Poorly 5 month old [sad]

[missdeelite]

Hi there
My ds is 5 months and seems to have some kind of virus. His poos have been loose and frequent for a week but as no other symptoms I thought maybe teething. However today he developed a temp of39 and is feeling poorly, just wants to lie on me.

I've given calpol and he's feeding well, wet nappies etc. I went to the dr and her response was 'is he only on bm, he looks quite big is he gaining weight ? I'm surprised ur not giving him solids'. WTF he's only 22 weeks and I didn't ask her advice on weaning!!!. She advised water on top of bm. Is this necessary?

It breaks my heart when they're I'll-as third time mum you'd think I'd be less anxious!

I'm so sorry your DS is poorly!

I'm no expert, but everything I've read on the topic has said that there is no need to give extra fluids to an EBF baby. But then I don't really understand what the doctor was getting at: you consulted her regarding your DS's poos and fever, and she started commenting on his size? What reason did she give for the link here?

Again, I'm no expert, but if you've got two older children, perhaps they have picked up a virus at school/nursery/playgroup and passed it to their little brother. That happens all the time in my family! Presumably the doctor checked to rule out things like ear infections, listened to his heart, looked at his throat, etc? Before I started weaning my 8MO, I'd just offer extra breastfeeds and strip off some layers when he had a fever. I wouldn't have given water - I'd rather he got the antibodies from my milk.

Hope he gets well soon!

Thanks monstertufts I don't know why she started talking about weaning etc as that wasn't relevant at all, she said 'breastfeeding must be hard work' quite an odd opinion of bf I think. She didn't check his ears/throat but listened to his tummy and said felt gurgly and confirmed his temp high. Have little confidence in her, but as always happens to me, I only remember what I should have asked a AFTER I come out of Drs surgery and was dirstracted by the other 2 kids I had to drag in with me!

Sounds like a virus with maybe a bit of teething to me. My DS1 often got looser poo if he had a lot of snot.

I have only ever been told to offer more BM, not water. They may feed more frequently if they are unwell. Think a lot of GPs know little about bf, so unless there is serious cause for worry (eg dehydrated, floppy or very high temp) I would just stick to BM and cuddles! (and maybe some calpol)

No need to offer water if he is having plenty of bm. Surely a doctor should know that having extra bm is more benifical than water??!!

You sound like you're doing all the right things!! My DD hasn't been well and like you thought it was down to teething but I'm now convinced she's been fighting some sort of viral bug!! She too had very runny poo, runny nose etc. No doubt she caught something from older 2dc.

It's horrid when they are ill. At least your DS is getting all the goodness from your bm which will make him feel much better. Hope your DS feels better real soon xx

Have they tested for a urine infection? That can cause a temp and loose stools. Might be worth checking for if symptoms have been ongoing.

Thanks for replies, gina hope your LO better soon too-it's heartbreaking when theyre ill but they generally bounce back once temp drops don't they.

Queen thanks for the tip I have appointment in wed with an excellent dr I trust about his dry skin so if he's still not better I'll ask him about that.