because I am afraid they will not have another chance to visit or they will be offended and not try to come visit again, but I am really nervous about that many people being in the house, especially if I don't give birth until closer to March or even in March.  This will be our first baby so I don't know if I am overreacting and I should just go with the flow or not.

DH thinks they will all be really helpful and nice to have there, but I know his brother and girlfriend are not helpful or clean.  I don't know much about the other couple.  What do you ladies think?

 
12-10-2012 at 1:24 PM
Amaryllis6...
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can't they stay in a hotel?  that way DH still gets to see his brother but they won't be staying in your home making a mess and expecting to be entertained 24/7.  especially with a newborn, i'd push for that angle myself.  i barely want my family around during the first few weeks after DD2 gets here, let alone a brood of DH's family. maybe have a frank discussion with DH and see if they could stay in a hotel instead of your home, so it's not so stressful for you. GL

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12-10-2012 at 1:25 PM
Heartstrin...
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I would lay down the law now.  Put out your expectations and tell them you will be holding them to them.  As for the best friend, it is a little presumptuous that he just decided that he was going to add his family to the mix (that's what I got from your post).  I would not feel bad at all telling them to forget it.  Especially with a toddler that you do not know.  Have your DH call them and explain that you know things are going to be really chaotic and the two of you would appreciate if they could try to find another time to visit.  Even if they would be a big help to you, you don't need the added stress of visitors you don't know well staying in your home.  Especially in the first weeks of a new baby's life.

If he's really a good friend, he will understand.  He's had a baby fairly recently, so use that and say "I'm sure you remember what it was like in those first weeks..."

Hopefully you are able to sort it all out without anyone getting their panties in a twist, but even if they do... this is your time.  You need to do what will be best for you, your H and your LO.


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12-10-2012 at 1:30 PM
Of The Eld
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I might add when laying down the law that march is still close to flu season, and "I know the last thing any of you want is to make my newborn sick" I'm due at the end of January, and I've used this line a couple of times to get people to go stay at a hotel.

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12-10-2012 at 1:32 PM
Nikki262
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No, No, No....

I admire that your trying to be super sensitive to DH's feelings here, but you will have far more important things going on in the beginning of March.  You will not have time or energy to be worrying about entertaining guests in your home.  

My SO's father, his sister her 4 old and her husband are planning on coming to visit after the LO is born and as much as I would love for them to stay at our place and save them money I told them they have to get a hotel or stay with other relatives.  I honestly do not feel bad about it either.  I am the one that has carried the child for 9 months, labored and birthed him and I just dont want a house full of people while I'm trying to adjust to yet another set of changes and breast feeding.  Talk to your DH about it so that it is a decision that you both make.  That is what worked best for me anyways to make my SO more understanding to it.


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12-10-2012 at 1:35 PM
b0710
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I do think it would be a bit much.  Maybe you could make the stretch for your H's brother and GF for a few days, but the added 3 people seems like way too many.  You will not want to feel like you are expected to "entertain" people.  I would talk to your H about it and see if he can't smooth it over somehow.  If you feel really bad like you might offend them, could you even offer to pay for a hotel, or part of a hotel for them?

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12-10-2012 at 1:36 PM
highlights
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I think that its a sucky idea.

That being said, I think the way to handle it is to sit your H down, look him straight in the eye and say "They are welcome to stay here. HOWEVER. You will cook, you will clean, and the baby and I will come first. I need you to run to the store at 1 am for another box of maxi pads? You will do it. Your brother wants you to go out to eat, but I need help with the baby? Guess who is eating Easy Mac. I will not entertain, I will not "go to my room" to breastfeed and you will be helping with this child."

 


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12-10-2012 at 1:36 PM
Max'smom
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You are not overreacting. I would not allow any house guest that soon after birth. I would for sure draw the line at BIL and girl friend coming and staying in your home. If the others want to come at the same time they should stay elsewhere, but that is still a lot of visitors.

Personally I think they should wait until summer to visit, if BIL girl friend has a spring break she has a summer break too.


