Feel like i'm doing a bad job!

[IsItChristmasYet]

My DS has conjunctivitus (sp?) since monday and then on tuesday developed an awful cold. He hasnt been sleeping and has a horrible cough. I phoned my dr's on Friday as it didnt seem to be getting any better and he gave me some antibiotics and i have also been giving him medised... but i can't help feeling like i should have done something sooner. I keep worrying that he's more ill that he is and to top it all i had MIL barking that i should take him to the hospital (but she wasnt aware that i spoke to my dr's and been in touch with NHS direct.- who have told me that its just a bug hats doing the rounds at the moment)

I'm really sturggling with motherhood at the precise moment as i just dont feel that i know what i'm doing... my DS is just 8 months and i just want him to be happy!!

I just needed to get that out.....

goes off to wipe the encrusted snot off jumper that she's just found on shoulder!

It's that time of year. Everyone's ill. (If you are BF him, you can use breastmilk to clear up the conjuntivitis, it works well and isn't even uncomfortable for them.)

poor you, tell your MIL it is far more distressing for a sick baby to be carted off to hospital, where you will be kept waiting for 3 hours in a dismal waiting room only to be told by a harrassed dr that there's nothing they can do for him other than lots of drinks, cuddles and rest....

If however, you become genuinely concerned about his breathing however, that's a different story.

I think you sound like a very caring mum and you are doing the right things. trust your instincts and I hope he - and you - are feeling better soon.

God, it's so difficult, isn't it? Overnight you are meant to become some kind of medical expert in childhood illnesses, so you can instantly divine when your little one needs to be seen by a doctor. Add on this time of year with all its own stresses, and the fact medical services are harder to access - and it's a shocker.

Did the doctor see ds before prescribing anti-biotics? I mean was it a phone consult only? For what it's worth, mine has had a horrible cough for months, it's just that time of year. But he is 18 months and so more able to communicate if he's feeling unwell. Equally if your ds seems alright in himself, he probably is.

Your MIL needs to be barking at your DH, not you. What's his view of how ds is? This shouldn't be your burden to carry all on your own.

Hope ds is feeling better soon.

Don't beat yourself up. as a Mum you can't win. If you go to the doctor for everything you are neurotic, if you don't go at the first snivel you are neglecting them. Once the antibiotics kick in he will be fine. Yo can only do your best.

I live in a small village and know the dr well so i called and explained everything. (this isnt abnormal and he's a great guy)

Unfortunately i havent breast fed but i'm trying everything (eye drops, salted water on cotton wool... next thing is a tea bag!...poor boy!)

My DH is being brilliant but is as unsure of what to do as i am. We are just muddling our way thru things.

It wouldnt be so bad but my mother is away on holiday and as a nurse it comes in very handy.... i think i need a night out.... i feel like a large hanky for my DS!

Aparently the antibiotics take 24 hrs... so any second now!!! HA HA HA - I think i'm hoping for a miracle!

Its impossible innit? I took ds to GP when he was a baby with a cold. GP said leave it for a couple of days, went back 2 days later, different GP said needed antibiotics and should have had them sooner (like it was my fault). One of the tricks you learn as a mam is how to handle Drs (and HVs etc). J