Would you take a newborn to this party?

[nataliej99]

My grandma turns 100 years old this month and there is a family party for her on March 19.  We have a big family (she has 6 children, 16 grandchildren, many great-grandchildren) and just about all of them will be coming.  I haven't seen some of them in a few years, since many live far away.

My 3rd child is due in about a week.  I will likely be induced (long story) sometime between March 3-10.  If I am up to it, I would really like to go to the party, but am worried about taking a newborn and exposing him to all these people/germs.  Not to mention it is about a 75 minute drive to the party.

Do you think you would try to go, or not???

[mommariffic]

I would but I tend not to hold back when I have a new baby (we had a fourth of July bash when DS was about 5 days old..) 

I would just wear the babe and avoid letting EVERYONE touch him. 

[Alyantavid]

I would.  But I assume no one will be sick at a party for someone who's turning 100 either.  Bring a sling for sure.

[Ornery]

Definitely.  But I would probably figure out a specific rule about no one touching baby.  It seems like once one person holds the baby, everyone thinks they should be able to, even if they have a horrible cold, flu, whatnot.

[ollyoxenfree]

Yes, I would go, but I never worried about germs and newborns. I had big, healthy babies though. If there are no health concerns with the babe (other than the reasons for the induction) that suggest compromised immune system, it wouldn't bother me. If it's a real concern for you and you will worry about it, stay home. I'm sure everyone will understand. 

When my first was born, I was on the Board of a professional organization located in a city 2 hours from where I was living. I drove with him to Board meetings, although I think the first meeting we attended he was a little older - maybe 3 or 4 weeks. I found carrying him along was incredibly easy at that age. He slept through almost everything and when he was awake, it was simple to breastfeed quietly and discreetly. 

[mamalisa]

I'd just put the baby in a sling and not think about it again.

[Greenlea]

I would go, but like others have said, I would keep baby in a sling/carrier and not let many others hold him.

[MamaPhipps]

I agree with the others-I would go but definitely keep him in a sling and keep him to yourself! Don't need a line of people trying to hold him, especially at that age. Have fun!!

[nextcommercial]

I would.  He'll sleep the whole drive, and if not, you can stop to feed, and he'll go back to sleep.

Take a wrap, and a sling with you, and keep his hands tucked inside so people can't touch is hands.  Other than eating, he'll probably sleep most of the time anyway.

[ocelotmom]

I would go, assuming the baby is healthy, and my family wasn't the sort that felt they had more right to the baby than I did :)

One mom I know encourages kids to touch the baby's feet to keep them away from the hands and face, and this seems like a good way of addressing that problem (assuming, of course, that they aren't coughing or sneezing all over the place).

[Areia]

I would go since it is such a special occasion, but just mention beforehand that you might have to leave early.  We took DD to my Dad's surprise 60th birthday party when she was a month old. The ride there (1.5 hours) was fine as was the begining of the party, but it was a largish group (50 people) and included kids so it got noisy quick  and that bothered the baby.  We left after only a couple of hours, but it meant a lot to my Dad that we made the trip for him and lots of people were able to meet the DD. 

[meemee]

dunno. i am not big on germs and babies either. the thougth to even question me going to the party because of germs and newborn would never enter my head.

i went to a family gathering when dd was 5 days old and the first thing i did was hand over dd to my bil. and then she was passed around. i personally think different touch and interaction actually help their immune system. now xbil remembers that incident v. clearly and it is a special moment for him - that i trusted him with my newborn. that i confidently handed over dd to him without any hesitation.

however i was also taking walks outside when dd was 3 days old. and going to the mall to walk away from the heat from 3 days old onwards. 

however her dad and i have really good health and we never ever thought about sickness and her.

the only time she would get sick is when we went to the peds to get her shots (this was preMDC when i thought that was what you did). 

its interesting to watch dd grow. she is very much a peoples person even as a newborn. she was more awake than sleep. and today people energize her. she is a true extrovert - the life of the party wherever she goes. 

she has a good sense for people too. 

so for her social events with lots of people are like 'candy' for her. ALWAYS brings out the best in her. 

even at 5 days old she was watching everyone. never slept for a moment the whole 8 hours we were there. 

my point is for some kids like dd - people are like medicine/vitamins/nutrition for her. they heal her rather than make her ill thru germs. even today if she is sick (not contagious) the best medicine for her is people and a social atmos. where she forgets her 'suffering'.

[pjs]

I wouldn't go primarily because I need a solid 30 days of not leaving the house after giving birth. If you do go, I'd keep baby in a sling, but realistically once one person holds baby everyone else WILL hold baby. Can you say no to the many people who will ask?

[chel]

i vote go, but i'm also a person that isn't concerned about family members/ friends touching my baby.

the only person that has gotten dd2 sick, is her big sis that really loves on the baby.  never from the casual contact from being passed around.

[Linda on the move]

Originally Posted by ollyoxenfree 

Yes, I would go, but I never worried about germs and newborns. I had big, healthy babies though. If there are no health concerns with the babe (other than the reasons for the induction) that suggest compromised immune system, it wouldn't bother me.

That was me, too. I assumed that the anti-bodies from BM were working in the baby's favor!  I think an exclusively BFing baby is one of the safest people on the planet as far as contangous illnesses. It's once the child is running around and putting everything in their mouths that you really have to worry!

As long as you feel up to it and you and baby are doing well, go enjoy your family! And let them enjoy your baby! How lovely to have a newborn at a party for someone turning 100!  What a blessing for your whole family!  How much love will be in that room!

[journeymom]

Be sure to get a picture with you, baby and your grandmother together.

[CookAMH]

I would. if I was feeling up to it, but I'd keep the baby in a sling the whole time and just let people peak :).

[HollyBearsMom]

Originally Posted by journeymom 

Be sure to get a picture with you, baby and your grandmother together.

you beat me to it!  I was going to post GO, how awesome will it be to have photo of your newborn and her 100 year old grammy!

[lilmom]

I would not. Because I would not be up to it, and also because I am very cautious with newborns. I think you could figure out a way to have granny visit you maybe, one on one? That's what I would try to do.

[Snowflake777]

I wouldn't because:

1) Last time around, I was still in constant pain "down there" at 2 weeks pp, not to mention the engorged, leaky boobs, pp bleeding, etc.

2) I'm very cautious when it comes to newborns and crowds. More so when it's family who'll be touching her face and wanting to hold her - I hate having to be the bad guy asking people not to!

3) DD HATED the car at that age. Even a 10 minute drive was a scream-fest.

Not trying to be a negative Nancy, just some things to consider. You may feel great by then and have a car-loving baby. Go if you're feeling up to it!