Why Kristen Doute's baby rules make a lot of sense
When The Valley star Kristen Doute laid down her rules for meeting her newborn baby girl, Kaia Lily, the internet did what it does best: it had opinions.
The 42-year-old Vanderpump Rules alum, who welcomed her first child with partner Luke Broderick, 34, on June 20, took to Threads to share a no-nonsense list of dos and (mostly) don'ts for those hoping to get close to her daughter.
Want to join the family? Sign up to our Kidspot newsletter for more stories like this.
'Don't kiss my baby': Kristen Doute's mum rules are the kind we all need
The rules, straight from Kristen herself
'Don't kiss my baby; don't touch her face,' Kristen wrote in a July 7 post. 'If you were out of town, at a party, have even a TICKLE in your throat – don't come over; get that TDAP shot, baby!'
The TDAP vaccine (short for tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis) is the U.S. equivalent of Australia's whooping cough (pertussis) vaccine. Here, it's recommended that pregnant women receive the vaccine in their third trimester, and anyone planning to be in close contact with the baby should be up to date too.
Kristen continued: 'If I'm cool with you holding her, I'll let you know. So please don't ask and make it weird. (Moms – you're not crazy. Babies are small & germs are big.)'
She followed up on July 8 in an Instagram Story to explain her approach, saying: 'Thank you, mums and people who just 'hearted' the way that I want to protect my baby… Just support it. It's up to me… I think a lot of mums feel guilty that they don't want to let people hold their baby or get too close. I'm like, 'Hello, it's called boundaries,' and I want her to be healthy and safe. This little nugget.'
RELATED: 'Hostile' mum shares 'high intensity' rules for new baby
'The Valley' stars, Kristen Doute and Luke Broderick got engaged in September 2024
I had rules too - and not everyone liked them
I had my youngest son during a whooping cough outbreak, and I can tell you - it changes everything. I had rules. Strict ones.
No kissing. No cuddles unless you were appropriately vaccinated. No visiting if you'd been travelling, to a party, or had so much as a raspy throat. Some people were understanding. Others acted like I was being dramatic.
I was accused of being overprotective. I was told I was making people feel 'unwelcome.' And I definitely felt the chill from people who stayed away altogether.
Babies need protection, not politeness
But here's the thing: newborns aren't just tiny versions of adults. Their immune systems are immature. A mild illness in us can be really dangerous for them. A sniffle can mean a hospital stay. A kiss can spread viruses like RSV or cold sores that can be life-threatening.
And yet somehow, we're made to feel awkward for putting rules in place?
Kristen was right when she said, 'Moms – you're not crazy.' Because that's how it feels, especially in the fog of sleep deprivation and postpartum hormones. But boundaries are not only allowed - they're necessary.
RELATED: 'This is f'ing brilliant!' Mum's unique rules for newborn visitors
Trending in Parenting
The hidden cost of being cruel to toddlers on planes
Mum baffled after school denied kids leave for holiday
It's not about your feelings - it's about their safety
As parents, we are the line of defence. If we don't advocate for our babies, who will? Setting boundaries doesn't mean being rude. It means being responsible.
And if someone feels a bit miffed that they didn't get to snuggle a six-day-old baby with a runny nose? That's a them problem.
So whether you're a reality TV star or just another mum doing her best, your rules are valid. Your boundaries are worth defending. And your baby's health? It's more important than anyone's ego.
Originally published as 'Don't kiss my baby': Kristen Doute's baby rules shouldn't be controversial
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Herald Sun
2 hours ago
- Herald Sun
‘A sign of trust, not weakness': One thing you need to talk to your partner about today
Don't miss out on the headlines from Lifestyle. Followed categories will be added to My News. It's one of the most important relationships — if not the most important — we have in our lives. But one major barrier is holding Australians back from having an equally important conversation with their partner — and it could to be their detriment. Though almost one in two (49 per cent) people speak to their loved one about their mental health at least once a week — and one in five (19 per cent) do so every day, research by News Corp's Growth Distillery with Medibank found that one in three Australians across all generations don't talk about it at all, out of fear of becoming a burden to their significant other. A further one in four said they were afraid of being misunderstood, dismissed or perceived as weak. Georgia Grace is a certified sex and relationship practitioner, somatic therapist and author based in Sydney. 'We need to get better at treating mental health disclosures as a sign of trust, not weakness,' she said. 'If you want intimacy — emotional, sexual, or otherwise — you have to make space for the imperfect stuff. That's where real connection happens.' Australia is in the grips of a mental health crisis, and people are struggling to know who to turn to, especially our younger generations. Can We Talk? is a News Corp awareness campaign, in partnership with Medibank, equipping Aussies with the skills needed to have the most important conversation of their life. Fear of being a burden or misunderstood aren't the only barriers holding Australians back from confiding in their partner about their mental health, Grace said. Another key driver is fear of losing the relationship itself, 'especially if in the past they have tried to ask for help or express they weren't OK and they were ignored or punished'. Indeed, one in four respondents shared that they were afraid of negative repercussions. One in two Australians speak to their partner about their mental health at least once a week, new research has found. Picture: David Swift 'Shame may also be getting in the way — a lot of people still carry the belief that struggling mentally makes them weak, broken or unlovable,' she said. 