About visitors

The first days after the birth of your baby will be very special. Getting to know this new member of your family will be an exciting and very important time.

Although you will be eager to share your baby with family and friends, the best choices while you're in the hospital may be for you to get much needed rest and for you and your partner to spend quiet time alone with your baby. You may want to make a distinction between immediate family visiting and other relatives or friends visiting. This could help you have some rest time and some quiet time with your new baby and partner.

Immediate family

Normally, fathers, partners, your other children, and your baby's grandparents are welcome to visit any time you wish.

Other relatives and friends

You may prefer to ask these kinds of visitors to see you and your baby after you go home. Some birth centers even provide a "Do Not Disturb" sign for your door (or you can bring one from home).

Visitors should not be ill

Anyone who has been exposed to a contagious illness or who has had a cold(upper respiratory infection), flu(influenza), diarrhea, cold sores, impetigo, or a fever during the past 24 hours should not visit.

If you let family or friends hold your baby, ask them to wash their hands first.

Related Links

Your hospital stay

Preventing infections during your hospital stay (includes proper handwashing for visitors)

First published: 10/04/2002
Last updated: 06/19/2003

Reviewed by: Allina Patient Education experts