Visitors

Like many new parents, you may find that many people are interested in celebrating your new addition. The support of your family and friends is important, but a constant stream of visitors can be overwhelming. In the first few weeks, your visitors should be support people. You shouldn't find yourself doing extra dishes and cooking treats for your guests.

Here are a few suggestions to help ensure you get rest and family time during the first few weeks of your baby's life.

	If you have Call Answer or an answering machine, use it – let people leave messages when you are busy or sleeping. Put some baby news in your outgoing message. You can call them back when it is convenient for you. You may want to get a cell phone, cordless phone or speaker phone, so you can multi-task.
	Plan an open house for an afternoon, so everyone can come see the baby. Have your guests bring finger food or potluck items.
	Ask a family member or friend to return your calls and tell everyone the baby news.
	Have a list of things you need done, so that if people ask if there is anything they can do, you can tell them (or let them choose!)

Especially if you had more than one baby or if your pregnancy was difficult, you may need extra support from those around you. Here are some tips for making your life easier:

	Have your friends throw you a frozen casserole shower, so there is plenty of food in the freezer; and buy in bulk.
	Make a schedule for family and friends, so you know exactly when you will have help. Make support people aware of each others’ time commitments, so they will also know about the gaps.
	Keep your shopping list current and visible.
	If financially possible, try to find a neighbourhood teenager who could watch the babies while you nap.
	Get an easy-to-care-for haircut.
	Have your partner or other support people make sandwiches in the evening for an easy lunch the next day.

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