pregnancy

A mum's list of baby rules went viral, then came the messages.

How far would you go to keep your baby safe

That is the question many are pondering after a soon-to-be mum's list of rules for friends and family meeting her baby went viral. 

While it's quite common to make requests like 'get a whooping cough vaccine' these days, this list went into much more detail. Many questioned if this particular set of rules for meeting the baby went above and beyond.

Featured on a KIIS FM segment with Kyle and Jackie O, the group announcement was read out verbatim. 

"We're drawing closer to the birth of our daughter, and we couldn't be more excited, but unfortunately, we have to implement some rules and boundaries," the message began. 

"We hope you can respect our wishes, and no one takes these personally."

A very foreboding way to start a message if you ask us. 

Listen to This Glorious Mess discuss the parenting advice all soon-to-be-mums need. Post continues below. 

The mum proceeded to lay out her rules, including: 


  1. "We will not be announcing her birth at all: This includes her name, the date, etc. If we want you to know, you'll know. 



  1. Those who have checked in on us since the announcement of the pregnancy will be notified personally about the birth: Otherwise, we have taken your silence as not being interested in our friendship and it is also reciprocated. 



  1. There will be no photos of her on social media ever, and no photos will be allowed. 



  1. We'll be having no visitors at the hospital or at home for two weeks: NO EXCEPTIONS, NO TEXTS, NO CALLS. 



  1. We expect everyone who meets her in the first two weeks to be vaccinated: Don't be offended if we ask for proof we will not be putting her health at risk.



  1. There'll be no kissing of the baby's face and no touching her. 



  1. Do not smell of cigarettes or wear cologne or perfume that is too strong when meeting the baby. 



  1. If you are visiting us at home, please do not expect to be hosted: Mum will probably be tired so BYO snacks and drinks."


Yep, that's all of them.

Naturally, it started a maelstrom of conversation in the comments. The overwhelming majority were in favour of mums being emboldened to set their own boundaries, whether others found them reasonable or not. 

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"These are normal boundaries," one mum posted. "If you weren't interested or involved during the pregnancy then why would I want you to have access to my child?" 

"Can I steal this?" another added. "Everything she said should be the golden standard."

"Most of these boundaries are pretty valid," another mother commented. "Not what I would choose, but not crazy."

A photo of a soon-to-be mother holding her ultrasound. Not everyone agreed with the new mum. Image: Getty

Some commenters suggested that the mum's extensive list of rules was a clear sign that her boundaries had been crossed too many times, leading her to feel the need for such a detailed approach.

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One commenter noted, "The only sad thing is that she has to state these rules, which should be common sense. I agree with all of them, though."

While many supported the "your baby, your rules" perspective, others found the list to be overbearing and rude.

"The rules are crazy," wrote one mum. "I've had C-sections—actual major surgery—and had visitors. I would've appreciated someone offering to hold the baby so I could cry less."

A grandmother also shared her thoughts: "As a grandmother (and not a pushy one), I'd want to bring meals and help with housework. She probably needs support with everyday chores so she can rest, and Dad can focus on helping her instead of worrying about cleaning."

Some took issue with the rules themselves, while others were bothered by how they were communicated.

"She sounds insufferable. No wonder some people stopped texting her," one person commented.

"It's not the privacy or boundaries that bother me, it's the sheer number of qualifications you need to meet to even be considered. It's just too much and comes across as high-maintenance," another woman added.

"Overall, it's not the boundaries I take issue with—it's the way they're presented."

Baby rules are becoming more common in modern pregnancies, likely because new mothers are finally expressing their concerns about the first few weeks with their child.

What do you think about the baby rules—are they a woman setting the necessary boundaries for some peace while she heals, or are they a bit too much?

Featured image: TikTok.

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