Re: Sensitive topic - does anyone have family with "messy" pets? How do you handle taking your newborn/infant there? LONG, sorry.

I think you should stay away because of your own allergy. I am also highly allergic to cats. The allergic reaction does not stop the minute I leave a house that has cats, so I am stuck in a highly allergic state for another day or so, and I get a Benadryl hangover, as I call it. The only people who do not understand are those who have never felt the extent of a very severe allergic reaction. I have a friend whose house is immaculate and I still react to her cats.

Re: Sensitive topic - does anyone have family with "messy" pets? How do you handle taking your newborn/infant there? LONG, sorry.

Re: Sensitive topic - does anyone have family with "messy" pets? How do you handle taking your newborn/infant there? LONG, sorry.

Posted by InShock

I don't have this situation, but what you describe sounds disgusting. I'd also have hate bringing my baby there (I don't see this as a "talk to your pediatrician" issue, but maybe it would help allay your fears). I think you'll just have to suck it up and visit your ILs and go home and immediately scrub down your DC!

Re: Sensitive topic - does anyone have family with "messy" pets? How do you handle taking your newborn/infant there? LONG, sorry.

Thanks
Unfortunately, like i said, I've been with DH for 9 years, allergic for all of them. No one makes an effort to "de-cat" for me, and I'm past that.

I got so nervous after taking the Benadryl last night - I didn't feel the baby move from 10pm until 11am this morning, and only after I had a large glass of OJ. It makes me all groggy- imagine what it does to the poor baby!!!

Re: Sensitive topic - does anyone have family with "messy" pets? How do you handle taking your newborn/infant there? LONG, sorry.

When I first had Damien, Christmas was always at my aunt's house. I told my parents flat out that we wouldn't be attending because they smoke in their kitchen and I wouldn't bring my baby there. They also have a huge dog that they refuse to put away (he has snapped at adults). My aunt completely understood and was fine when we moved Christmas to my parents house.
Now I do agree that a little exposure never hurt any child, the situation you have described sound extreme and I think that you have every right to not bring the baby there if it makes you uncomfortable. I also think that once the baby is actually here, your DH will sing a different tune.

ETA: I would mention the benedryl thing to your OBGYN and maybe she can write you an excuse note for your DH so you can at least not go there the rest of your pregnancy. There is no reason to put either of your health in jeopardy.

Message edited 4/13/2009 8:42:58 PM.

Re: Sensitive topic - does anyone have family with "messy" pets? How do you handle taking your newborn/infant there? LONG, sorry.

Posted by Shorty

Thanks
Unfortunately, like i said, I've been with DH for 9 years, allergic for all of them. No one makes an effort to "de-cat" for me, and I'm past that.

I got so nervous after taking the Benadryl last night - I didn't feel the baby move from 10pm until 11am this morning, and only after I had a large glass of OJ. It makes me all groggy- imagine what it does to the poor baby!!!

Message edited 4/13/2009 8:58:54 PM.

Re: Sensitive topic - does anyone have family with "messy" pets? How do you handle taking your newborn/infant there? LONG, sorry.

Re: Sensitive topic - does anyone have family with "messy" pets? How do you handle taking your newborn/infant there? LONG, sorry.

Yes - my parents. Its actually gotten a lot better b/c its my parents and I could be frank with them about my feelings. It would be more difficult if it was my inlaws. It was better when DD was a newborn b/c she stayed in her carseat.

You can get netting to keep over the car seat, pack and play and stroller while you are there- and explain that about the cat hair and how you have an allergey and are worried. It might be a gentle way to get the point across.

DH has cat allergies and our visits are frequently short (though the major holidays are difficult to keep short). Before the baby came, I would frequently go there the day before the holiday to help vacuum and prepare the house for DH, so my parents knew i already had issue with the situation.

My SIL also has allergies and a new baby, so the added pressure of having 2 grandbabies inspired them to clean up a bit.

As DD has gotten older I expressed my concern with her 'crawling' on the stained old (i mean really old!) carpet. Well they replaced the carpets and redid a lot of the house. Its a lot better.

TBH, I really think your DH has to step up and do the dirty work - either speaking up or going ahead of time to help clean before the baby visits.
Hope your situation improves.

Re: Sensitive topic - does anyone have family with "messy" pets? How do you handle taking your newborn/infant there? LONG, sorry.

Posted by Shorty

Thanks
Unfortunately, like i said, I've been with DH for 9 years, allergic for all of them. No one makes an effort to "de-cat" for me, and I'm past that.

I got so nervous after taking the Benadryl last night - I didn't feel the baby move from 10pm until 11am this morning, and only after I had a large glass of OJ. It makes me all groggy- imagine what it does to the poor baby!!!