How do I handle relatives who want to hold or kiss my newborn when I'm not comfortable?

Setting boundaries about who holds your newborn and how is one of the first acts of advocating for your child's body autonomy and health. It is completely appropriate to ask visitors to wash hands, avoid kissing the baby's face (to prevent HSV transmission), and to limit visits if the baby is fussy or you are exhausted. Practice scripts: 'We're keeping visits short while we settle in' or 'Our pediatrician asked us to limit face-kissing to protect the baby.' You are not being rude — you are being a responsible parent. A supportive partner or family member can help enforce boundaries. Discuss newborn infection precautions with your pediatrician for evidence-based guidance.