This mom’s ‘unpopular’ postpartum rules have TikTok talking—here’s why
Postpartum recovery is no joke, and one TikTok mom, Isabelle Lux, is making it clear that she’s prioritizing her health and boundaries over societal expectations. In her viral TikTok video, Isabelle shared her controversial approach to postpartum recovery and early parenting choices, igniting both praise and critique from parents across the internet.
Isabelle’s list included rules like only using formula imported from Europe and not changing diapers for the first three weeks of her baby’s life. While some parents found her ideas empowering, others couldn’t help but call out how “unrealistic” or “out of touch” they felt. Her approach sparked strong reactions online, with some parents appreciating her confidence in setting boundaries, while others questioned how practical her plans really are.
The rules that got TikTok talking
Let’s start with the most polarizing rules. Isabelle’s commitment to imported European formula and outsourcing diaper changes has left many wondering how achievable her expectations really are. One commenter, @Curlygirlgirl, wrote, “Saunas and steam rooms! LOL! I had days I didn’t even eat
.” Another user, @abetterfitforlife, responded more skeptically: “Girl you say this now
.”
The other rules include:
Not calling family right away
Beauty bootcamp (acids, retinol, saunas, etc.)
5/5/5 rule at home
No diaper changes for about 3 weeks
No light up toys
No baby music / media on
No American formula, fruit blends, puffs, etc.
Travel plan: South of France, NY, Switzerland
That said, many parents sympathized with Isabelle’s mindset. @KandaceM reflected on her own experience, saying, “I’m dying because the minute you have the baby I can almost guarantee half of these are thrown right out the window. The amount of rules I made that now I look back at like what? Hahah.” It’s a sentiment echoed by Isabelle herself, who replied, “I know, I know
,” acknowledging the flexibility needed once the baby arrives.
Isabelle also stated that she wants to start traveling with her baby by five months, including a trip to the south of France. And let me tell you, I took my baby all over France at two months old, and I don’t regret it at all. He’s almost 10 months now, and he’s been on ten flights! Traveling with a baby isn’t easy, but it’s absolutely doable—and can even be rewarding. You gotta do what works for you and your lifestyle.
Related: Mom’s viral TikTok on parenting adult kids sparks debate over her ‘controversial’ rules
Why setting boundaries matters
As a mom who made her own “controversial” postpartum rules—no visitors in the hospital except my husband and no guests for the first two weeks—I totally get where Isabelle is coming from. I knew I needed that time to find my groove, bond with my baby, and adjust without outside pressure. Did some people think I was being “extra”? Absolutely. But those boundaries helped me feel confident and in control during a chaotic, unfamiliar time.
Experts agree that setting boundaries can be critical for new parents. In many countries, postpartum care is designed to give mothers the time and space they need to heal. For example, in Chinese culture, there is ‘a month of rest’ where someone is with you 24/7 postpartum to take care of you and your newborn so you can rest, eat nourishing foods, feed your baby, and recover from childbirth.Scandinavian countries like Sweden offer generous paid leave policies and emphasize recovery periods for moms, allowing them to prioritize their health and bond with their baby. Recently, Sweden even extended these benefits to grandparents.
Related: This viral TikTok is changing how parents teach kids to accept apologies
The bigger picture: Empowering moms to choose
At its core, this viral debate isn’t just about Isabelle’s exact rules—it’s about encouraging moms to design their postpartum care plan in a way that feels right for them. Whether that means limiting visitors, enlisting extra help, or saying no to things that don’t serve them, the message is clear: moms deserve the space to prioritize their well-being.
As Isabelle put it in one of her comments, “Why not set these boundaries from the start as something to have—you can always loosen them up?”
Of course, every mom’s postpartum journey is different, and what works for one might not work for another. But Isabelle’s video is a reminder that there’s power in setting intentions, even if things don’t go as planned. And if nothing else, it’s sparking a much-needed conversation about how moms can advocate for their needs in a society that doesn’t always prioritize them.
What do you think? Are Isabelle’s rules empowering or unrealistic? Let us know in the comments—because every mom’s story deserves to be heard.