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12-10-2012 at 1:59 PM
saturdayni...
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Too many people in the house.

make them stay at a hotel! You and DH will want the time to figure things out on your own without worrying about entertaining guests and tiptoeing around your own house while the baby is up all hours of the night. Once the adrenaline slows down you could experience some super hormonal and emotional days, and people in your face 24/7 is just a recipe for disaster IMO.

If you have LO in January, you could be ready, but a few days or a week old LO does not mesh well with company. All of our family was down the road for DD being born, with DS we had moved half across the country... Although it was nice to have my mom visit and help, DH and I butted heads a lot more and it didn't give us time to adjust as a family because she was always right there. 


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12-10-2012 at 2:02 PM
penguingrr...
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I would have a hard time telling DHs sibling to stay away from their new niece/nephew, so I personally would just make sure they know what they're signing up for. That you may not be up for nights out, that the baby will still be waking up several times a night and may wake them up, and that they will have to be okay with seeing your breasts while the baby eats.

As far as the friend I would say that's a definite no. I would play the neurotic new mom card and say that you don't want other little kids around until your baby is vaccinated (obviously you can only pull this card with your first child since my kids will bring plenty of germs home to our baby), especially during flu season. Chances are he thought it sounded great and his wife is wondering what he's thinking and assuming you invited them.


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12-10-2012 at 2:03 PM
peacelove&...
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Quite simply, you need to put your foot down and say sorry, we'll be adjusting to life with a newborn, you're welcome to stay at a hotel and visit during the day, but at this point we feel like overnight guests will be too much.

You'll have enough on your plate without having to worry about entertaining 2 to 5 extra people 24/7.

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12-10-2012 at 2:04 PM
newly_naug...
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My honest opinion is that is too much for you (or anyone to handle after birth). I would tell them they are welcome to visit but will have to find accomadations elsewhere. Your going to be exhausted and your home should be a place where you can relax, not feel like you have to entertain. Like PP said, it is cold and flu season, so you will have to extra careful about visitors. I remember after having DS how overwhelmed I was with all the visitors at the hospital and our home ( none of them spent the night). This time we are limiting them.

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12-10-2012 at 2:07 PM
Mommyluv38...
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I would let the brother stay, as annoying as it is, he is family. But I would put them I their place and ask them to clean up after themselves. 

As for his friend tell dh they an visit but stay in a hotel it's way to much on you. Or they come a different time.  


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12-10-2012 at 2:13 PM
sthomas122...
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Heartstrings13:

I would lay down the law now.  Put out your expectations and tell them you will be holding them to them.  As for the best friend, it is a little presumptuous that he just decided that he was going to add his family to the mix (that's what I got from your post).  I would not feel bad at all telling them to forget it.  Especially with a toddler that you do not know.  Have your DH call them and explain that you know things are going to be really chaotic and the two of you would appreciate if they could try to find another time to visit.  Even if they would be a big help to you, you don't need the added stress of visitors you don't know well staying in your home.  Especially in the first weeks of a new baby's life.

If he's really a good friend, he will understand.  He's had a baby fairly recently, so use that and say "I'm sure you remember what it was like in those first weeks..."

Hopefully you are able to sort it all out without anyone getting their panties in a twist, but even if they do... this is your time.  You need to do what will be best for you, your H and your LO.

 

Exactly what I was gonna say. You're not a bed and breakfast. You're not going to be up for entertaining. And that many people coming and going with germs and a newborn just do not mix. And it's hard enough to get to know this tiny little stranger you don't need near strangers and slobs on top of it... 


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12-10-2012 at 2:21 PM
staceymari...
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Awwww man....I could write a novel on this one:)

I have to agree with some of the other ladies, put your foot down now. I know it seems like a difficult thing to do/say but i PROMISE you.....you will be ever so thankful you did in a few months.
Maybe a hotel for the first few days and if you feel like you can handle it, then have them stay at your place.

Long story short, when I had my first son...there were so many family members in and out (not even staying with us) and I was completely overwhelmed. Having a new baby was such a new experience in the first place and it was so hard to accommodate everyone and their schedules. Not to mention my Mother in law kept calling me telling me to call all family members individually to inform them we had our baby. (lol ummm...ok)

Plus i was hormonal...exhausted.... a little overwhelmed with a new baby and what I was/was not supposed to be doing.

