Pregnancy has a unique and profound way of making an individual feel intensely responsible for another human being long before they have ever met face-to-face. For actress Chloe Bridges and board-certified OBGYN Dr. Charis Chambers, that transformative journey meant navigating the complex identity shift of new motherhood while simultaneously educating themselves on critical infant health concerns—most notably, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
As a highly contagious respiratory virus, RSV stands as the number one cause of hospitalization for babies in the United States. Statistics indicate that nearly 50% of RSV-related infant hospitalizations occur during the first three months of life, a sobering reality for expectant parents. To better manage this monumental life transition, both women built trusted villages of support and are now sharing valuable insights into what they wish they had known much earlier in their journeys.
In a candid, heartfelt conversation on The Motherly Podcast, Bridges and Dr. Chambers opened up about the deeply challenging transition into motherhood, the vital art of learning to ask for and accept help, and what every expecting mother should know about helping protect her newborn from RSV infection.
Chloe Bridges is a well-known actress whose career spans multiple film and television projects. A graduate of Columbia University, Bridges welcomed her first child, a son named Beau, with her husband, actor and comedian Adam Devine, in February 2024. Dr. Charis Chambers is a fellowship-trained pediatric and adolescent gynecologist recognized by millions online as "The Period Doctor." Serving as the Chief Medical Officer at the cycle-tracking app Clue and author of The Period and Puberty Parenting Revolution, she shares her life with her husband, Zachary, and their son, Joshua.
What Was the First Lesson That Motherhood Taught You?
Reflecting on the earliest days with a newborn, the realities of parenting quickly set in, bringing immediate and profound lessons.
For Bridges, the primary realization was that every challenge is transient. During the early days of adjusting to a newborn, minor disruptions could feel catastrophic. If her son did not nap or struggled with sleep, anxiety would instantly take over, leading to worries that he would never sleep properly. Over time, she learned that a difficult day today does not dictate tomorrow, and a smooth day is equally temporary. Everything remains in a constant state of flux.
For Dr. Chambers, the initial lesson centered entirely on vulnerability and the impossibility of handling everything single-handedly. Having built a successful professional and personal life, she initially prided herself on self-sufficiency. However, motherhood quickly dismantled the notion that suffering deserves a badge of honor. From the newborn phase through late infancy, she recognized her need for assistance—whether because she could not physically be in two places at once, needed to recover from illness, or simply required physical and mental restoration. Recognizing these as valid reasons to seek help transformed her approach to parenting.
How Would You Describe Your Mindset Heading Into Motherhood for the First Time?
Entering the unknown realm of parenthood brings a mix of surreal emotions, shifting perspectives, and genuine apprehension.
Bridges admitted that she simply did not know what she did not know. Preferring not to overthink the postpartum period beforehand, she quickly experienced the monumental shift that people frequently describe. The popular adage suggests that two people are born the exact same day: the baby, and the mother. Bridges found this sentiment entirely accurate. While mental preparation is possible, experiencing the reality remains profoundly surreal.
Dr. Chambers described an immediate mix of gratitude and disorientation. Upon welcoming her child, she looked around and realized that every aspect of her life had instantly changed. Her established beliefs, daily visions, and meticulously organized to-do lists effectively dissolved in a single moment. While accompanied by immense joy, the experience brought a deep nervousness proportionate to the magnitude of the role.
The Identity Shift of Motherhood
Both professionals spoke candidly about the profound identity shift accompanying parenthood, particularly for those who spent years desiring a child without knowing if it would happen.
Dr. Chambers noted that as someone who spent a significant portion of her life without children, she never anticipated that motherhood would entirely define her identity, a sentiment she still holds. However, desiring something deeply makes it difficult to articulate that longing. Stepping into a space and a role that was never entirely within one’s personal control represents a permanent transformation. Unlike earning an advanced degree, such as a medical doctor designation, motherhood is not an earned credential; it is given. Navigating that permanent, unforced shift proved to be a defining moment.
Navigating Invisible Responsibilities and Difficult Pregnancy Decisions
Pregnancy often acts as a rapid education in invisible responsibilities, forcing expecting mothers to make complex decisions regarding their health and their developing baby.
Bridges noted that her decision-making process shifted fundamentally toward prioritizing her personal health. While she may not have overly scrutinized her habits prior to pregnancy, the realization that her well-being was directly intertwined with her baby’s health changed everything. Simple choices—such as adhering strictly to medical advice, limiting caffeine intake, avoiding foods carrying listeria risks, and maintaining daily prenatal vitamin routines—became central to her daily life.
