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Hospital refusing visitors due to swine flu?! My kids won't get to meet their brother till we get sent home?

I'm 35 weeks pregnant. My doctor's office is actually in the hospital where I will deliver. When I went to my appt on Friday, there are signs posted all over the hospital at all the doors, elevators, all around. The signs say: "due to the h1n1 virus (swine flu) no visitors under the age of 14 will be allowed in the hospital."

I have 2 girls that are 12, a son who is 9, and a stepson who is 6. All of them were going to come and meet their new little brother at the hospital after he comes. I promised my kids that besides me and dad that they would be the first to see/meet/hold the baby before any other family members.

There hasn't been any cases that are all that close to my hospital/area. And I thought all the hype and freaking out was settling down. I guess not.

What would you do in this situation? I think the kids will be very hurt if everyone else in the family gets to visit the baby except them because they are under 14. Should I tell the rest of the family that we don't want visitors till after the kids get to meet their brother? I promised them they would be first because he is "our baby". Do you think the hospital will probably lift the ban by then? I do still have about 5 weeks. Should I try to go to a different hospital?

11 Answers

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  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago
    Favorite Answer

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  • 5 years ago

    Don't quote me on this, but I believe that if a child does not attend school for longer than six weeks without a medical certificate then they are taken off the register and if/when you want them to return you have to reapply and run the risk of their place having been taken by someone else. I understand why you're worried about swine flu, and yes some people have it worse than others, but the vast majority get a mild dose and recover quickly. Normal flu also affects people in different ways - some get really ill and some don't, but schools are not shut. Also, in most places it is the summer holidays, so the schools are closed for a long time anyway. What are you going to do with your kids over the summer? Are you going to keep them shut in the house all day? That's virtually the only way of ensuring they don't catch anything. Or are you going to take them to parks, libraries, museums, etc, and let them have a nice few weeks? Hopefully you are going to take them out, but each and every time you do there is the risk they will catch something. The risk is always there, but you can't live your life constantly in fear or life will pass you by before you know it.

  • Hmm, that's tough. You need to go with your gut feeling.

    Personally, I would probably tell family to hold off on visiting..esp if they've visited with the previous children..been through it already kinda thing. They can wait the 2 days or so to visit baby at home. And have your children get to meet the new addition first, it would be sweet and very memorable=)

  • Traci
    Lv 4
    1 decade ago

    I think you should tell family and friends to hold off on visiting the new addition until your older children get to meet their baby.

    Maybe when you finally deliver, the hype will be over, and they will be allowing visitors.

    I wish you luck....

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  • Bren
    Lv 6
    1 decade ago

    in the uk now most hospitals prevent under 14s from visitingto deal with the problem of mrsa. however on the baby wards they usually allow brothers/sisters altho u will of course be discharged very soon after as its not yr first. i would ask on the post natal ward what the policy is. good luck

  • allie
    Lv 6
    1 decade ago

    it might change in 5 weeks. what you can do if you have a camera phone you can send them pictures as the baby is just born. just let them know and understand that they just might have to wait a day or so after the baby is born. dont worry at least they spend the rest of their lives with him. my oldest is going for vacation to my mothers and i promised her she can be there for when the baby is born but my mom lives a day away drive time and she cant returning her until a couple weeks later.

  • 1 decade ago

    Explain to the kids the situation and it is for the baby's protection as well as theirs. I personally think you are absolutely crazy to want to bring children into a hospital where sick people are. I would never ever do so, or recommend doing so.

    Source(s): nurse married to a nurse
  • 1 decade ago

    You can explain to your kids what's going on and see if they would be upset, you never know they may be very understanding. If they would be upset then you can explain to everyone your situation, if the hospital is concerned then maybe it is wise to hold off on all the visitors. Good luck and congratulations!!

  • 1 decade ago

    If the ban is not lifted by then tell your family members that you have made a promise to your children and that you don't intend to break. If they don't understand or try to give you crap just blow them off for a little bit. It's "your child" you say who can and cannot see him. Good luck.

  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    i would talk to your OB and if they say no exceptions i would tell the rest of the family not to visit.....if you really want to go to another hospital feel free to do so but it is up to you

    Source(s): good luck 26 weeks
  • 1 decade ago

    Good for them.

    A lady who had just delivered died in our state from this flu.

    You should be happy, hon. And thank them for their precautions.

    Flues are crowd diseases. Hopsitals are a crowded condition.

    They are trying to protect you and your family.

    Source(s): dad and husband both docs.
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