Gransnet forums

Ask a gran

What would you think if you received this?

(758 Posts)
2old4this Sat 30-Oct-21 16:32:08

A friend of mine received this message from her daughter, the baby will be her 1st GC, she is deeply upset. What would you think if you received this?

Meeting baby girl rules

Please respect that we would like time before you meet our baby girl for some rest ,to heal and for us to 1. Get a routine in place and for us to enjoy the moment first and bond ?

We will invite you over when we feel ready (2weeks) please no unexpected visits ❤️

We would feel more relaxed if you did a covid test before coming over ?

Please no Kisses, while we are still surrounded by covid and being winter colds, we would appreciate no kissing baby girl while her immune system is still weaker ? (includesWe will probably face time you all at some pint in the first few days and keep you updated within the 2 week window
This has been sent to all our family and friends xxx washing hands before holding her)

When you are invited over please don’t expect us to be making coffees or entertainment (not that’s you would ?) we will be exhausted! ?

Thank you ?

Clevedon Mon 01-Nov-21 12:35:53

I'd be gutted ?

Nicaveron Mon 01-Nov-21 12:31:15

I think I would be very upset as well.I’m sure in a very short while the new parents will be l

Supergranuation Mon 01-Nov-21 12:30:19

I completely understand where the new parents are coming from but as the Grandma I think I would be quite upset at having to wait two weeks to see my new grandchild. I would definitely follow the rules which I would have done anyway without being asked but would like to have received my invitation to visit very soon after the baby had been born. The first time we saw our new grandaughter and her 4 year old brother we were ordered by our DIL to shower and change our clothes before touching them as we had just flown into Australia from the UK

Sawsage2 Mon 01-Nov-21 12:25:36

Meant niece not nice.

moobox Mon 01-Nov-21 12:25:19

My DIL would have loved for us to receive something like this. That could be why she is an ex-DIL

Tanjamaltija Mon 01-Nov-21 12:24:43

Is this the first baby that was ever born in the whole world? Sugaring the pill by adding hearts and smileys doesn't hide the fact that there is a lot of snark in that letter. I wonder whether they expect granny to babysit at the drop of a hat, later?

GraceQuirrel Mon 01-Nov-21 12:24:36

Suzey

Just remember to instill your own rules when they need a babysitter!

Yes! Sorry busy resting would be my reply to any request.

Sawsage2 Mon 01-Nov-21 12:24:32

Nice will probably change her mind when baby is born.

Sue65 Mon 01-Nov-21 12:23:53

Give it a month or two and they will be begging for your support
All a bit too touchy when first is born

millymouge Mon 01-Nov-21 12:22:59

I don’t see anything wrong with it. I think COVID has changed the rules a lot. And I think it is very sensible of them to ask for a few days grace so that they can have some time together before everyone descends on them. I must admit when my first arrived we asked for a few days grace before visitors arrived.

Birdie1 Mon 01-Nov-21 12:22:27

Having had a new GS several weeks ago - l to had to go with these type of rules - my DD has been so frightened by the midwife team - particularly about something called RVS Respiratory syncytial virus - a mild cold like virus which has always been around but causes new babies in particular potential hospitalisation. It’s the times we live in unfortunately. Having said all that - l do think your friend’s daughter could of been a little more diplomatic and softened or explained her worries better. Hopefully the upset will all be forgotten in a few days and the new GC will bring much joy & delight?

Nitpick48 Mon 01-Nov-21 12:22:17

But the difference is we are in the middle of a pandemic! The old order of things has gone out of the window. We have to accept that . Granny could be carrying Covid unknown to herself, and how would she feel if she passed it on? Devastated. The tone of the letter is a bit weird but I agree with the idea. And I’ve been in the same situation, as my grandaughter was born only last year and I know my son and DIL felt the same way.

Junesun Mon 01-Nov-21 12:20:40

Shouldn't have been sent to grandparents. Too harsh. Maybe let grandparents know by speaking to them some of the wishes and other friends can see the new baby later.

