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Postpartum recovery is tough, and TikTok mom Isabelle Lux is setting an example by putting her health and boundaries above society’s expectations. In her viral TikTok video, Isabelle shared her unconventional postpartum practices, sparking widespread debate. Her approach? Bold, unapologetic, and focused on prioritising her recovery while nurturing her newborn. Whether you agree or not, her methods shed light on the importance of maternal well-being.
Isabelle’s list seems to some parents as empowering ideas, while 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, @kandaceM said “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?”
The first of her decisions is not calling anyone immediately after giving birth. She believes new mums need time to bond with their baby and recover before facing the inevitable flood of calls, FaceTimes, and visits. This period of rest and intimacy allows for a deeper connection with the newborn.
As one commenter noted: “I wish I’d done this. I felt so overwhelmed with everyone wanting updates when all I needed was rest.” It’s a reminder that sometimes, setting boundaries can be the ultimate act of self-care.
Isabelle’s stance challenges the traditional expectation of sharing the big news right away. She suggests that new parents should reclaim their postpartum period as a sacred time, free from external demands. While this might raise eyebrows, it also normalises taking time for oneself, a crucial but often overlooked part of early parenthood.
@isabelle.lux My baby rules ✨ thoughts? #firstborn #babyboy #babytok #babyfever #pregnantlife unpopular opinions about pregnancy and baby care pregnancy week by week hospital bag packing #greenscreen ♬ original sound - Isabelle ⚡️ Lux
For Isabelle, postpartum self-care involves diving back into her beauty regime. She’s excited to reintroduce retinol, acids, and eventually cold plunges and saunas. While this might seem trivial to some, she views it as reclaiming a part of herself after nine months of sacrifice. It’s a way to feel human again amidst the sleepless nights and feeding schedules.
A mum in the comments shared: “Taking care of myself after birth made me feel stronger. It’s not about vanity; it’s about feeling good in your own skin.” This sentiment underscores the importance of finding small ways to feel empowered during a time when many mums can feel overwhelmed.
Reintroducing self-care practices also sends a powerful message, that prioritising one’s well-being is not selfish. Isabelle’s enthusiasm for her beauty routine might seem unconventional, but it’s a reminder that every mum deserves to feel like herself again.
Recovery is a cornerstone of her plan, and the 5-5-5 rule is central to that. The idea is to spend the first five days in bed, the next five around the bed, and the following five gradually moving around the house. During this time, the baby is brought to her for feeding and bonding, while her husband steps in to manage everything else.
However, as one commenter, @amani, wisely pointed out: “Just make sure to ask your doctors about 5-5-5 if you end up having a c-section. I didn’t deliver in the US, but the rule was actually to walk as much as possible in the first 10 days to avoid blood clots.” This highlights the importance of tailoring recovery methods to individual medical needs.
Isabelle’s dedication to recovery also underscores the value of partner support. By relying on her husband for household and baby duties, she normalises shared responsibility during a time when mums often feel like they must do it all.
Perhaps her most controversial stance is refusing to change nappies during the first three weeks. For Isabelle, this period is about focusing on feeding, sleeping, and recovery. She insists that her husband will take over nappy duties entirely.
While some may view this as extreme, many commenters supported the idea, one said “My partner did all the nappies for the first month. It allowed me to focus on breastfeeding and recovering. Best decision we made.” This division of labour isn’t just about physical recovery; it also challenges outdated notions of parenting roles.
By delegating this task, Isabelle is setting a precedent for collaborative parenting. It’s a refreshing perspective that highlights how teamwork can make the postpartum period more manageable.
She’s firmly against baby media and toys that overstimulate. Her reasoning? Babies thrive in calm, stress-free environments. She’s also opting for German formula over American brands if breastfeeding isn’t viable, citing higher quality standards abroad.
However, commenter @EB provided a nuanced take: “I like all this, but as a third-time mum, I can say baby songs when they are like 12mo+ are very, very helpful for their development. We don’t do a bunch of TV; we do Alexa and songs that help them learn.” This shows the balance between limiting overstimulation and supporting developmental milestones.
Isabelle’s choices here reflect a desire to curate her baby’s early environment carefully. While some parents might find her approach restrictive, it’s a reminder that intentionality in parenting can look different for everyone.
Her final and most debated choice is planning to travel with her baby as early as five months. From the south of France to skiing in Switzerland, she believes exposure to new environments enriches a child’s life. “Why wait until they’re older?” she asks. “Babies adapt more easily than we think.”
Commenter @fedder chimed in with support: “I think travelling with a young baby is a lot easier than a toddler — provided they’re not high needs or something. Flights were a breeze, and my baby just slept from six weeks on.” This sentiment encourages parents to reconsider travel timing and embrace new experiences.
Travelling with a baby might seem daunting, but Isabelle’s plans highlight the joys of creating early memories as a family. It’s a bold move that challenges the belief that parents should wait years before resuming their adventures.
At the heart of Isabelle’s approach is her ability to set firm boundaries. She’s unapologetic about putting her recovery and her family’s needs above societal pressures. Whether it’s limiting visitors, refusing to take on tasks that impede healing, or choosing what works best for her baby, she’s redefining what postpartum recovery looks like.
Across cultures, postpartum care often emphasises giving mothers the time and space they need to heal. For instance, in Chinese culture, there’s a tradition known as “the month of rest,” where someone is with you 24/7 postpartum to care for both you and your newborn. This allows mothers to rest, eat nourishing foods, feed their babies, and recover from childbirth without external pressures.
In Scandinavian countries like Sweden, generous paid leave policies ensure mums can prioritise their recovery and bonding with their baby. These policies even extend to grandparents, showcasing a societal commitment to family well-being. Such examples highlight the importance of creating a recovery period that supports the physical and emotional needs of new mothers.
@Terap summed it up perfectly: “Boundaries are not just for you; they’re for your baby too. A well-rested and recovered mum is the best gift you can give your child.” Isabelle’s boldness in setting these limits encourages other mums to evaluate their own needs without guilt.
This TikTok mum’s postpartum style is undoubtedly unconventional, but it’s also thought-provoking. By focusing on her recovery, embracing self-care, and challenging societal norms, she’s redefining what it means to prioritise maternal health and well-being. Whether you agree with her methods or not, her unapologetic approach encourages parents to think about what truly works for their family.
© Mindsmaking 2024
