How many visitors in hospital!?

[DoulaRelle]

I agree - I would prepare your epxected visitors with " if you could call or text DH before you plan on coming he can let you know if it is suitable"

I had wayyy to many visitors with DS no1 to the point where I thought I was going to pass out and my Mum clicked onto this and very loudly announced that visiting hours were over and that she and they should all go ( way to go Mum!!)

You just never know how you will go - you may feel great and upto lots of visitors, but you could be exhausted, so just make sure everyone knows not to come until they call and check.

[KarenM]

I agree with Karina, some people don't realise just how exhausted a mum is so soon after giving birth, especially if they have no children themselves. I had alot of visitors the day after the birth which was great, as I wanted to share the event with family and friends, but VERY tiring. My little baby got passed from pillar to post and by that night I felt that I had hardly seen her!

The second day after she was born calmed down a bit but one friend, even though I told her that visiting hours finished at 1, stayed and ended up being there nursing my daughter for about two hours. I was nearly hysterical by the time she left and could not believe that she had not picked up on the cues that I was VERY TIRED and needed her to go home. I ended up having to say that I needed a rest and I am still a bit upset at her thoughtlessness. Most people checked before they came but we had some people just rock up whenever, and they were people who I wouldn't have really expected to visit us in the hospital anyway. The thought was there, but it put more stress on us than was needed.

Next time round I will ensure DH, DD & I get lots of bonding time with the new bub and may not even invite parents & in-laws until the next day. I will also be much more clear when we announce the birth when it is appropriate for people to visit, whether it be at hospital or at home. Having said that, it is easier in hospital because you can ask the midwives to help you out with visitors although I found it difficult to refuse people who just turned up because they had gone to the effort to come in.