WOMENS-HEALTH Messages for May, 1998: Re: How soon after birth?

Re: How soon after birth?

From: AMD (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Mon, 11 May 1998 14:01:22 -0500 (CDT)

Messages sorted by: [ date ][ thread ][ subject ][ author ]
Next message: Marna: "Re: Pill difficulties---marna, docs, PLEASE REPLY!!"
Previous message: Denise: "Germs/Exposure"
In reply to: Sean: "How soon after birth?"

At Mon, 11 May 1998, Sean wrote: >
>My wife is due on November 5, and we usually hold Thanksgiving dinner at
>our house. Are there any concerns that we need to beaware of? Is there
>a certain amount of time that she elapse before we expose our newborn to
>a large group of people?

It is very optimistic to think that any of you will be up to hosting a large group of people less than a month after delivery. If it was me, I would at least entertain the idea of not hosting Turkey Day this year and I would certainly recommend a potluck-type affair to minimize the work for you and your wife. There are so many unknown factors at this time: what if the baby is late? what if your wife needs a c-section? what if there are complications?

Even without anything really unexpected, you may find that both of you are too exhausted to do this. I had my baby shower when my son was three weeks old and just being the guest wore me out. I hosted Thanksgiving for just my husband's parents when Nathan was 6 weeks old and that was tiring (and I even ordered the dinner from the grocery store deli so I just fixed side dishes). However, if you and your wife are the type that really love hosting a party, you may find it invigorating instead of draining.

At least consider how complicated it would be to change these plans at the last minute. If it would be no big deal to call up Mom (or whoever)a couple days before and have them host the dinner, it might be okay to go ahead a tentatively plan to have it at your house, with the understanding that it might have to change.

As far as exposing your baby to lots of people, it depends on who the people are. Your baby will still be somewhat protected by the mother's immunity, particularly if she is breast-feeding. But I would certainly minimize contact with small children (particularly those in day care)or any adult who might be high risk for carrying a contagious disease. This is my personal protective mother instinct, not any medical fact.

Good luck!!! Andrea

Next message: Marna: "Re: Pill difficulties---marna, docs, PLEASE REPLY!!"
Previous message: Denise: "Germs/Exposure"
In reply to: Sean: "How soon after birth?"

Women's Insurance Checklist from Auto Insurance Quote

use when must restrict search to only the women's health forum...
Enter search keywords:
	Returns per screen: Require all keywords: