Need some support, baby having chemo

[weebairn]

I was just beginning to pull back on breastfeeding in order to go back to work, we were down to one feed in the day and maybe 2 or 3 overnight. So I wasn't having a great amount of sleep but I was mostly coping. My whole world crashed down last week when my beautiful baby was diagnosed with cancer. She is only 10 months old. She is having chemo now and an operation soon. I'm not going back to work any time soon.

I was so grateful I was still breastfeeding when I was in hospital with her (we were in for nearly a week), comfort for both of us, and reassurance for me that she was always getting enough food and fluid.

Home now and she has basically reverted back to a newborn, feeding every hour day and night. I can give her to my mum (who is staying with me for the moment) in the day and she's fine. But I haven't had more than an hour or two's sleep in a week and I feel like I am cracking. I have to stay strong for my daughters (my older one is nearly 3 and pretty unsettled with all this too).

I don't know what I'm asking. I'm just so tired. I can't refuse her feeds. But I feel like I can't carry on.

I have no advice but didn't want to read & run. Hopefully someone with much more knowledge than me will be along soon. I BF my son for 2 yrs (my only qualification). Your breastmilk will be an amazing source of calories & comfort to your DD as you all go through this.
Have you ever looked at the KellyMom website? It's amazing for supporting BF (very practical too) & may well have some help for you

Oh weebairn I'm so sorry that this has happened to you and your beloved DD. What a shitter.

I have absolutely zero experience of this but couldn't read and run. I know it's a MN cliche but have you co slept with DD? Might that help? I wasn't a co-sleeper with my daughter (similar age) but we did it once or twice to get through some really rough (read - hungry) nights and it does help. I got more sleep than I thought I might. Otherwise I guess if she's behaving like a newborn, you have to go with it and, importantly, cut yourself the same slack that you would with a newborn. It must be really hard with a toddler in the house as well but you will muddle through. Don't be afraid to ask for/accept help, just as when DD was born.

Will be thinking of you.

Hi weebairn I'm rushing out but couldn't ignore your post.

I'm sorry your DD has had this diagnosis .
It is a rough time but it will get better.

I'm by no means an infant feeding expert but if you can stick with some feeds then do, for all of the obvious bonding, comfort and nutritional reasons but also practically as DDs treatment progresses she may need to be an inpatient for a while. If you are still breastfeeding then you will be able to stay with her on the ward.
With or without a diagnosis she is still your child so cut down breastfeeding at night if it helps.

Have you made contact with Clic Sargent? Their support, particularly in practical matters was invaluable, including health advice.

www.clicsargent.org.uk/

Draw on all the support you can; health visitor, La Leche League and your hospital should all be able to access support for you, your DDs and extended family. Don't be afraid to ask for that support, it is there for you.

Again, more

Oh no. So sorry to hear this.
If you want something to help Co sleeping the sleepyhead grand is quite good. Very comforting but on an 8-18 month size scale. It might help with settling.

Thinking of you.

I couldn't not reply to this moving post. What a great mum you are - giving your beautiful baby strength. Sending all the positivity and health I can your families way

Just to wish your baby well. What a nightmare for you.

weebairn, so awful, I'm sorry I missed this post earlier. How is DD doing? And you?

How are you two doing now?

I'm so sorry this had happened to you. I had cancer when I was 17 and whilst it was hard for me, it must have been so much worse for my mum.

If i were you then I'd just allow your daughter to be worn everywhere, co sleep with her and feed on demand.

Even though I was a teenager I just wanted my mum near me to make everything better. She'd be feeling that so many times over.

I hope that the treatment all goes according to plan and that you can out this awful period behind you soon

No practical advice but I just wanted to say how sorry I am to hear your news. Sending love and best wishes to you, your dd and family.