'So instead of opening up, they hide it, and that can become its own kind of pain. It might also be the fact that they don't know how to talk about their emotions, or they don't have the language to express what they're feeling. Many of us haven't been given the tools, so it can feel easier to let it go unsaid.' 'Hiding often does the most damage' Linda Williams is a senior psychologist and clinical lead at digital youth mental organisation ReachOut. Given your partner 'is one of the closest people to you, in most cases, they'll be able to tell something is wrong', she said. Of Australians' relationships, an overwhelming 81 per cent of respondents said that the one had the most trust in is the one they share with their partner, followed by close friends (75 per cent), parents (73 per cent) and children (71 per cent). 'It can be hard watching someone you love struggle, and not knowing why or how you can help,' Ms Williams said. 'If you don't open up about your experiences, you risk misunderstandings. They might feel like you don't trust them, which can put strain on your relationship.' Grace agreed. 'Hiding often does the most damage. When you're not talking about what's going on, the relationship starts running on assumptions, silence, and second-guessing,' she said. 'Your partner might start thinking you're pulling away, not interested, or emotionally unavailable when really, you're just trying to survive. That disconnect can create tension, resentment, or emotional shutdown. Believing that you always have to be 'the strong one' and that no one ever helps you can become a self-fulfilling prophecy,' Grace warned. 'If you never ask for help or never share what you're feeling … our partners aren't mind-readers.' 'You don't have to tell them everything at once' There is no 'right' time to disclose a mental health problem you might have with your partner — 'no perfect milestone or script'. But, Grace said, 'sooner is usually better, especially if it's starting to affect how you show up in the relationship'. 'It's probably best not to 'unload' on a first date. Being open about your mental health is important, however, be intentional with what you share, as it can feel really overwhelming for your date if they feel like they need to go into 'therapist mode',' she advised. When you do decide to broach the conversation, it can be helpful to 'think of a few key things you want to share'. 'But you don't need to over-rehearse — you're allowed to be clunky,' Grace said. Senior psychologist and clinical lead at ReachOut, Linda Williams. Picture: Supplied Sex and relationships therapist Georgia Grace. Picture: Richard Dobson 'You don't have to tell them everything at once. Start small: (you could say) 'I've been dealing with something lately that I want share with you',' she continued. 'Be clear on what you need from them — is it support, space, or just someone to listen? You also may not know just yet and that's OK, but it'll be important to reflect on this and give them information when you're ready. (And) expect that they might not respond perfectly. That's not a sign to shut down, as they also may not have the right tools. It's a starting point for deeper understanding.' Whether you've been together three months or 30 years, time and place is key to an effective chat. 'Choose a moment when you both have time and aren't distracted, not when you're both racing out the door on the way to work,' Grace said. 'In longer-term relationships, it's also important to discuss mental health before you feel like it's about to explode. If you trust the person and want something real with them, it's worth talking about.' 'You can't pour from an empty cup' As for what to do if you're the one being confided in, 'listen more than you speak', Grace said. 'Don't try to fix it, because you probably can't. Also, your partner isn't a problem that needs to be fixed — they are a person in the process of living,' she added. 'Don't minimise it. Don't jump into problem-solving mode unless they ask for it. Say something like, 'Thanks for telling me. I'm here, even if I don't have the perfect words.' 'And check in again later, not just once. That's how you show someone you're in it with them.' As the listener, Ms Williams noted that 'you might feel powerless to help, and that's OK'. 'But you can help them manage their day-to-day experiences, encourage them to get professional support and help them feel less alone,' she said. 'Looking after yourself is an important part of looking after someone else. You can't pour from an empty cup. Talking to someone you can trust can take some of the pressure off and help you navigate this tough time.' Originally published as 'A sign of trust, not weakness': One thing you need to talk to your partner about today
Herald Sun
16 hours ago
- Herald Sun
Mum-of-two Melissa Hartman revived after suffering cardiac arrest
