We told people via sms that we would be in touch when we were ready for visitors and no one listened it ended up the midwives would say to them 'just a quick visit' and the person would come into me cranky as all get out and them I would have to listen to the crap about it and I would feel terrible. If I'd had my time over and its very hard when you are so excited, I wouldnt text anyone until the following day. Sounds rude but I never even got to establish feeding DD before people were on top of me! Needless to say we have major hurdles! Maybe you could say something before in the text or in person, that you need time to bond as a family and would like the space?? Or tell everyone you have just taken up that religion where no one sees the baby for 40 days As for a sign at home I would write 'Shhhh, we are all sleeping. Hope to catch up soon, please leave us a message and we will be in touch when we have settled a little'.

Woooohoooo, not long to go now