The arrival of a baby used to mean waiting rooms packed with relatives, the newborn being passed from one person to another, and an endless stream of unsolicited advice. However, a new wave of parents is firmly breaking with this tradition, sparking a fierce family debate that has some outraged and others applauding.
Under the slogan that “the baby is neither to be looked at nor touched”, more and more couples are imposing a rule of “zero visits” during the first few weeks after childbirth. No going to the hospital, no surprise visits at home, and extremely strict rules forbidding anyone from kissing or holding the newborn, or even coming near without thoroughly washing their hands and wearing a mask.
For those who defend this position, the reasons are clear: protecting the newborn’s fragile immune system from viruses, safeguarding the mother’s mental health during the postpartum period, and allowing parents to adjust to their new routine without the stress of hosting guests.
On the other hand, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and close friends express deep frustration, accusing the new generation of “overreacting” and being insensitive by depriving them of the right to meet the newest members of the family.
Is this a smart way to protect the baby’s peace and health, or modern paranoia that isolates the family?