It will all work out, just do what feels right....but DO NOT feel guilty. Its going to be an amazing feeling when your little one arrives...thats what matters most! 

 


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12-10-2012 at 2:52 PM
JuliaBug
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I would not want that many people staying with my while trying to adjust to a newborn. I would insist that they get a hotel. 

On the other hand, assuming you've already had the baby and are feeling recovered by then, it's actually a great time to visit with friends and family. DH and I went out to eat fairly often when DS was a newborn. We would go out right after DS ate and he would sleep in the car seat the whole time. We also saw a few movies with a newborn. DS slept or nursed through the entire Harry Potter movie and never made a peep.  


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12-10-2012 at 3:07 PM
mrsgaines1...
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I think DH is dreaming and you should put your foot down RIGHT now.  Its not going to be party time and you arent going to have the time to play hostess to people who want to hang out and have fun.

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12-10-2012 at 3:17 PM
Disneygeek...
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Hell no, HELL NO.  There is no way I would agree to that. 

Your DH has to step up here and let his brother know that his focus will be on spending time and helping you with the baby.  This isn't a time to go siteseeing and having fun with his brother and if they come over, they at least need to clean up after themselves. 

As far as the friends are concerned, tell them your home can't accomodate that many people and they will have to stay at a hotel. 

I have two kids and I know the newborn period is very difficult for me and I would have been miserable if I had that many people in my home. 

 
12-10-2012 at 3:30 PM
rpalen29
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There would be no way in hell I would have ANYONE sleep over my house very soon after I had my baby. Is there anyway that maybe the brother and gf can come during summer break??? Im no expert, but I've heard many FTM's have their child late... that would put you late feb into march for having your baby. Your going to be sore, in bed all day with the baby. no way i would want someone at my house after all of that. 

Is there anyway that your DH's friend can stay at a hotel? I mean, they need to understand that you just had a baby, and you need alone time with LO and DH... not catering to friends and family. I would offer to maybe pay half of the hotel, and that's it. You don't even know them, and they'll be staying at your house 24 hours of the day? I wouldn't want people I don't even know, in my house, with my newborn. Like I said, good chance you'll be in bed all day, breast feeding the baby. I'd like to be alone for that. 


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12-10-2012 at 3:46 PM
Kie310
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While I'm fine with visitors in general, I am not okay with house guests. I will not/would not let people stay with me for the first few months of the baby's life. That's learning and bonding time for you, your husband & baby. I would say hotel or not at all. Honestly.

 


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12-10-2012 at 4:09 PM
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personally I would lose my ever-loving mind with 5 people in the house. The pressure would be on to hang out/entertain and that added to the stress of having a newborn (no sleep, sore, etc) it's a recipe for a meltdown.  As a PP suggested, thinking the hotel is the way to go. We are not having anyone stay with us after DS is born, not even parents or in-laws.  If family/friends come to town to visit they can come over when we tell them it's ok but not staying all day, if that makes sense. Express your concerns to your husband, hopefully he is see that it just might be a bit too much to take on especially with the post birth hormones raging :)

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12-10-2012 at 6:18 PM
HappyMama3...
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You only need people staying IN your home after baby if they are going to be helpful!  Had DH said they can stay at your place?  I would suggest as PP have said that these guests stay at a hotel or an inn.  You only need people around that will be helpful.  Trust me!

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12-10-2012 at 6:31 PM
Icecream4m...
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I can't imagine that.  Everyone tells me it's so hard to adjust to the new life, and you will still be delaing with your own physical recovery so the only guests you should have are people who you are very comfortable with (who won't mind if you snap at them occasionaly due to lack of sleep, frustration, a messy home etc) or people who will HELP you so the house is clean, so you can rest etc.  It sounds like none of these people fit that description. Plus all at the same time!  Perhaps you and your husband can  come to a compromise, but 5 guests sounds like way too much so close to your due date. 
 
