A MUM is warning “overbearing” grans to stop kissing their grandkids after the tragic death of a baby girl.
Hayley Riches and Dimitri Constantinou’s baby Violet died from the herpes virus, which can be spread by oral contact.
Lisa Hague – with husband Kris Commons and their kids April, William, and Jax – has warned against kissing people’s babies[/caption]
Hayley Riches and Dimitri Constantinou’s baby Violet died from the herpes virus[/caption]
Doctors battled to save Violet-May before her heartbreaking death[/caption]
The parents opened up on ITV two years after Hayley gave birth to Violet. The little girl’s health rapidly deteriorated and she died at just one-month-old.
Now grief coach Lisa Hague, whose own daughter Lola was stillborn, has spoken out on the issue, insisting parents must warn relatives off in the first few vital weeks,
Lisa said: “As a mother to a stillborn baby and a mother to April, who we were told may die of swine flu when she was born, I don’t think it’s much to ask to be safe rather than sorry and to protect our babies as much as possible.
“My heart goes out to this family and for the bravery to share their story.”
Baby Violet’s parents decided to speak out after learning in the worst possible way how vulnerable newborn babies can be.
Organisation The Lullaby Trust says babies’ immune systems aren’t fully developed, leaving them especially vulnerable, but simple hygiene precautions can help protect them.
In 2023, the trust did a survey which found more than half of new or expectant parents would let a relative kiss their newborn baby.
Mum-of-three Lisa said: “Violet’s parents are keen to spread the message brought out by The Lullaby Trust which is to remember THANKS – Think, Hands And No Kisses.
“Is this too much to ask from friends and family who are eagerly awaiting to see the latest addition to the family? I mean I know a lot will say we’ve been kissing babies for years and nothing has ever gone wrong.
“First of all, it’s common sense to wash your hands before picking up a new baby and also asking permission if you’re allowed a cuddle when the baby is so new.
“Although no one has ever denied me a cuddle of their baby, I’m well aware of the germs I’ll have on my hands.
“When it comes to the kissing part, there’s nothing more tempting than kissing a wee baby’s cheeks, but I totally agree with the Lullaby Trust’s message.
“Don’t kiss a baby unless you’re the parent or primary care giver in the first few weeks of life when the babies immune system is still so low.”
Lisa has suffered baby loss and is determined to prevent that for others[/caption]
Lisa, who’s married to ex Celtic star Kris Commons, is aware this will infuriate some grandparents – but she said it’s not their decision to make.
She added: “Will this irritate some overbearing family members?
“I’m sure it will because lots of relatives like to tell us how overprotective we are of our children and how it never did us any harm.
“What we should be doing is listening to the parents and respecting their wishes.”
