How can I get through tonight?

[DressingGown87]

I have a norovirus, and praying it’s a 24 hour bug. It started at lunch time. My DD was at childcare, so I managed to rest this afternoon, and call in sick.

She seems fine in herself. Normal temperature.

We have been having quite a lot of sleep trouble recently, but tonight I can’t cope. I am being sick, having horrific stomach cramps, freezing cold, and a splitting headache. She is still not back asleep. I’ve changed her, fed her, given her calpol….. She is dosing off, but waking after 5minutes crying.

She went to bed as normal (all though slightly earlier) at 6.30, but woke at 8.30. I honestly just need to sleep. How can get through the night?

I’m a single mum, live on my own. I’ve asked all my family to help but they can’t.

Screen time

That’s awful I hope you feel better soon. Just focus on getting through the next hour. She may be just unsettled, so waking frequently but self settling after a few mins ? Can you put any music / lights on for her as a distraction ? I would say as long as she’s safe and well ie temp ok, changed etc, try and snatch a bit of sleep even if she is restless

As fellow single parent you do need to look after yourself when ill - as the saying goes you can it pour from an empty cup

I hope you get some sleep and feel bettter soon

How old is she? Can you bring her into bed with you. would that help her get back to seep and stay asleep? What a nightmare for you, that's must absolutely suck.

Oh golly poor you. I have had norovirus but admit I just called my mum and she came and took the kids. Lots of sympathy here.
Put her in the bed with you and pop on Peppa pig videos on your phone if she likes that-used to work wonders with my ds when he was small and upset in the night. When you have a moment when you’re feeling slightly less ill try and get everything together that you might need.

Being positive for one moment, you will likely be over the worst very soon if not already. My kids had a grumbly night but were not nearly as ill.
Sending thoughts and well wishes.

You poor thing

Depends how old your DD is but I would set up camp in a room that is DD proof & near bathroom. Have what you need in that room & just sleep as much as you can. Take whatever meds you can, you'll get through it.

Ps text all your family first thing in the morning and insist someone comes over and watches her for a few hours so that you can have a sleep.

You don't say how old she is? Do you have a pal who could help tonight?

It's so tough being a single parents to wee ones, esp when there's no family around. I've been there.

Firstly it does sound like a stomach bug, but just wanted to dbl check you're ok with the light and no neck stiffness?

Re: how to get some sleep - if you're up being sick and she's unsettled, are you able to keep her in your bedroom, pop something cheerful and comforting on the telly/ipad/laptop and keep a bucket by the bed? Sometimes when mine were wee, they'd settle with some gentle background noise and a low light.

Sorry I should have send DD is 8mo. So can’t really get her out the cot, as she likes rolling and shuffling. Which is why I don’t think we can cosleep. My bed is quite high, and there is no wall to push it too, so would be scared she would fall out. Especially if I’m in the bathroom, which is right next door but not big enough for us “to camp in” and it’s at the top of the stairs.

@Mrsdoubtfireswig I’ve put a light projector on to try calm her for a bit. But she has a habit of rolling onto her front, and not being able to get back. She has reflux, so when on her front she starts being sick. Aww it’s tough isn’t it, although is my first illness to try cope with.

@Frazzled2207 my family are in isolation for COVID, as my mum tested positive. And they all work together. I have done a COVID test to be sure.

How are you doing this morning? I hope you got some bits of sleep and are over the worst of the noro at least

@Frazzled2207 thank you. Feeling a lot better this morning, just fatigued so hopefully over the worst. DD finally settled around 2.15am 😴 after watching some Netflix.

Pleased to hear. Yeah you will be knackered today, just write it off to recover and if your dd ends up watching screens for most of the day that's totally fine.
Well done getting through it.

Glad you are feeling better and have the night behind you now. M youngest was the same on his front (and was furious at not being able to get up - like an angry parachuter) and has reflux so you have all my sympathy !

I remember with my eldest when I had a migraine I literally put him in his room with gate on and went to bed for a couple of hours one afternoon. He was 2 at the time which I know is a big age difference but I’d never done it before or since and I felt horrendous guilt combined with crushing headache and nausea !

Hope you’ve caught a bit of rest today

@Frazzled2207 it’s taken a few days but feeling loads better. We have just been home, doing little bits around the house. She is due back in childcare tomorrow, abs able to go as it’s been 48hours. Although she is the only child, as others are now off with the same bug.

@Mrsdoubtfireswig thank you, we’ve had some rest. Just still tired, but I think that’s DD related not illness. We can hopefully go an enjoy our weekend away, and I can enjoy some support. With the rolling? Was there anything you did to help? I don’t think she is intentionally rolling to her front, but it wakes her up. Then the more she does it, the more aggravated and harder to settle she becomes. Like she can’t understand that it’s herself walking herself up. 😴