How on earth do you cope with a baby when ill?!

[feezap]

As the title says, how do you cope?!

In the last two weeks I have had a hideous d&v bug followed by a cold which now seems to have turned into a fluey thing. I am weak, my whole body aches, I feel sick and painkillers are doing nothing for my headache.

I am breastfeeding my 5 month old DS (who also has a cold and is finding it hard to sleep) so a good night's sleep is out if the question. He is also a very active baby so cuddles on the sofa and duvet days are not an option.

Today between my dh and my parents DS is being looked after between feeds so I can rest but I seem to be getting worse rather than better. And I'm starting to feel guilty for not playing with DS and putting on my parents so much.

Any tips on how to get better while still looking after and entertaining my DS?

sounds really hard. Is it possible your fluey thing may have turned into a chest infection? Might it be worth seeing your GP to get checked out?
Accept the help from your parents, you can always treat them when you are well. Take things day by day, it is hard when you are in the middle of it all.
Look after yourself as best you can, drink plenty of fluids, try and eat.

It is really hard. I remember being in this situation when I had norovirus while on my own with DS1 (active 6 month old). So first, do not feel guilty. Your DS will not suffer because you can't play with him as actively as usual for a week or two

As onepiece says, accept all help. Also, take any short cuts you can. baby einstein dvds? youtube? borrow a swing/vibrating chair?

If you temporarily physically cannot look after him (eg D&V), put him down in the cot between feeds/changes, and call your DH home from work. Your DS will be very upset, but he will not come to harm. It is awful. Have some

It's awful and really hard. You just have to get as much help as you can and soldier on.

I have particularly grim memories of having D&V for a week at 39 weeks pregnant with 2 year old to run round after all day. I cried into my duvet a lot.

The plus side is that when you feel better you really feel great - "normal" life with baby seems dead easy! (Am clutching at straws to find a positive here I know!)

get well soon - delegate as much as you can and don't feel guilty - your DS won't be suffering.

Sorry you are feeling so unwell

I also have a d&v bug and have sent my two dc's to my mil's today. DD2 is 14 months though is doesn't usually get bf during the day anymore so it is easier for us now.

Having said that she has been feeding like a newborn this week because she and her sister have also had the bug and kindly passed it to me. But she won't ask for it when I am not there unlike your baby.

Don't feel guilty about not playing with him or being there this week. Loving family members can meet his needs just as well as you and he will be just fine.

Has he ever had a bottle before? If so I would be tempted to get someone to give one of his feeds while you sleep for a long stretch.

If not you should get into bed and ask for him to brought to you when he asks for a feed.

Hope you are better soon - may be worth getting to your GP.

Thank you everyone, I particularly like the positive angle Bumpsadaisy!

I'm worse again today. I cannot move without hideous shooting pains so have managed to get an urgent appointment with the Dr (after crying down the phone to him). He thinks he can prescribe stronger painkillers and antibiotics if he thinks I have a throat/ear/sinus infection. I really hope it helps.

Your replies have really cheered me up, I was struggling to imagine ever getting better.

In the meantime my mum is becoming an expert at dealing with poonamis

Well that is a huge plus - getting grandparents used to being with the baby on their own so that you can plan a night out with DH once you are better!