Toddler poorly and mum guilt for going to work

[Mamabear04]

My DD (2yo) has been poorly with a suspected UTI. We saw the GP 3 days ago and she prescribed her a 3 day course of antibiotics but also sent a urine sample away to pin point the problem. DD is potty trained and has been around 2.5 months without any accidents and basically 4 days ago had every accident under the sun. She seemed much better yesterday morning and was full of beans but was refusing food and then at lunch took 2 bites and had a massive vomit. She managed to eat a little in the afternoon and perked up. This morning my DH had to wake her up and she has been so clingy, just wanting to be held (not like her at all. Even if she is feeling unwell she will sit on my knee and then go and play with toys and come back and rest) and is very pale. She's eaten 2.5 Weetabix and half and banana this morning and is drinking little amounts. I had to go to work this morning but am now feeling horrendous guilty that I should have stayed with her (she's with my parents) or maybe I should have taken her back to the gp? Should I go home to be with her? What should I do? I hate not knowing how she is even though my Dad is sending regular updates...

Sorry to hear this and I hope she feels better soon! It sounds like you've done everything you can to me, unfortunately mum guilt is a powerful thing, but try to feel assured that you've done all you can. If you have to go to work, you have to go to work.

I assume Dad couldn't take the time off as I usually feel less guilty if he's there instead of me, rather than parents?

Essentially at this age they get ill lots and it's horrible feeling like you have to go to work, but they don't get ill as much as they get older and it gets easier. I actually went freelance to try and help with situations like this, but it's no good when I still have deadlines to meet and clients waiting... on the other hand, people can be more understanding than you think a lot of the time so maybe your work would let you work from home or have some more time off with her?

I'd ask your parents for their judgment call on it. My mum has done a fair amount of childcare for me over the years but has on occasion said 'i think DD needs her mummy' when she's been very unwell.

If your parents aren't concerned about her and feel comfortable that your DD is content with them looking after her then I'd stop feeling guilty.

I do think though that if she's finished the course of antibiotics and still showing signs of infection that you need to speak to the GP again. Was it a high temperature that made her vomit?