Is this just a cold? Starting to worry about the baby.

[ShowOfHands]

We're waiting for the doctor's to open at 8.30 and will join the mad scramble for an appointment but wanted some opinions.

We've all had a horrid half term with coughs/colds/sore throats/gunky eyes. DD was pretty unwell for the first half of the week with a really nasty cough and my throat was razor-blade sore for days. We've all recovered mainly though we're all still a bit weak and exhausted.

DS is 24 weeks and over the weekend has turned into a snotty, unhappy mess. This is my first little baby with a cold and I'm just not sure what's normal.

He has a mild temp (38, coming down to 37ish with Calpol), really gunky and sticky eyes, streaming snot which runs down his throat and makes him gag/choke and he brings it back up again, nasty cough, is v hoarse today. He is unhappy, hasn't smiled for 24hrs, reduced feeding due to bunged up nose (I have really engorged breasts) but still having wet and dirty nappies. He just wants to sleep but is whimpering and moaning to himself even when asleep.

It is utterly and thoroughly miserable to watch.

That's a good point about the flu vax. The nursing staff mentioned that because it was rsv related he is at higher risk of chest problems in future years. And at 5.5 months an attack of pneumonia + other associated nasties can sometimes leave some scarring on the lungs.

I feel very wobbly about it all now. I sort of held it together in hospital and when we first got home I was so tired I couldn't process it. But today I feel most tearful. I keep looking at him and reassuring myself he's on the mend. He's even picked up some new tricks. Blowing kisses at the nurses for example which he now extends to the rest of us if he's feeling charitable. And because he can't 'talk' properly as his vocal chords are still not healed, he has started saying 'woo woo woo' to express sadness and purring when happy.

I'm not surprised you are feeling weepy about things now it is over. You take care of yourself.

I love the idea of a baby who purrs when happy .

So pleased you've got him home :)

So pleased he's on the mend. Sounds like you've had a really scarey time. Poor everyone.

SOH been reading this and so glad that you are ok.

Pleased your home now. RSV is horrible, as is pnumonia DS has had both of them.

I found when he was first in hospital at 8 weeks and really poorly I was more scared when we came home than I was when he was a newborn and I think when you get home back to 'normalitiy' everything that has happened hits you like a lead balloon.

Take it easy for the next few days, stay in with lots of cuddles and sleep for you all.