help needed in hospital with 10 mo

[miniandfloss]

Hi

Hoping someone might be able to give me some info so I am armed for when the drs come round in a bit.

Have been in hospital with 10mo ds since early hours on weds morning. He had a high temp, unable to settle and while in a&e a rash appeared. They are treating for meningitis as precaution but think the cause is probably viral. We are admitted until the tests come back at the moment.

Ds is breast fed on demand but also taking 2 large meals a day and a smaller one for breakfast. However has been food and milk refusing since 4am on weds morning. Dr yesterday advised me to get any food and fluids down him that I could. Ds has been on a drip to keep him hydrated. Both cannulas fell out last night so they emphasised thst I needed to get fluid into him over night or would have to resituate a cannula or put in a feeding tube. The initial attempts at cannulas took 6 attempts in all hands and feet and I had to ask them to stop as ds was beyond distressed so when they both fell out it was not good.

So I expressed and syringe fed all through the night and got a fair amount of fluid down him. I noticed last night ds has an ulcerated mouth and a big white patch under his tongue so I'm wondering if this is painful and causing him to refuse to latch.

Anyway, dr first thing this morning comes in (very abrupt and rude) and says his iron is low from his bloods and I should really not be giving so much breast milk and I need to give him more food (In general day to day life as well as the current situation) I explained the amount he eats there has never been any concern over his weight/nutrition as he is ususlly healthy. He was persistant in the fact that i needed to reduce breast feeding.

This completely goes against my instincts (am hoping to be an extended feeder) and any info anyone could point me towards will be much appreciated. Seeing the paediatrician later so want to be armed with info.

Sorry for the length and sorry if it doesn't make sense. Am very sleep deprived and also miles away from home as we were visiting family this week

Thanks

kellymom.com/nutrition/vitamins/iron/

This says what to do if your baby's iron levels are low - it says offer iron-rich foods, not reduce breastmilk.

Hope your baby gets better soon....horrible experience and thank goodness you have breastmilk for him.

It makes no sense to restrict breastfeeding for a poorly baby, who is off his food. If iron is a problem (very rare, and usually only ever in babies who are not taking any solids at all) then it's far easier just to make these higher in iron.

Perhaps this doc does not know that the iron in breastmilk is easily metabolised by the baby?

The doctors need to examine his mouth! Sounds really sore poor thing.

Thanks for all your help. They finally examined his mouth and came to the conclusion that it is very ulcerated and this affecting his ability to latch. Some numbing spray later and he is now able to feed and much happier.

Luckily the consultant was much more knowledgeable about breast feeding.