Auburn Memorial hospital has put into practice new security protocol in the OB/GYN Unit.

Starting today, the floor will become a locked unit, limiting visitors to two at a time. Persons wishing to enter the floor must be identified via intercom.

Non-authorized visitors will be restricted to the central registration lobby.

Though the measure suggests that the maternity ward has become unsafe, expecting families shouldn't be alarmed.

The new rule wasn't designed to combat baby-snatching vagrants from the streets.

The order is designed to protect young mothers from the exhausting, hysterical antics of their families.

The truth hurts.

I've even been part of the over-anxious, over-tired rabble; jumping on any passing nurse in search of updates. I've seen grandmothers ejected from birthing rooms. I've seen in-laws ‘reach in' to assist the doctor with the delivery - no joke.

Humans are impatient, especially in today's high-speed world.

Add to that impatience the delicacy of bringing a human life into the world and you have a pretty volatile situation.

Medical professionals agree that new parents and siblings need time alone to adjust to a new addition. The focus should be entirely on the baby as well as the mother's recovery.

Frequent calls and guests can disrupt bonding and prevent the mother from resting.

Social etiquette puts the new family in an awkward position, as it's difficult to turn away well-intentioned friends and relatives.

So, instead of pulling nurses from other floors to act as people-wranglers, it makes more sense to keep excess people off the floor altogether.

Consider the family will be home in a day or two, and probably all-too-happy to welcome visitors. After the hospital hullabaloo, most friends and family go into hibernation until the child's first birthday.

Baby-sit - who, me?

Not having children, it's difficult to imagine how I would feel. Some women may welcome tons of visitors.

Either way, the new regulation gives the mother complete control over visitation, relieving her of the stress of having to turn people away.

Strict as it may sound, the new regulation may be just what AMH needs to rebuild its birthing program.

It's a cliche, but sometimes doctor really does know best.

Estabrook's column appears Mondays and she can be reached at estabrookcarole@yahoo.com