Don't miss out on the headlines from Heart Health. Followed categories will be added to My News. Melissa Hartman was 31 years old when her heart suddenly stopped while she was getting ready for a date one August afternoon. The mother-of-two had no idea that she had suffered a cardiac arrest and flatlined for 20 minutes after a coughing fit. 'I was a bit nervous for the date but not nervous enough to have a bloody cardiac arrest,' the now 35-year-old told The Advertiser. Luckily, Ms Hartman organised for a friend to visit before her date and he arrived just as she collapsed. 'He found me on the floor, I had no pulse and had stopped breathing,' she said. 'He was straight onto the CPR.' Paramedics arrived and administered seven shocks of a defibrillator and three rounds of adrenaline to stabilise Ms Hartman. With a less than one per cent chance of survival, she was placed into an induced coma at Flinders Hospital for a week. 'For the first 48 hours, nobody expected me to survive at all,' she said. Despite all odds, the Christie Downs woman made it. But when she flatlined, on the floor her home she said she had a 'death experience' and saw a 'white light'. 'It was so bloody peaceful and calm and I wasn't even tired, it was just amazing,' she said. 'That was a miracle in itself, not feeling exhausted and chronically fatigued.' She said since being revived she's attempted to feel that again. Following her episode, Ms Hartman refers to the day as her 'birthday'. 'I've come back for a reason,' she said. She said by calling it her 'birthday' it allows the people closest to her to feel better about it. 'Mum still has it in her mind, (as) when she got the call,' she said. 'It helps her heal.' Eventually, when Ms Hartman was brought out of a coma she was transferred to ICU. Doctors eventually discovered two benign brain tumours — which are still present. She also spent six weeks in Hampstead Rehabilitation Centre where she learnt how to walk, talk, eat and read again after suffering a brain injury. 'After only a week in the coma, I'd lost everything — I had to learn who my kids were again,' she said. Ms Hartman, who is a single mum, said her children, Ayla, 8 and Mason, 11, were the reason she pushed through rehabilitation. She said she didn't want to have a carer 'raise' her children. 'If I didn't have my kids, I'd still be in a bed in hospital now,' she said. 'I'm not going to have my kids watching me lay down and admit defeat. 'If I can come back from the dead, they can get up and clean their rooms.' Ms Hartman, who lives with a hypoxic brain injury, is emceeing the Brain Injury South Australia launch event marking Brain Awareness Week on August 18, 2025. She wants to spread awareness about the importance of learning CPR. Originally published as Mum-of-two Melissa Hartman bought back from the dead after suffering cardiac arrest
7NEWS
a day ago
- 7NEWS
Billion-dollar deal takes University of Queensland's vaccine tech to the world
The University of Queensland's revolutionary Molecular Clamp technology which promises to fast-track vaccine development against future pandemics has caught the attention of international biopharma company Sanofi. The French pharma giant has agreed to acquire the biotech company holding the rights to the breakthrough. Under the eye-watering deal, worth up to $US1.6 billion ($A2.44 billion), Sanofi will purchase Vicebio, the company licensing UQ's cutting-edge technology for commercial use. Sanofi announced that the acquisition brings an early-stage combination vaccine candidate for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and human metapneumovirus (hMPV), both respiratory viruses currently significantly impacting global health. 'Vicebio's Molecular Clamp technology introduces a purposefully simple but thoughtful approach to further improve vaccine designs at a time when respiratory viral infections continue to impact millions globally,' Sanofi global head of vaccine research and development Jean-Francois Toussaint said. The next-generation combination vaccine has the potential to protect older adults with a single immunisation against multiple respiratory viruses, he said. UQ Vice-Chancellor Professor Deborah Terry described the acquisition as extraordinary validation of Australian research excellence. 'This validates 12 years of UQ research and pays tribute to our dedicated scientists who invented this patented technology,' Terry said. The Molecular Clamp platform burst onto the global stage during the early days of COVID-19, when international health organisation CEPI called on UQ to develop a vaccine candidate using the innovative approach. Lead researcher Professor Keith Chappell said the technology's unique design could revolutionise how quickly vaccines are developed to combat emerging viruses. 'This facilitates efficient development of multi-pathogen vaccines that will protect vulnerable populations against common viruses causing severe respiratory diseases,' Chappell explained. The platform remains crucial for pandemic preparedness, with UQ continuing research partnerships with CEPI to stay ahead of future health threats. European life sciences investor Medicxi-backed Vicebio holds commercial rights to the technology, while UQ maintains a stake through its commercialisation arm UniQuest. Sanofi's deal includes an immediate $US1.15 billion payment to Vicebio shareholders, with potential milestone payments reaching $US450 million pending regulatory approvals. The success adds to UQ's impressive track record of turning laboratory discoveries into global commercial wins. The university boasts more than 360 US patents and has launched more than 130 start-ups from its research. Previous UQ breakthroughs include licensing the cervical cancer vaccine Gardasil and successful sales of biotech firms Spinifex Pharmaceuticals and Inflazome. 'This deal highlights the strength of Australia's innovation ecosystem and world-class research emerging from our universities,' Terry said. Sanofi, headquartered in Paris, has a distinguished vaccine history as the first company to supply an injectable polio vaccine and pioneer vaccines for influenza, meningitis and rabies.
