Will toddler resume breastfeeding after HFM? 😢

[MiIkyMum]

My DS is 2 years old and has always been a huge fan of breastfeeding. Even now, he feeds throughout the day, evening and nighttime. He enjoys a feed after nursery, before bed, when he’s sad or tired etc. we both really enjoy it.

Unfortunately, he came down with hand, foot and mouth at the weekend and since then has been refusing to nurse. He asks for it, but then when I offer it, he won’t accept it and sometimes pushes me away. He does have blisters on his tongue and, I presume, in his mouth. He’s also much more reluctant to drink water as well, and mealtimes are taking much longer. I feel so sorry for him.

I have seen some posts online where HFM brought an abrupt end to breastfeeding. I’ll be honest, I’ll be devastated if that’s the case as I didn’t want it to end like this.

This morning I expressed but even giving him some on a spoon he only accepted one teaspoonful and refused any more.

I’m looking for some positive stories, if there are any, of breastfeeding resuming post-HFM?

Maybe this is a natural juncture to stop?

In what sense?

I am all for breastfeeding and fed mine until he was 3, because he wanted to continue. However, I do think if they want to stop then let it come to a natural end.

It may just be the mouth ulcers and once the pain eases they will be back to it. My eldest had HFM at 18 months ish and she was off the boob for a day or two but went right back to it once the ones in her mouth were on their way out.

It didn't for us. DCs were around 4 and 2 when they had it. The youngest was BF and it didn't affect it. It's most likely to be sore mouth/throat. Lots of cuddles and access to the boob when he asks. Reassurance that it's ok if he doesn't want it.

Hope he's better soon - also be aware their fingernails tend to fall off a couple of weeks post HFM!

Breastfeeding is for the child’s benefit, not yours, so if he doesn’t want it any more, very gently, I think that is all the signal you need. I’m not sure how healthy it is to try to delay or reverse a natural stage of child development?
For me that would be time for lots of cuddles and reading books to him rather than having him on the boob? So another form of close time together rather than a complete stop.

no advice on the breastfeeding but try offering cold cold water/squash to keep him hydrated - the coldness can soothe the sores in his mouth. Also, ice pops

Get the difflam spray for kids. It’s amazing to help their sore mouths, my DD managed to eat/drink once she had it

If he wants to stop then stop. Its for your child's benefit not yours, your being a bit weird about this.

I think take his lead and give him the option. He may well come back to it in a few days. It’s obviously that drinking is just currently painful for him, poor soul.

My middle child stopped breastfeeding when she was unwell and never restarted it. It wasn't hfm though, it was a cold and her nose was blocked. I didn't offer it, just waited to see if she asked to feed again and she never did.

You need to look deeper into why you'd be devastated if bf has indeed ended

My 18 month old sometimes refuses to breastfeed when unwell. Usually he'll latch on after falling asleep though, have you tried that?
He's always come back to the breast with a vengeance once well again though!
Don't overthink it, he might come back after he's feeling well, if he doesn't, then try to make your peace with that too.

I’m not being weird about anything, but thanks for your comment

I’m not trying to delay or reverse a natural stage of child development, but thank you for your comment.

Indeed - HFM is terrible luck of the draw, not a natural stage of child development. If it weren’t for this illness, and the sores in his mouth, he would be very happily feeding today.

All of mine went on feeding strikes when ill. While they were still dependant on it before 1 I encouraged re starting bfeeding by offering immediately on waking while they were sleepy.
I wouldn't offer at much past 2 though. At that age they can absolutely ask if they want it. If they don't ask, they don't want it. And if they don't want it it'd be a bit strange- almost needy- to try to push it onto them.
Devastated is an odd choice of word honestly. Why devastated? You've done brilliantly to get this far but itll come to an end soon one way or another. Maybe this way is as good as any other.
Don't make this about you.

Me and my sister both breastfed all out of ours until they self weaned. My nephew was the longest at almost 3 but it was a case of tonsillitis that done it. He was so poorly for over a week and would ask for it but just couldn’t and in the end when he was better he just didn’t ask again. Although she didn’t see in coming because he was still feeding a few times a day it did feel like the right end for them

You used the word “devastated” @MiIkyMum

And? Its very emotional. Did you breastfeed??