I’m a germ-a-phobe when it comes to my infants, I’ll be the first to admit it. I think it stemmed from the nurse who discharged us from the hospital when my oldest son was born. She told me how it was cold and flu season and the risks or a simple cold and especially RSV and what those could mean to a small infant. I think she might have been a bit more dramatic because I was young and she wanted to be sure I was careful. But seriously, the woman put the fear of God into me!
Added to that, my babes all have Laryngomalacia (floppy airways), and it is especially imperative that they not get anything that adds stress to the airways.
We didn’t take Forest out until he was 6 weeks old, and I think Warrior was 4 or 5 weeks when we went out. (Warrior was also born during cold and flu season.) But I am absolutely going crazy in my house this time! I feel claustrophobic and I have to get out! It sounds bad, but I am sick of playing toys and watching children’s movies - I need adult interaction! I have been going to the grocery store, the library, etc. during the evenings when hubby is home and can watch the babe. Sometimes the boys come with me, more often than not, Warrior, as he loves to go, go, go. But during the day, we are pretty much stuck in. Friday we did take a walk to the post-office - I figured that was a pretty germ-free place since we went at a slow time of day. I put the babe in the sling and pushed the boys in the double stroller. Today I took them to the park and on the way home we stopped at the library (again, a slow time of day - figured not many germs because no groups of ppl). Today I passed our church and it made me so sad - I miss my friends and I miss worshiping there! I asked hubby what he thought about going tomorrow, but he doesn’t think we should. I would probably panic anyway if we did go, so I’m glad he said he didn’t think it was a good idea yet, but still….. I think we might end up going next week, or the week after.
So I’m curious… how long did you stay away from large crowds of people and small children with your infants, if you are a mom. And if you were one that kept them away for a longer period of time, how did you handle the isolation?
4 comments ↓
My co-worker, Julie, told me how she would never let people touch her child’s face. I never even would think of that since I’ve never been a parent. I swear it seems like Connor and his mom Jodi catch everything that comes by.
I’ve never been someone (even as a kid) that caught much of anything. So it’s a bit foreign to me.
I’m a totaly “NON” germ-a-phobe…LOL! My first born was out and about with me within a week of coming home and my DD was born on July 1, we went downtown and watched the fireworks for the 4th of July. VERY bad move on my part because now, at almost 13, loud sounds and fireworks scare the bejeesus out of her!
But no, I was out and about as soon as I could be with mine…LOL! My first born had several “problems” including apnea and bradychardia so I would “escape” the apartment with him to get away from the noisy machines that scared me.
G was born in cold an flu season, so it was at least a month before we took her out and about . I did however let close family & friends visit once a week . Not too many people, just enough to let me have some adult time.
You will get back to your old routine soon and with a precious ( healthy) baby to show off!!
((HUGS))
Carrie, I also waited until she was 4-6 weeks. I even kept Bec in for a few weeks, mostly for bonding, but also because I wanted to keep him away from germs. Funny as I look back on where he came from and his long plane rides here but I thought that he would need to acclimate to our kind of germs as opposed to the African germs.
What you are doing is perfect. The fresh air and open spaces are good for her and you. As long as you aren’t going to Target or the store, I think that you are good. I’d also always cover their faces in public and tell people they were sleeping so they wouldn’t get breathed on.
You’d never guess that I was like this looking at my house! I should have been concerned about RSV more, but TB was my huge fear. Still is! That’s why I hardly ever go to the movie theatre.