“I want to hold the baby” — A Guide to Expectations and Newborn Visits

The arrival of a new baby is a cause for celebration, whether you’re an expectant grandparent, a doting aunt, a proud cousin, or a close family friend. It’s an exciting time, filled with joy and anticipation, as you eagerly await the moment when you can meet the newborn, shower them with love, and support the new parents on this incredible journey. In your heart, all you want is to be that trusted and cherished family member or friend who’s invited over and invited back, time and time again.

As this baby is about to enter the world or may already be here, it’s only natural that you have expectations. Whether you realize it or not, you’re expecting a specific type of relationship with that baby and with the baby’s parent(s). You may even have expectations on how you’ll get to interact with the baby and the level of involvement in how they’re raised.

Expectations are a natural part of human interaction, formed based on past experiences, observations, and our perception of what’s normal or ideal. When it comes to newborns, we often harbor expectations because we want to be involved, establish connections, and have a meaningful role in the baby’s life. This guide is designed to help you navigate the delicate balance of expectations when visiting a newborn, allowing you to understand the expectations of…