I'm due to give birth right around the same time I begin a REQUIRED summer class. I have no choice but to take it now or I cannot continue in the program.
I'm planning to breastfeed the new baby. Ideally I would like to pump and leave a bottle with the caregiver, but I want to avoid the nipple confusion my first child had when she was born two years ago (problem switching between breast and bottle -- very frustrating).
So now I'm considering just taking him to class with me and taking frequent breaks to nurse and tend to him. As a newborn, he won't do much but eat and sleep so I don't anticipate he'll be too much of a distraction to the other students. I have already cleared it with the professor and he said it would be fine.
But my mother is expressing concern that he'll be exposed to too many germs if I take him to class with me. It's a relatively small class (only about 10 people)... but now she has me thinking I shouldn't do it. What would you do in my situation? Thanks.
2007-05-14 17:17:03 · 14 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
Hi there :-)
I've been in your situation - I was finishing my degree when my husband and I suddenly discovered we were expecting our son about a year earlier than we'd planned!
I took him with me from the time he was a few weeks old until he was six months old, and everything was fine. If he cried, I fed him (discreetly, and most of the class didn't even realise I was doing it), and I just made sure he was changed before we went in. Often he slept through everything, and when he didn't he certainly wasn't disruptive.
As far as the germs, I think the easiest way to avoid that is to take your baby to class in a pram/stroller/jogger that can be laid back for sleeping. This gives a secure place for him to sleep, makes it easy to get him around, and it also means that he's in his own space and less likely to have people reaching in and touching him etc. You could even get one of those mesh sunscreen/mosquito nets to put over the pram if you wanted to - it would be for protection from the sun/mozzies, of course, but in reality it also stops stray hands from reaching in ;-)
Another quick tip - prearrange with someone in the class to share notes afterward - they can help you fill in any gaps you miss because you've been tending to a baby.
Good luck with it all - it really still can work, and if it keeps you on track for your long term plans then you're doing the right thing for everyone.
2007-05-14 17:34:38 · answer #1 · answered by Lindsey 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
What a great professor you have. Not many would be willing to have a newborn in their classroom. Since you have this opportunity, take it. Sure there will be germs, but their is germs everywhere. I'm sure you were not planning to keep her only in the house for the first 6 months of her life? It is not different then her going to the local grocery store with you. Now, many people are probably going to want to touch her. Just ask them nicely to wash their hands first. Keep some hand sanitizer with you so that it is convenient for those times when hand washing isn't realistic.
Plus you baby will have a boosted immune system because of the breast milk.
2007-05-15 00:26:48 · answer #2 · answered by NurseL 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Only one class? Only 10 students? The professor OK'd it?
Go for it!
Explain to the other students and the prof the pediatrician said you could bring the baby with you ONLY if people promised not to touch AT ALL for the first three weeks.
[ because usually they say stay home three weeks.]
After that, prop a bottle of Purel on the desk, and make people use it!
Be prepared to leave the classroom if the baby 'acts up' - the other students will appreciate it!
Also, no 'whipping out' boobs - nurse in the class, but discretely.[ you don't want to freak out any guys ]
I have attended classes with infant 'students' - and I was usually the first one to grab that kid!
2007-05-15 00:31:46 · answer #3 · answered by Nurse Susan 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I would take him with you! She is right that he will be exposed to more things sooner than most infants are usually, but I think in the big picture you are making the right choice.
Breastfeeding your baby and insuring that you continue a good breastfeeding relationship will help your baby more. It is only one class, its not like it is 8 hours a day, 5 days a week. Just stay away from the sick people in class, keep your baby warm, and wash your hands!
2007-05-15 13:25:17 · answer #4 · answered by amber 18 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
That is wonderful that you can take your baby to school with you!! I think it is a great idea, and if he is breastfed, then I wouldn't worry about "germs". Just make sure no one touches him much, especially without washing their hands. I would also invest in a sling or moby wrap, as this will keep you hands free, your baby VERY happy and content, and unwanted hands off of him. Congratulations!! I can already tell your gonna be a great momma!
If you'd like to talk to other momma's like yourself, come to the Yahoo!group MilkDrunk.
HOpe to see you there!
2007-05-15 09:30:11 · answer #5 · answered by teagansmummy 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you've cleared it with the professor, I'd say it's ok. I had my baby out and about in the middle of a bad winter at 2 days old, and he never got sick. Just don't let people hold the baby or touch it. Do this by keeping him/her buckled in the carseat and if people ask, say no!
Good luck! Grandmothers will always worry more than moms, I've discovered.
2007-05-15 00:25:02 · answer #6 · answered by Margie 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Do what you think is best, I'm sure in the end you are keeping your babies best interest at heart... here's something to think about though at least you are breast feeding and that helps boost the babies immune system right? But again I think you gotta do what you gotta do, maybe you should do a combination of the two.
Good Luck & God Bless
2007-05-15 00:27:36 · answer #7 · answered by kris tee 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
He/she will be fine. A newborn has an excelent immune system,even more so than an adult. Especially one that is breast fed!!
It is absolutely wonderful that your professor is so understanding. Give him a big pat on the back for me. and to you for having to courage to ask if you could bring the baby.
Good Luck with your studies, and the new baby.
2007-05-15 00:31:14 · answer #8 · answered by Tizzy 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I would take him with me. The benefit of your breastmilk is far higher than the small risk of germs...
I would get a sling and keep the baby in that and nurse durring class though, the baby will be contented and you will get more done while the baby nurses. (also, its discreet!)
2007-05-15 00:25:42 · answer #9 · answered by Mommy to David 4 · 5⤊ 0⤋
that is great that it was cleared with the professor!! as far as the germs... unless some one is seriously ill i wouldnt worry much about the germs. if you continue to keep your baby harbored from germs, her/his immune system will never build antibodies. i think this is a great idea!! i wish more people were more understanding of mommies and babies!!!
2007-05-15 00:22:57 · answer #10 · answered by tony-n-skys_mama 2 · 4⤊ 0⤋