Visitors Postpartum During Upper Respiratory Illness Season

Written By Sydney Pepper

The Season of Snuggles (and Sneezes)

Bringing your baby home during the colder months can be incredibly cozy — think blankets, soup, and long afternoons spent cuddling your newborn. But winter is also upper respiratory illness season, which brings a higher risk of viruses like RSV, flu, COVID-19, and colds.

Here in Chico, both Enloe Health’s Mother & Baby Care Center and Northern Valley Indian Health (NVIH) Better Babies emphasize the importance of protecting newborns from illness, especially in the first 12 weeks of life.

As a new parent, you have every right to protect your baby — and your peace — by being thoughtful about visitors during this time.

Why Illness Season Is a Special Concern

Newborns’ immune systems are still developing, and even a mild cold in an adult can cause serious complications for a baby. RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus), for example, often spreads through coughing, sneezing, or touching contaminated surfaces — and can lead to hospitalizations in infants.

New Protection: What to Know About the RSV Immunization for Babies

As you’re preparing for your baby’s arrival during cold and flu season, there’s another important bit of protection to know about: a new immunization option against RSV — a virus that can be serious in newborns and young infants.

Here’s a breakdown for parents (and for doulas supporting them) of what the immunization is, when it’s used, and how it fits into your local care context in Chico/Northern Valley.

What is it?

  • RSV is a common virus that causes cold-like symptoms, but in babies it can lead to more serious lower respiratory tract infections and hospitalizations.

  • The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends either a maternal vaccine (given during pregnancy) or a direct baby antibody immunization (for infants) to help protect the baby during the RSV season.

  • For infants, the approved product is a long-acting monoclonal antibody (for example, nirsevimab “Beyfortus”). It is not a traditional vaccine in the sense of stimulating the baby’s immune system to make its own antibodies, but functions similarly by giving protection.

Who and when?

  • If a pregnant person receives the maternal RSV vaccine between about 32–36 weeks of pregnancy, then their baby may already have good protection in the first 6 months of life. Washington State Department of Health+1

  • If the maternal vaccine was not given, then the baby (younger than 8 months) is recommended to receive the infant antibody immunization shortly before or during the first RSV season (in most of the U.S., roughly October to March). CDC+2American Medical Association+2

  • The timing is important: administering the immunization before RSV season (or very early in life if born during the season) gives the protection when the risk is highest. Johns Hopkins Public Health

What this means for you in Chico / Northern Valley:

  • Because you’re welcoming a baby during the winter/holiday months in the Chico area (and the Northern Valley region), you and your care team at Enloe Health (or with your midwife) should ask: “Has my provider offered the maternal RSV vaccine?”. If not, then be sure to ask if your baby is eligible for the infant antibody immunization.

  • Your doula can be a helpful advocate in this conversation: reminding you of the timing, helping you write down the question for your provider, and supporting you in making an informed decision.

  • Because RSV season overlaps with your postpartum period, this immunization is one extra layer of protection — in addition to the visitor-boundaries, hygiene practices, and rest you’ll be focusing on anyway.

What a doula can support you with regarding RSV immunization:

  • Talk through any questions you have about when the immunization can be given, what the side effects may be (most are mild, such as injection site soreness or fever), and whether your baby falls into the “eligible” window.

  • Help you coordinate with your care team: “If baby is born in December, let’s check with the provider about RSV protection options before we leave the hospital.”

  • Support your emotional peace: it’s another decision amidst many in those early days — knowing you have this protection option can reduce anxiety.

  • Provide a quick one-page “check-in” for your postpartum plan: immunizations, rest, visitor flow, and home safety.

Bottom line:
If your baby is due during the cooler months, the new RSV immunization option is a timely and valuable tool in your newborn safety toolbox. Talk to your provider at Enloe or your midwife about it, and lean on your doula to help bring the conversation into your birth & postpartum plan.

Local healthcare providers, including Enloe Women’s Health and Enloe Midwives, often remind parents to limit exposure during flu and RSV season, especially in group gatherings or enclosed spaces.

Even with the best intentions, family and friends can carry viruses without realizing it. That’s why visitor boundaries are not rude — they’re responsible.

Setting Boundaries With Love

It can be difficult to tell loved ones “not yet,” but clear boundaries make everyone feel more confident and respected.

Here are a few ways to communicate your wishes:

  • Before baby arrives:
    “We’re so excited for you to meet the baby! We’ll let you know when it feels like a good time for visitors once we’ve settled in.”

  • If someone isn’t feeling well:
    “We’re trying to keep baby safe from seasonal viruses, so we’re holding off on visits until everyone’s healthy again. Thank you for understanding.”

  • If you need more space:
    “We’re adjusting to life as a family and keeping visits short and low-key right now — we appreciate your love and patience.”

Creating a visitor policy before birth can also help. Many families post a gentle sign near the door that says:

“We love our village, but please visit only if you’re healthy, wash your hands, and ask before holding the baby.”

How Doulas Can Support Families During Illness Season

This season can be emotionally complicated. You might feel torn between wanting connection and wanting to protect your baby. That’s where doula support can make a big difference.

Your doula can help by:

  • Encouraging confidence: reminding you that setting boundaries is an act of love and protection.

  • Providing postpartum help: so you don’t feel pressured to invite visitors for help with chores or meals — your doula can step in for hands-on support.

  • Offering emotional grounding: listening to you process family dynamics, guilt, or stress around visitor expectations.

  • Modeling boundaries: politely redirecting or helping you script conversations with visitors who overstep.

  • Supporting recovery: allowing you to focus on rest, bonding, and healing without the pressure of entertaining guests.

Whether you gave birth at Enloe Hospital, worked with Enloe Midwives, or receive postpartum support through NVIH Better Babies, a doula helps you feel less alone — especially when setting boundaries feels uncomfortable.

Postpartum Community Resources in Chico

You don’t have to navigate postpartum recovery alone. These local resources can help:

Your doula can help connect you with these services, coordinate care, and ensure you’re receiving comprehensive, compassionate support.

A Final Reminder: Boundaries Are Love

The early weeks with your baby are precious — and they go by fast. Protecting your family’s health doesn’t mean isolating; it means creating the conditions for safe, meaningful connection.

This season, focus on warmth, rest, and healing. Your loved ones will understand — and your baby (and your future self) will thank you later.

Sydney Pepper
Next

Things to Consider if You’re Due Around the Winter Holidays