Immune system gone to pot?!

[Peggotty]

Hi all
Since I had my DD 18months ago, I seem to get EVERY bug, cold, flu etc known to man that's doing the rounds. Have just recovered from another attack of the runs(sorry, tmi), which my DH now has. Is this normal when you have children. My DD doesn't even get half the bugs etc that I do, just the usual colds, sniffles most kids get, but I catch the bloody lot. Before I had her I was practically never ill - it's crap!!! Having to look after kids when you're ill is the pits. Anyway, apart from the whinge, I just wanted to know if anyone else has found this since having children?

Yes we have found this. I tihnk it is normal - no one ever tells you about it though. DH has had really bad colds since DS was born - never used to get thing. We were both ill a lot last winter with many heavy colds while DS was hardly ill.

Thanks for replying Gigwig. I think with me, it might be that Idon't look after my diet as well as I used to, I'm so obsessed with making sure DD has a good diet, I've sort of neglected mine, does that make sense . You're right though, it's one of the many things you don't get told about!

I found that the first 2 years after having a baby is bad for me. Then I seem to buck up again. Its the tiredness that doesnt help and the lack of sleep. I now take Echinacea through each winter which has helped me.

But you right, it is crap looking after kids when you are ill. Its the pits.

Oh yes I know what you mean about neglecting your own diet. DS has a great diet while DH and I somehow seemed to end up eating rubbish a lot of the time, even though I was cooking nice meals for DS. I've changed that now to some extent - we eat more of the same foods together now. Plus DH and I now make sure we get exercise too 2 times a week - that also helps with general well being.

I do exercise usually 2-3 times a week, which when I first started doing it (in Feb) perked me up mentally, at least, but I'm still a physical wreck in many ways! I was wondering about maybe taking some kind of supplement actually. Will try echinacea this winter - any other recommendations?

I've recently got into Patrick Holford and have started taking some supplements he recommends for pms. you can find his info/books on the web. he recommends supplements for all sorts of ailments/general well being. you could try asking in a health food store. i posted about it earlier today. hope you get feeling better soon!