To disagree with the GP?

[Sausagema]

Have a 5 month old DD. Has had diarrhoea for nearly 3 days. Appears well, no temp, happy in herself etc. However having about 10 dirty nappies per day just now. Passing urine still but less than normal. Mouth not dry, fontamelle normal etc.

Took her to GP this morning as it's not getting any better just for a check out. Should note that I've never had her at the GP other than for immunisations. GP was rude and asked what I'm feeding her. I said, err, milk? (She's formula fed). She said well what do you do when you have d and v? I replied not eat and plenty fluid. She was like well, do the same with her. So nothing other than water for 24 hours. And she probably won't bother because you don't feel like eating when you're not well. DD has fed as normal, I should point out.

I was a bit dubious about this so tried her with 6oz water and 3 scoops formula. She took half, very reluctantly and had gone down for her nap. She ALWAYS finishes her bottles. So now she's had less fluid than she normally would!!

I have a stash of EBM in the freezer that I'll give her as it's hopefully easier on her tummy but aibu to think that's pretty crap advice to not feed a baby for 24 hours? I know she wouldn't starve, but it just doesn't seem a good/achievable idea. Genuinely interested as to whether I'm being silly!

[IamFriedSpam]

I'm not an expert but it certainly wasn't the advice I would expect or was offered when DD was a similar age with D&V. (She was breastfed so we just kept going with boob but I would guess formula is similar). I never gave mine water before 6 months anyway (I thought you weren't meant to).

[IamFriedSpam]

Most GP's are happy to see any baby if you're worried so it was very unprofessional of her to act annoyed at you for bringing her.

[Olympiathequeen]

Well that's crap advice. The latest advice with children and adults is feed as normal (although you probably want to eat less if you're nauseous) or the BRAT diet (not for your DD, too young) and plenty of additional fluids if possible.

Diarrhoea lasts about 8-10 days anyway so just watch for dehydration. Fluid is the most important.

[BarbarianMum]

Well we were told to feed as normal (If baby would take it), watch out for dehydration and remember that this sort of thing can go on for 3 weeks (but not to worry unless other signs of illness kick in).

[Lovelongweekends]

That's ridiculous advice. I've always been told to keep feeding as normal if d&v.

[raisinsofwrath]

Not an expert but I think that's dreadful advice. My understanding was to feed milk as normal.

[Sausagema]

Thank you. She honestly made me feel like shit. I'd normally argue my corner, but I'm exhausted and it was all I could do not to cry.
It's made me feel even more shit about stopping bf (long and boring story) and her manner with DD was shit, quite frankly. I hardly expect her to gush and coo all over her, but perhaps looking at her while she's examining her or even speaking to her would have been an idea- she's the patient after all and has someone she's never met before poking and prodding at her. I really didn't appreciate the lecture about time wasting, I have medical training, I know my stuff. Ashamed of how pitiful I let her make me feel.

[purpleprickle]

That's terrible advice.

When my daughter had diarrhoea I was told to feed milk as normal as long as she will accept it, and offer drinks of water in between to keep fluids up when losing it in the diarrhoea.

I was told to let it run its course but go back if she stopped weeing or refusing milk.

[dementedpixie]

NHS says to continue milk feeds and offer extra fluids if necessary. Nowhere does it say to withhold milk. The same is true for children/adults - no starving is necessary

[IamFriedSpam]

I wonder if there's any way of making an informal complaint? I wouldn't want to deliberately get her in trouble but she sounded like she handled the appointment very badly. It's dangerous to make parents of babies feel worried about just turning up to an appointment.

[user1476185294]

It might be worth putting in a complaint. Someone with less knowledge or who doesn't feel able to question the almighty gp's advice will follow, and will end up with a distraught and potentially dehydrated baby (if baby refuses water).

I too would just continue on with normal feeds, offering small amounts of water frequently to help prevent dehydration and go to a different GP is you are concerned or symptoms don't clear up.

[Soubriquet]

That is terrible advice

Always make formula up to as instruct

Don't dilute it how you did. It could make them poorly

[Wifeofapostie]

Very poor advise. Please don't make up your daughters formula any way other than how it states on the tin. You could offer drinks of water between feeds.

[Blossomdeary]

The GP's attitude was wholly unacceptable. I am sure you know what to do, and were just seeking reassurance, which we all need with little ones. Hope your little one is better soon.

[harderandharder2breathe]

Yanbu

Babies can get really ill really fast, the advice is always to seek medical attention if you're concerned when they're so little, and most doctors are happy to see healthy babies rather than risk not seeing a very unwell one.

[Addictedtocustardcreams]

I am a GP & I agree with you & everyone else, still give milk as normal. I would also suggest raising this with the practice. You don't have to make a formal complaint just speak to the practice manager. If I had given out of date advice I would want to know so I could do some reading & reflect on it for my annual appraisal.