Dr. Chambers faced a different nuance as an OBGYN. While her professional background meant she theoretically understood the medical answers, experiencing those conditions as the actual patient presented unique emotional tests. During her pregnancy, she faced a shortened cervix, raising clinical questions about whether to pursue conservative management with vaginal progesterone or more invasive interventions like a cerclage. At the same time, her best friend was hosting a bachelorette party in a remote area of Mexico. Reconciling the remote risk of extreme prematurity with the desire to attend the trip required deep introspection. Ultimately, standing firmly in her personal values and prioritizing the health of her and her baby guided her decision, supported wholeheartedly by her friend.
Trusting Advice in a World Full of Noise
Expectant mothers face an overwhelming amount of information from social media, peer group chats, family members, and medical professionals, making it difficult to determine reliable sources of guidance.
Dr. Chambers relied heavily on a synchronized team of medical professionals for her high-risk pregnancy. Rather than depending on generalized internet advice, she ensured that her nephrologist, high-risk specialist, and delivering OBGYN were completely aligned, establishing a trusted consensus for her care.
Bridges, having fewer friends who had undergone pregnancy before her, leaned more heavily on online resources, educational videos, and extensive research. However, she emphasized that her relationship with her OBGYN proved irreplaceable, providing a reliable foundation of trust that ultimately eased her anxiety during childbirth and postpartum recovery.
Understanding RSV and Its Impact on Infants
A major focus of the discussion centered on respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a highly contagious respiratory infection that poses significant risks to young infants.
Dr. Chambers explained that RSV typically circulates heavily during the fall and winter seasons. The primary concern lies in its potential severity, frequently leading to hospitalizations and, in severe cases, infant mortality. Unlike common colds or standard flus, which may present primarily with fevers, RSV directly affects an infant’s breathing patterns. Symptoms often include notable retraction signs and visible respiratory distress, where infants must work significantly harder to breathe. This can cause babies to become extremely exhausted, accompanied by rapid, noisy breathing—critical red flags indicating that immediate medical attention is required.
Because infants possess developing immune systems, their vulnerability peaks during their first six months of life, making the first three months especially critical. Dr. Chambers emphasized that RSV requires serious prioritization, research, and proactive prevention strategies among expectant parents.
Maternal Immunization and Prevention Options
Discussing preventive measures, Dr. Chambers highlighted maternal immunization as a natural and effective defense mechanism. Many mothers do not realize that their bodies naturally generate antibodies to environmental exposures and pass them on to their infants.
Maternal RSV vaccination leverages this natural biological process. By receiving the vaccine during pregnancy, mothers create antibodies that are transmitted to the baby, offering protection from the moment of birth through their first six months of life—the period of highest vulnerability. Specifically, Pfizer’s respiratory syncytial virus vaccine, ABRYSVO®, is administered to pregnant individuals at 32 through 36 weeks of gestational age. This timing helps protect infants against RSV infection during the critical months of September through January across most of the United States.
Medical professionals note that ABRYSVO should be administered strictly between 32 and 36 weeks of pregnancy to avoid potential risks associated with preterm birth. The most frequently reported side effects among pregnant individuals include injection site pain, headaches, muscle pain, and nausea, while infants may occasionally experience low birth weight or jaundice. Furthermore, the vaccine should not be administered to anyone with a history of severe allergic reactions, such as anaphylaxis, to any of its components. Post-marketing observations have also noted an increased risk of Guillain-Barré syndrome—a condition causing severe muscle weakness—following vaccination.
Reflecting on her own experience, Bridges noted that RSV was not initially on her radar until recommended by her OBGYN. Choosing to receive ABRYSVO during her pregnancy provided peace of mind, knowing she had taken proactive steps to help protect her son during his vulnerable early months.
Managing New Motherhood Anxiety and Mental Preparation
Addressing the emotional hurdles of the postpartum period, Bridges noted that the sudden influx of medical information and responsibilities during late pregnancy can feel rushed. Becoming informed well in advance provides expectant mothers with the necessary time to conduct research and make thoughtful decisions without feeling pressured by impending deadlines.
Beyond logistical preparation, Dr. Chambers and Bridges emphasized the psychological necessity of relinquishing extreme self-sufficiency. Dr. Chambers noted that acknowledging the immense weight of motherhood and welcoming help from a trusted support network—whether having a sister assemble baby equipment or asking a mother-in-law for a designated nap time—is essential for safeguarding maternal mental health. Establishing communication with a support village early and mastering the art of delegation transforms the transition into parenthood.
Reflections on Motherhood and the Future
Looking forward, both mothers shared their heartfelt hopes for how their children will view them in the future.
Bridges expressed her desire for her son to see her not only as competent and capable, but also as playful, fun, and approachable. While nurturing comes naturally, cultivating playfulness requires conscious effort, and she hopes her son ultimately remembers the joy and fun they shared.
Dr. Chambers hopes her son views her as a trusted advisor and a reliable source of guidance whose decisions have always been grounded in unconditional love and goodness. Knowing that she began making choices for his well-being long before he was born, she hopes he feels profoundly secure in the knowledge that he was worthy of unconditional love and support from the very beginning.
