Happy Birthday Simran.
Last Sunday was my niece Simran's birthday. And we were blessed to have another niece on the same day. She was a healthy child at 3.649 kg and 53 cm.
It seems like none of us will be able to see her for the next 60 - 90 days. Don't know what will determine when we will be able to visit her, but I am sure the parents have figured out what, when and why.
I've been brought up in India where all of us visited the happy parents in the hospital, hours after the child is born. Not only of the near and dear ones, but also the not so near yet dear ones. There seemed to be no clear reasons for this decision to keep visitors away that was shared by the parents. Except for that's how we do it. And like all things in life, people choose what's right for them. And everybody else respects those wishes. Especially when there is no other choice.
I was curious to find if this was followed due to medical, cultural, religious or some other reasons. And I started a research project on the subject aka Ask Friends and Google.
I started with the medical professionals. We have 2 doctors in our immediate family. And I checked with them. They said that from a medical standpoint, its not only okay but good to have visitors after the baby is in the room with the mother. And when the hospital allows it. They laughed at the stupidity of the question, since the very fact that the doctors and hospitals were allowing it, not only was it safe and perfectly okay, it was a joyful time to be shared with the near and dear.
Next stop was the church. The priests too shared the same opinion as the doctors. And felt that you could get the child to church as soon as a few days or as some parents prefer, wait a month. And it all depended on the mother. And her comfort level. I guess they didn't want to miss a potential long term parishioner.
Next stop was my American friends. The Americans were vocal on the subject. A colleague, Ruppert had a baby born after 27 weeks. And to call her premature would be an understatement.
Natalie
He said that while they had visitors as soon as the baby was in the room with the mother, they had been advised to be careful with handling of the baby. And so would request visitors not to hold the baby and the close ones like his Mom to wash their hands using hand wash foam they had ready.
Dad Ruppert with Natalie
The Europeans seemed to follow a similar pattern. I tried to find some culture that had such strict routines but wasn't able to. Most articles on the subject talked about etiquette for visitors, but I wasn't able to find an article on not having visitors for 2 - 3 months.
All of the above does not mean that there isn't a good reason for the parents behaving in what many of us consider strange. There's a possibility that we just don't know and what we don't know appears strange. Or as life has taught me, it could just as well be plain and simple arrogance or stupidity or both. I guess its one more of those life's mysteries that I'll never know.
And while I look forward to seeing my niece in 3 months or so, its possible as a doctor suggested that I avoid seeing her for a year. Since there's no significant drop in probability of infection between Day 1 and Day 60, but there's a statistically significant drop between Day 60 and Day 365. Or as my daughter thought aloud, "I think I'll wait till she's 16, so she can decide whether or not she wants to meet me."
But really, I cant wait to see the Rose. And am sure that when I do get to meet her, it will be an occasion well worth waiting for.
No comments:
Post a Comment