Featured Image Credit: svetikd/Fly View Productions/Getty Images
Topics: Parenting
Callum Jones
Meeting a baby for the first time is a very special occasion, whether that be a close family relative or the child of one of your best pals.
But for one woman, she was left a little confused by the list of rules she was given ahead of visiting her friend's newborn.
Of course, every mum has her own ideas on who she wants to handle her baby, but her friend in this case has described her list of rules as 'strange'.
Taking to Mumsnet earlier this week, the friend wrote: "My friend has just had a baby and her husband has sent out a list of rules before we visit.
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"No visitors for at least 10 days. No advice to be given by visitors or sharing their experiences.
"Only stay an hour. Visits to be arranged in advance to fit around breastfeeding.
"There’s an Amazon gift list, if we wish.
"Wash your hands. Get changed if vaping or smoking. You probably won’t get to hold baby.
"Don’t kiss baby.
"Give baby back immediately to mum if crying etc etc."
Quite the list, eh.
Well, the friend has been left a little perplexed by all the rules, which left her worried that she may say or do something wrong when visiting.
She continued: "I really was looking forward to going round to this friend’s house as we are super close, but now I will worry about saying the wrong thing, or offering unwanted advice.
"Or what if the baby is eating its hands or nuzzling, do I give it back to my friend and say it’s hungry but she will be offended because she will take that as unwanted advice.
"I have 3 kids and breastfed them all, but I didn’t produce enough milk when I had the first. If someone else hadn’t told me about cluster feeding to get the milk supply going, I might have given up.
"Also, I could never arrange times for people to visit around breastfeeding because it just doesn’t work like that with many breastfed babies."
The woman went on to explain that when she welcomed her little ones into the world, she wanted to share the 'happiness' with people.
"I find it strange when people produce lists like this or don’t want people holding their babies," she added.
"By the way, this friend came round my house absolutely loads when my babies were small and used to stay all day and all evening.
"I think I might stay away and not have the same relationship with her kids as she’s had with mine, because I am too worried about doing or saying the wrong thing."
And people in the comments were on the friend's side, with many calling it 'bizarre'.
One said: "I just wouldn't go. F**k that bulls**t. I wouldn't send a gift either."
While another said: "I wouldn't bother visiting, you'll be on edge the whole time. Did your friend give you any indication if there's rules before the baby was born?"
Calling it 'ridiculous', a third said they 'wouldn't go' and if they ask her why then she should 'be honest' about her worries, adding: "They need to calm down."