to ask how you cope? Single mum up little baby and viral infection.

[JammaJamma]

Im a single mum to a 5 month old baby. I've woken up this morning with a horrid virus. Feel like I'm going to vomit, throat is sore, light headed, feel a bit short of breath. It's horrid. It's like a cold/stomach bug/chest infection all rolled in to one.

I'm really struggling to entertain my son. He's absolutely fine and happy but I want to cry just having to change a nappy as I am desperate to get in bed and sleep. I've not got anyone around me to help and was wondering how other people cope?

Of course I will carry on and in a few days it'll all be over and things will go back to normal, I've got a virus, that's all but in the thick of it I feel like I'm falling apart 😥

[JammaJamma]

With little baby not up little baby!

[BlueSkiesLies]

Sounds horrible.

Guess you’ll just have to ge through it if you have no support network, unless you can call one of the emergency childcare providers which will be expensive.

Can the father not come over for a few hours?

[JammaJamma]

@BlueSkiesLies his job is more important apparently even though he works for the civil service and gets childcare days for this exact reason.

[JammaJamma]

I do have an amazing support network of friends but they all work and can't take time off for me. I wouldn't ask. My family are 150 miles away. I think I'm so ill because I'm exhausted.

[Georgiemcgeorgeface]

You poor thing I was in the same position when my DS was little. It's very hard I feel for you. Just try and rest as much as poss (almost impossible with one that age I know) or really put your foot down with the father and tell him he'll have to take DS no option x

[SnuggyBuggy]

I'd get all you need in one place and try to relax as much as you can. The odd TV day won't stunt your baby's development

[Inapickle230]

It sounds horrible. I’m on my own with a baby, also with no support. There’s just no down time is there. Could you put him in the cot with some toys to entertain him? Put him in a bouncer with the tv on whilst you rest on the sofa? I know it’s not ideal, it’s so hard isn’t it. I hope you feel better soon and his dad needs to help more.

[picklemepopcorn]

You get everything you need nearby- change bag, snacks, drinks. Bucket, medicine. You make the room safe for your baby- medicine out of reach. Put on music or tv for the baby and/or you. Then you hunker down and doze the day away until you feel better.

[JammaJamma]

Thanks everyone.

I feel so rough. I can't even get a full breath in. Can't wait for this to pass. I'm not worried about his development etc it's more the fact that he's upset when he's bored and needs entertaining. Desperate for some sleep! I'll have to doze...

[WatsKiskers]

I had this with a sickness bug when my daughter was same age - it's so so hard bless you but it WILL pass
I survived with CBeebies, play mat out, cushions everywhere just surrounded her with toys and if I needed to lie in bed I took her to bed wth me for a bit.

[picklemepopcorn]

Does he fit in any kind of bouncy rocky chair? I used to be able to bounce with one foot while dozing.


Just don't fall asleep with him on your lap!

[WatsKiskers]

Oh and paracetamol if you feel achy!

[ZippyBungleandGeorge]

Could someone come over this evening after work so you can get an early night?

[InsomniaTho]

I feel you OP.

• Take painkillers
  
• Gather everything in one room
  
• Baby sensory on YouTube

[OneStepSideways]

You poor thing OP. Would your GP do a home visit? If you're struggling to catch your breath it could be a chest infection, you need to see a doctor. I get nausea and vomiting with chest infections.

Your GP surgery might be able to put you in touch with HomeStart or a similar charity, who could send somebody over to watch the baby while you rest.

Or an emergency nanny/babysitter? Are you on any local mums groups on FB as they often advertise there (or you could explain your situation to the group and see if any local nannies/childminders respond). Most would be happy to entertain baby in the same room if you're uncomfortable with a stranger being in sole charge. I usually choose babysitters by local recommendations, which FB is great for.

Hope you feel better soon!