This is RSV - How To Protect Your Baby During Respiratory Season

10.6.25

06 - a personal blog

This is RSV.

These photos were taken just days apart.

My daughter, Ivy, went from a perfectly healthy, happy baby — to fighting for her life. All in a matter of days.

I know these images may be hard to see.

But this is the reality of RSV.

This is what it can do.

So let me say this clearly:

A parent setting boundaries to protect their baby is not being:

• Overprotective

• Paranoid

• Dramatic

They’re doing exactly what they should be doing:

Protecting their child.

When a parent says:

• Please don’t kiss my baby

• Please don’t touch their face

• Please wash your hands before holding

• Please use sanitizer

• Please don’t visit if you’re sick, were recently sick, or exposed to illness

Those are not suggestions.

They’re non-negotiable boundaries.

Especially during RSV and flu season.

To anyone who rolls their eyes or refuses to respect that:

No baby should suffer because someone else decided “it’s not a big deal”.

If you can’t respect a parent’s rules meant to keep their baby safe — then this season may come without you in it.

To every mom, dad, or caregiver reading this:

You are your baby’s advocate.

You are their protector.

You are their voice.

You have every right to say no.

To set firm boundaries.

To speak up, even when it’s hard.

Even when it’s someone you love.

From Ivy’s Branches,

Being firm is not rude — it’s responsible.

And in the kindest, clearest way possible:

My baby. My rules.