Gastroenteritis & 10 w/o baby :/

[bellainthemiddle]

My 10-week-old DD was born at 34 weeks and has recently had a trip to hospital due to being a bit unwell with a high temp. She's back at home now and seems very well (and energetic!) but I've gone down with a stomach bug. I've basically been completely floored with vomiting and fever and all the other yukky symptoms today and thankfully, DP is home for the next few days (usually works away) and can look after DD.

But... I'm really terrified about passing on germs and I just don't know what's the best thing to do. I'm even wondering if it's best for DP to take DD to his parents (who are also in London and happy to have them both). Does that sound like a good idea, or am I being a ridiculous and paranoid new mum?

Sorry for the probably stupid questions, I'm just so not sure what to do for the best!

Gastro is spread by fecal particles being ingested or vomit particles in the air immediately after vomiting if someone is in the same room. So keep your dd away from the bathroom. At her age she is not weaned and you're not preparing any food for her etc so as long as you do not touch her bottles or dummys or fingers (anything she puts in her mouth) then she will not catch it. Your dp is more at risk though as he is probably sharing a bathroom with you and is touching thing you have touched such as door handles, light switches, remote controls. Hand washing after every bowel movement is required and bleaching surfaces when you can manage it again is advised.

Thank you for the very good advice - that's really helpful! Actually hadn't had any diarrhoea yesterday, just horrible stomach pain, but today it's started and, oh my God..!

Tbh I would get them to go to your dp’s parents. Dd isn’t even a newborn anymore and I still fret if I’m ill, and spend my life dragging myself out of bed to antibac everything!

Make sure you mr dp bleaches everything - light switches, door handles, toilet flush etc. Wash hands regularly, keep baby away from vomit/bathroom, don’t touch bottles without washing your hands first.

You poor thing, I hope you feel better ASAP.

Yeah, I told them to go - they're going to have a nicer day there, apart from anything else!

And hopefully I'll feel a bit better before they get back, so that I can start decontaminating everything before they get back. DP is supposed to be away again for work tomorrow... not sure what best to do :/

Well relax for the rest of the day and evaluate how you feel tonight. If no better then can he possibly take the day off tomorrow? If that’s not able happen, get him to pick up antibac wipes on his way home, pre-made formula and food and drink for you so you’ve got everything you need to hand.