We’re getting ready to begin the fall and winter flu and RSV season. While these conditions are of concern for our pregnant clients due around this time, there are a few simple things you can do to help reduce germs and stay healthy as a family, while recovering from birth & soaking up all the postpartum newborn snuggles.

1) Limit Home Visitors During the Fall & Winter

One of the biggest things you can do to keep you and your baby safe during the postpartum season is to limit visitors. This has a two-fold effect of enabling more rest and adjustment for you… plus protecting your entire family from outside sicknesses. Some of it is unavoidable, but do what you can and especially restrict visitors who have recently been sick themselves. Learn more about the 5-5-5 Rule for better postpartum rest and recovery!!

2) Wash Hands Frequently

This goes for any immediate family members (you, your spouse/partner, and any siblings) plus any friends and family that want to hold your baby. Try to make a simple habit of washing your hands frequently throughout the day and especially upon return home from any errands or public outings. It may seem simple, but read this CDC article on proper hand-washing techniques.

3) Stay Up to Date on Your Well-Baby Visits

Normal newborn well-visits typically take place at 2 weeks, 1 month, 2 months, 4, months, 6 months, 9 months, and 1 year of life. Stay up to date with these frequent check-ins with your pediatric care provider. Whether you choose to vaccinate or not, these frequent visits are really important to make sure your baby stays healthy and is meeting appropriate developmental milestones.

Locally in the NW Chicago suburbs, our favorite pediatric providers are Well Rooted, Thrive Pediatrics, and Next Generation Pediatrics. Nearly all our doula clients go to one of these three practices and LOVE them!

4) Wear Baby in a Wrap Out in Public

This is a funny, but useful hack for keeping baby safe out in public. Instead of leaving your baby in their car seat, wear your baby in a wrap or carrier whenever out in public. It’s a psychological thing, but even the closest of friends and family members won’t reach in to touch your baby if they are wrapped snuggly near your breasts. HAHA Try it… I PROMISE, it works!!

A few other bonus tips would include exclusive breastfeeding if possible, ample rest and healthy nap/sleep habits, daily sun exposure for increased Vitamin D levels and possible vitamin/herbal tincture support for adults and older children in your household. I love companies like Earthly and Mary Ruth’s!

Hope that helps friends!! Praying for a healthy fall and winter as you soak up postpartum!