Don't put Baby in a Bubble!

New parents who are coming of age after a global pandemic are understandably vigilant about keeping their baby safe from germs. But how much protection is too much?

I'm your Grandma!

You've just given birth and met the person who's been kicking your bladder for months. It was no small task making this baby from scratch, and considering the extra bathroom trips alone, it required a Herculean effort. Your next project is to keep him alive, which feels daunting. He's small and fragile, but also a celebrity, and everyone wants to get their hands on him. You've worried about his welfare since the moment you conceived him, and now that he's arrived, your maternal instincts to protect him have emerged as intensely as the proverbial mother bear. If anyone so much as breathes on him, they better have your permission!

We've been waiting for you!

In today's post-pandemic world, many new parents are highly anxious about their newborn contracting an illness. While it is true that newborns have an immature and underdevelped immune system, the reassuring news is that when babies receive breastmilk, a virtual “forcefield” surrounds them at all times, protecting them from everyday germs, from RSV, and from Covid. This should give new parents peace of mind that when their baby inevitably comes into contact with germs, he has automatic resistance. When an illness makes its rounds in the household that includes a breastfed infant, parents may be pleasantly surprised that the new baby is generally spared, or gets a much lighter version of the illness than everyone else suffers. This is because human milk is teeming with antibodies to fight infection, as well as components that coat the infant's gut and establish an anti-inflammatory environment. When someone in the newborn's household is sick, the nursing mom becomes exposed before her symptoms are present, and immediately begins manufacturing specific antibodies to the exact virus or bacteria that is taking everyone else out. These antibodies begin flowing into the breastfed infant, at the very same time that pathogens are trying to infect him. Therefore, the goal isn't to keep baby inside a bubble where he lives in a sterile environment. It is expected and normal, even desirable, for his immune system to grow and learn from exposure to pathogens, but the breastfed infant gets to do this without the "cost" of severe illness.

Love you to pieces!

So consider allowing grandparents or other loved ones to meet your full term newborn. There is no need for healthy people to mask up around the baby. Common sense precautions will ensure his safety and welfare, like asking people to wash their hands before touching him, ensuring that all visitors are up to date on vaccinations, avoiding large crowds, and having sick people stay away.* And yes, you may choose to allow his siblings and his grandparents to kiss him if they are healthy. One of the greatest gifts to your baby are the bonds that form between him and not just immediate, but extended family members; this is his village! So don't stay awake at night worrying about his health; instead, relax and enjoy watching the people you love, fall in love with him.

*Pediatricians may have more specific instructions depending on special circumstances, such as prematurity.

Newest generation meets oldest one