12-10-2012 at 7:00 PM
rmp25
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I think that I might also request that they stay at a hotel. Even if you haven't delivered by the time they arrive you will be in the last few weeks and should really relax, rest, and prepare for baby. As for after the baby arrived. I could not imagine anything more miserable than having company.  I ended up having an unplanned c-section with my first baby. I delivered in the hospital in mine and my DH's hometown and was positively overwhelmed with visitors...family, church members, neighbors, friends. I was so exhausted when I came home from the hospital that we actually asked everyone to give us a few days to get settled in before coming to visit. You honestly do not know what type of delivery you will have and how the recovery will be. On top of taking care of a newborn and your house being a disaster area, you are also going to be dealing with some of the more unpleasant post-partum things that are going on with your body. Trust me the last thing that you want when you are sweating, bleeding, and leaking (like a projectile) milk is an audience especially one that you have to entertain/wait on.  I am sure that your DH little  brother and girlfriend have the best of intentions at heart but it would be so hard on you and your DH.


 
12-10-2012 at 7:25 PM
PotomacSt
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Um... That is way too much. You need your space, and if youre going to breastfeed, you do not need a house full of people that you're not confortable doing it in front of. Newborns can breastfeed almost constantly sometimes.

My inlaws came over for four hours when my daughter was five days old, it stressed me out so much that I burst into tears at dinner and sobbed for an hour after they left.

 

12-10-2012 at 7:54 PM
Mitsya
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Have you discussed at all with your DH what each of you consider to be "helpful?"  I'll use DH & my mothers as an example: My mom thinks that coming over that first week we're home to mop my kitchen floor or make a grocery store run while I take a nap would be "helpful."  My MIL thinks that coming over that first week & holding the baby while I run the vacuum or make dinner would be "helpful."

I see a distinct difference between the two & thankfully so does my man.  Make sure that you two are on the same page when it comes to the idea of help so that you can understand each other when it comes to visitors during that immediate postpartum time. 


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12-10-2012 at 9:49 PM
MrsCarroll...
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No. Just no. Who does that?! I don't want anyone here for the first week or two.
12-11-2012 at 12:09 PM
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i would say theyd have to stay at a hotel.
no way would i have house guests after just having my baby.
despite the germs, i wouldnt want to worry about playing host or having to be there to make conversation when all i want to do is sleep.
the only people i want even coming over are my mom and my sister for like the first month, sorry, but if anyone else wants to complain they can drop out their own baby at the beginning of january and entertain tons of guests

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12-11-2012 at 12:29 PM
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Mommyluv384:

I would let the brother stay, as annoying as it is, he is family. But I would put them I their place and ask them to clean up after themselves. 

As for his friend tell dh they an visit but stay in a hotel it's way to much on you. Or they come a different time.  

 

We went to see our 10 day old nephew last Christmas... My hubby's sister... We stayed in a hotel. We were very happy to do so because for one, we knew they were in no shape to entertain and two, we wanted some privacy of our own as a childless couple at the time. It drives me batty that there are people out there who assume it is okay to stay with family when they are having children for the first time. This isn't the 1600s where you probably lived in a multi-family community with a whole bunch of women pooling together to help the new mom. Nowadays, people expect you to be Suzy Homemaker: adjust to having a newborn,  keep your house sparkling and wait on guests.  Sorry. I am obviously having a raging hormone moment. Because this is a fantasy. 

 You need to ask your DHs friends where they plan on staying. Ask it innocently. Like, "oh, which hotel did you book? Is it close by?" I can understand if immediate family is hard to relocate to a hotel, but friends of should not expect the same service. 

And you need to make it clear to your BIL and his GF that if they plan on staying over, they will be asked to help out like family, and not be treated as guests. Good luck to you. Stories like this make me thankful that all my out of town in laws are planning other accommodations or are waiting a few months to come see our LO.  


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12-11-2012 at 4:05 PM
drewiekc
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You need to do what YOU are comfortable with, and not feel guilty about it.  To be honest, family or not, the brother does not sound like someone you need around AT ALL while you are adjusting to life with a newborn.  Let alone him, plus his girlfriend, plus your DH's friend and his wife and kid.  Just, no.  You've got to remember that on top of learning to care for a newborn and your own physical recovery, your hormones are going to be INSANE.  Think you're a hot mess right now?  Just wait, pregnancy hormones have nothing on post-partum hormones.  There is absolutely no way I'd be OK dealing with that many people staying at my house so soon after giving birth.

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