Gastroenteritis & BF 7 month old - tiktok et al?

[Trillian42]

I remember seeing a thread ages ago with advice on this but can't find it now.

DD was diagnosed with gastroenteritis this morning after a long night of vomiting. She's a little dehydrated according to the GP, who said to limit her milk intake, give her lots of water and give her mushed carrots & potatoes with salt to replenish what was lost.

She's still vomiting & we've got conflicting advice on the solids - my mum says not to give her any, especially not potato as she hasn't had any before (she's not brilliant with solids yet anyway, only takes tiny quantities) and to give her water with a little sugar and salt instead. I've been BFing her in small amounts more regularly than usual instead of letting her have a big feed.

DH suggested maybe to give her watered down formula, but then we both agreed that BF is better as at least my body is helping produce anti-bodies for her.

Any suggestions/advice/comments?

Is she EBF apart from the solids?

Kellymom recommends offering bf frequently rather than giving water or any other alternatives.

When DS had an upset stomach (not vomiting though), the HV said I didn't need to stop giving solids as they get some goodness from them even if they come straight out. But if she doesn't eat much solids anyway, I'd not worry too much and stick to frequent bf.

It is sensible to limit milk (as in dairy) but not bm.

I can't see that giving salt would be a good idea. Babies under 12 months ideally aren't supposed to have any salt at all in their diets, and IIRC there is some in bm.

Hope she improves soon.

Sorry, posted too soon . Meant to add that if this is the case the best thing for your baby is to continue breastfeeding and give her extra feeds if she demands to avoid dehydration. I def would not add new foods or formula. HTH

A further link to medical advice www.patient.co.uk/health/Gastroenteritis-in-Children.htm

ds had gastroenteritis and gp told me to give water for dehydration. Phoned NCT bf helpline and they said offer lots of bfeeds instead. They suggested the gp's advice might have been based on advice they would give for FF babies. BUT ds was not puking much (the other end...) and too young for solids.

I'd ring a helpline to talk it over to reassure you that you are doing the right thing.

imissbluesky - she was EBF until last week when we introduced one formula feed/day - she actually only takes max 100ml, so it probably counts as a half feed (she's starting creche in a week).

I'm not going to give her the solids for now as my gut says not to, but will try the sugar & salt (tiny bit) in a bottle with water. That link you posted suggests BF + rehydration drinks which is the sugar/salt drink anyway.

Worried because her nappies are dry still, but she's actually in good-ish form in between vomits. She even was giggling at me earlier!

Thanks for the very quick responses all

Did you read the Kellymom page about rehydration drinks?

She says:

The use of an oral rehydration therapy such as Pedialyte is a sound recommendation for a formula-fed infant who is vomiting or who has diarrhea, but using this in place of breastmilk offers no benefit to the breastfed baby. Human milk is a natural fluid, unlike formula and other milk products, that again is easily and rapidly digested.

Forego the Pedialyte as long as baby continues to nurse well and as long as there are no signs of dehydration. If baby is showing signs of dehydration, talk to your doctor

Hope she feels better soon.

Thanks AngelDog - I missed that in my quick scanning. Unfortunately she does show signs of dehydration so think it's necessary. Good to know for future though, and glad my gut instinct of breast milk shouldn't be limited was right.

Many thanks all

Thought that might have been the case. :)

Sorry to hear she's at the point of showing signs of dehydration - hope she's better really quickly.

I would boil some rice with plenty of water so it doesn't boil dry, then give her that starchy water to drink in her bottle. Will help to bind the runny tummy and hydrate at the same time.