What would be an appropriate length of time to stay and visit with your friend and her new baby? - Page 2

[Storm Bride]

Originally Posted by the_lissa

I agree with asking. I wanted people to stay as long as possible. I was lonely and wanted lots of company.

I tend to be like that, too. Mind you, I think I'd have wanted people to leave sooner if I were physically more functional. After the c-sections, it was always nice to have someone around, because I really didn't feel up to the job of looking after the baby in the first place. Even if people weren't actively helping, it was nice when someone was there, and I knew I could ask, if I needed something.

[leafwood]

depends on how close you are IMO. w/ my cousin i went for the day (w/ my 4m ds in hand)....long enough to unload the food i prepared for her, do two loads of laundry, hold the baby while she showered and sit and chat for a bit.

for someone i know more casually i would say to stay for about 20m and then size up the situation. for me, there was one particular visitor that came after dd was born...a friend i knew from school but didn't really socialize with that often. she was so sweet, brought lunch for dh and i, but then she lingered for what felt like forever!!! all i wanted to do was go nurse the baby and take a nap and she didn't get the hint. she stayed for about 2 hours and it felt like a day! on the other hand, but closest frineds came and stayed entire days and the time flew b/c i felt like i could do anything with them there and their company was relaxing.

[Serenyd]

What a great thread. There are some really good suggestions here. I think it's important to show support for a new mom. Feeling isolated contributes to pp depression. I can speak from experience on this one.

[alexzanders_mama]

I just always ask them, that way I know for sure.

[txgal]

I think if you are close enough for mom to nurse in front of, even if that means full boob exposure and you are willing to help with cleaning/cooking then you can stay longer. If you are just casual friends then 30 mins. is probably good.