Socksandsocks01 Mon 01-Nov-21 12:19:04

Nobody should kiss anyone's baby even without a pandemic it's dangerous. I think they are absolutely correct. The health of that baby is their priority. No 2nd chances for little ones.

christine96777 Mon 01-Nov-21 12:17:07

My son and his partner are expecting their first baby after Xmas, not only have we discussed all the eventuallys around covid but have put some rules and restrictions in place. The way I look at it, I love my family, I can hear you all shout so do I, how would you feel if you unwittingly brought an unpredictable illness into there household, you have to respect what they ask in these strange times

HannahLoisLuke Mon 01-Nov-21 12:15:46

Well said. I’m astounded at some of the remarks on these posts. It’s not about the Grandmas!

bobbydog24 Mon 01-Nov-21 12:14:49

Oh FGS, you’d think they were the first couple to have a baby. My granddaughter was born at 31 weeks and my Dh and I saw her within hours of her birth in her little incubator. I understand the hygiene rules around covid but as has been said, do they think they are royalty. Wait until they want gran/nana to do the childminding with all the bugs a toddler transfers. I’d be setting out my rules then.

LtEve Mon 01-Nov-21 12:11:37

I would certainly not have wanted to divert to go via grandparents, a 28 hour labour, stitches, agony sitting in a car, bleeding heavily, I couldn’t wait to get home and try and get comfortable. Have women really forgotten just how sore you can be. Plus trying to establish breastfeeding when you get home. Not every daughter has the sort of relationship with parents where they are happy to try and feed in front of them.
This sounds like they tried to have a reasonable discussion with the grandma to be and were ignored, hence the message setting it out.
Six months ago my sister was asked to wait until near the end of paternity leave to go and meet her new granddaughter so that the new parents could attempt to get to grips with the huge change in their lives. She was more than happy to comply with their wishes and has now got a fantastic relationship with her dil and her granddaughter and is frequently both visited and invited to stay. A little compassion now will pay dividends in the future.

Flakesdayout Mon 01-Nov-21 12:09:02

My Son and DIL are expecting their first. my first GC in 8 weeks. I think I would be quite upset not to see the new baby, but I would respect the ' no kissing, being covid aware (I am anyway), testing and washing hands. MIL and myself have already said we would keep away from their house over the Xmas period but I would still be hoping for a peep.

Skye17 Mon 01-Nov-21 12:08:39

The requests seem reasonable to me. If I was the new mum’s mother I would have preferred a phone call. But at least everyone is treated the same. Maybe the method of communication is pretty standard for that age group.

jaylucy Mon 01-Nov-21 12:08:05

Fine if you are a friend or a distant relative, but a bit stuffy and starchy for close family!
Quite honestly, I feel sorry for the couple - they obviously have no idea how much help and support your parents and in laws can be !
I wish I had had the choice at that time - my parents were the other side of the world, my in laws worked full time and my now ex husband was telling everyone that offered help that I was fine and didn't need help with the ironing, cleaning the windows, gardening etc ! Without a wonderful health visitor, I wouldn't have got through the first year as my husband was as much use as a chocolate radiator!
While I can understand the washing hands etc etc but I just hope that at some point in the future when the baby hasn't slept all night, the sink is full of dirty dishes etc and the parents are exhausted, they may regret sending out such a cold message!

Pinnywinch Mon 01-Nov-21 12:06:20

I would be very annoyed if I got sent that message from my daughter.
If I was sent it as a friend, I would have just thought they're being precious, and probably wouldn't bother going over!
I get the 'my baby my rules' thing, but honestly!

Suzey Mon 01-Nov-21 12:04:36

Just remember to instill your own rules when they need a babysitter!

Moggycuddler Mon 01-Nov-21 12:03:47

I fully understand the things in the letter, about covid safety etc. But if my daughter did not speak to me in person or at least on the phone about these plans, and just wrote me a "list of rules" like that, I'd be appalled and very hurt indeed!

Nan6 Mon 01-Nov-21 12:02:41

To be honest I think it is very reasonable, hard to receive I agree, but if this is their first baby they need space and time to rest without visitors, phone calls, messaging etc until they feel ready. The parents, mum to be especially, may be very anxious, and respecting this will really help her. Please don't take it personally. This type of "instruction to others" is often discussed in antenatal classes and by midwives etc to protect the mum, not to cause family disharmony. If all goes well with the birth then you may find they welcome help, meals etc, laundry but only if and when asked. Give them time, this doesn't mean they don't love and value you.