New mom sets rules for meeting baby

The first few weeks and months after having a baby can be incredibly overwhelming for new parents. They must adjust to their new life, recover physically, and deal with well-meaning but sometimes stressful visits from friends and family.

Clear communication about who can visit, when, and under what conditions is crucial. One mom on TikTok, @IRefuseToRot, took this to the next level by sharing a PowerPoint presentation with her family and friends before her baby was born.

In her presentation, she stressed the importance of protecting the baby. She noted that many people offered outdated advice, saying, “We did it this way, and my kids turned out okay.” To set boundaries, she began saying, “I am not looking for any advice or suggestions.” Those who didn’t respect these boundaries were not allowed to visit the baby. She believed that people who truly cared would honor their wishes.

Most of the rules were straightforward: visitors had to wash their hands, be vaccinated, wear masks, and be healthy. She also stated that no visitors were allowed for the first eight weeks and that they wouldn’t attend family events until the baby had all vaccinations at four months.

Some rules were more specific: no kissing the baby, no standing while holding the baby, and no passing the baby around. Only the parents could hold the baby, and the baby had to be in sight of one parent at all times. Flash photography was also banned.

Despite the mixed reactions, the mom explained that her detailed list was due to past experiences with her family’s lack of boundaries. In the end, everyone followed the rules, and the baby is now much older and healthy.

Re-reported from the article originally published in SCARYMOMMY.