Mum-to-be explains controversial new rules for baby visitors – with mixed responses from parents
Amber Middleton
Content writerSome say the rules are OTT, while others say they're perfectly reasonable, what do you think?
A pregnant mum has shared a list of extremely strict 'rules' to follow ahead of the arrival of her baby – and reactions are mixed.
Friends who haven't 'checked in' during the pregnancy won't be welcome and any visitors will have to be vaccinated first – says the mum to be.
The strict rules also prevent visitors from posting photos on social media or touching the baby.
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While some parents agree with the rules – and of the parents setting boundaries – others found the rules over the top.
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'We have to implement some boundaries'
Australian radio hosts, Jackie 'O' Henderson and Kyle Sandilands explained on KIIS FM that the gen-Z mum-to-be announced the strict rules for meeting her newborn in a statement which was issued to 'everyone she knows'.
The mum's message began: 'We're drawing closer to the birth of our daughter, and we couldn't be more excited, but unfortunately we have to implement some boundaries.
'We hope you can respect our wishes and no one takes these personally.'
The rules
The radio hosts groaned as they read out the parent-to-bes' rules:
1. 'We will not be announcing her birth at all' – Jackie O added that this included the name of the baby, the date and so on.
'If we want you to know, you'll know,' the announcement said.
2. 'Those who have not checked in on us since the announcement of pregnancy will not be notified personally about the birth'. The parents added that if there's been silence throughout the pregnancy, they will take this as not being interested in the friendship.
'It is also reciprocated,' they said.
3. 'There will be no photos of her on social media ever' and no photos will be allowed to be taken by visitors either.
4. 'We'll be having no visitors at the hospital or at home for the first two weeks. NO EXCEPTIONS, NO TEXTS, NO CALLS.'
Kyle questioned: 'What no grandma, grandpa?'
5. 'We expect everyone who meets her in the first two weeks to be vaccinated. Don't be offended if we ask for proof.'
6. 'There'll be no kissing the baby's face and no touching her'. Kyle admitted that he understood this one.
7. 'Do not smell of cigarettes or wear cologne or perfume that is too strong when meeting the baby.'
8. 'If you are visiting us at our home, please do not expect to be hosted.' The parents requested visitors bring their own snacks and drinks as mum would likely be tired and not ready to entertain.
@kyleandjackieo 😳 Too strict or reasonable? #KJshow ♬ original sound - Kyle & Jackie O
'Pray for that kid'
The radio hosts groaned and rolled their eyes as they went through the rules in a video that is now shared to TikTok. In the comments, many agreed with the 'eye-roll sentiment'.
One comment read: 'The same person will later complain that no one helps her out and she has no "village" 😳'
A second agreed: 'Wait until she needs help 😂😂'
While another said: 'I’m due in May and I have NO RULES. Any visitors or attention will be absolutely welcome. It’s an exciting time for everyone involved.'
And others worried about the new baby: 'Pray for that kid 😭'
'Who are they royalty. You would swear they where the only people that had a baby.'
'How is this bad?'
But many more agreed with the parents-to-be.
A comment questioned: 'How is this bad? She’s just setting clear boundaries, it’s so fair.'
Another said: 'The bottom line is: it doesn’t really matter if you find it unreasonable or not. It’s their baby, they make the rules. 🤷🏼♀️'
While one pointed out: 'The people triggered over this are the type people these boundaries are intended for 🤩'
Another expectant parent said: 'As someone who is 22 weeks i understand every single one of those.'
And one explained: 'Maybe she has really intense family / friends around her. i’m sure she made these rules for a reason, it’s not just nothing.'
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