GP or HV?

[notagain15]

EBF 5 month old has had diarrhoea for 7 days. Instead of usual one poo every 24hours it's at least 10, including some at night. Jelly-like. No other symptoms (except increased grumpiness) and not dehydrated so I'm not sure what a GP could do beyond say 'feed lots, come back if it carries on'. But I am a bit concerned. But last time I saw GP, 2 months ago (baby refusing to feed & not gaining weight), I got told off for troubling GP instead of HV so I'm now anxious!

[MooseAndSquirrel]

I would see the gp personally.
My hv is a bit rubbish and would take ages to get back to me, and that long with a dicky tummy would worry me.
I think its more of a medical issue, but then my girls were mainly FF so wouldn't know if that's normal for EBF - hopefully some successful BF with more knowledge be along shortly

[YeOldeTrout]

Personally I wouldn't see a GP or HV. Babe sounds fine overall, just ride it out.

[WowOoo]

I wouldn't see either if you're not overly worried.

I (dh) gave a bottle of water as well as BF to give me a break and keep dc as hydrated as possible. It didn't do any harm.

But go to GP if you are worried. Hope your baby gets better soon.

[FusionChefGeoff]

Dehydration is the main concern here as babies can go downhill pretty quickly. So as long as you are happy that they are taking in a lot of fluid, soft spot is not sunken, mouth not dry, skin nice and pink then I would agree not really bothering either at this stage.

Generally the best indicator is your baby and if he remains generally well he's probably fine.

I lost count of the number of times I heard 'is he generally well in himself? Feeding ok? Wet and dirty nappies? - well I'm sure there's nothing to worry about..."

[soundsystem]

I'd go to the GP - not sure the HV could really do much, other than send you to the GP? (I may be baised: stopped going to the health visitor as they only ever told me to make a GP appointment anyway)

[artisanroast]

I would see the GP - 7 days is a long time and there could be an infection causing it. They may ask for s stool sample.

However... Choose a different GP to the one you saw last time. That one sounds like an arse!