Constant worrying about my baby's health

[Bulbasaur90]

Hi everyone,
I posted earlier in the week about my 5mo son taking less formula. He settled for a while around 27oz from 30 so I was happy for him to keep going with that. The last couple of days though we have struggled to get feeds down him at all. He's screamed at some feeds but guzzled others. Yesterday he refused two feeds altogether and by the evening, I noticed his soft spot looked more sunken than usual which I know can be a sign of dehydration. I called 111 and a nurse told me she wasn't concerned because he was taking some feeds and having wet nappies still. He's had a cough/cold so they said it could just be that, told me the red flags and said to monitor. He refused another feed so I called back and said I was really concerned, doctor said to bring him in. We were seen really quickly but DS had perked up by this point and was taking his feed when they called us in, managed 4.5oz before I had to move him to the doctors room. Doctor said he definitely isn't dehydrated, checked his soft spot and said to only worry if he stops having wet nappies or if he doesn't take any fluid at all in 6-10 hours. He said his appetite should come back in a few days when his cough/cold is gone. But, I just can't stop worrying. I'm sure his soft spot still looks sunken but he's otherwise fine in himself, happy and alert when awake, active and chatty. He slept well last night and has had 5.5oz this morning which I'm really happy with. I know I just need to see how he goes and keep an eye on him but my PNA is through the roof. I'm watching him all the time and checking his head even though they told me he definitely isn't dehydrated and that he'd need to have significantly less formula than he has in order to be dehydrated. I don't know what I really wanted from this other than to just say what's in my head so it's out there. If there's anyone who has had similar, please share.

Are you getting any help with your PNA @Bulbasaur90? It sounds overwhelming

@PritiPatelsMaker I've been waiting for counselling since February but my first appointment is next week. I'm hoping it will help me.

Have you been offered medication at all? Does it help?

I know babies can deteriorate quickly, but they do surprise you with how little formula they want/need when they're poorly. DD is 11 months but back in January she had noro for a week and survived mainly on water and watered down apple juice in that time. I did take her in to be checked but no one was remotely concerned as long as she had at least one wet nappy in 12 hours. I think she had less than 7oz formula most days and obviously no solid food. Yes she lost weight which isn't ideal, but fluids are more important. So as long as he is taking some formula and still passing urine and not overly lethargic, you'll most likely be fine. However no doctor will turn you away with a little one, so if you do have concerns, take him back. I totally get it as I have ptsd and the anxiety when they're poorly is off the charts. I hope the counselling helps op

Hi, I have a paediatrician friend. When my son was small she told me that the fontanelle can look sunken due to head position/genetics. My son's constantly looked a little dipped even after massive feeds, but he was clearly hydrated and eating well. A danger sign would be a drastically sunken fontanelle.

Just keep an eye on your baby's wellbeing and continue to offer formula. If he doesn't want any but you think he needs fluids, offer him a small amount of boiled cooled water. The idea isn't to fill him up on water rather than milk, but to keep him hydrated until he's ready for his next feed

I'm sorry you're going through this. It really does sound like he's feeling rubbish and just doesn't want to feed because of it. Adults generally have low appetites when they're ill, and babies are just the same! Follow the advice that the doctors have given you and hopefully he will be doing better next week.

@PritiPatelsMaker No, the doctor wants me to see how CBT works before considering medication, which I've been ok with but I didn't realise how long the wait would be.
@OdeToBarney That sounds so worrying for all of you. It's crazy that they were only concerned if she stopped having wet nappies. They've told me pretty much the same, or if he has no fluid in 10 hours, which seems way too long.
@DragonbornMum Thank you for your advice. I think it's that his fontanelle doesn't look normal to me which has worried me. It's definitely more pronounced than usual but isn't drastically sunken, if you know what I mean. The doctor said it felt normal and I'm trying to trust what he said. Baby is happy in himself and has no other visible problems. My friend visited earlier and he was happily playing with her kids, laughing and interacting so he seems fine. It's the sight of his head that keeps me worrying. It sounds awful but I just sat there thinking how is everyone else so happy and normal when I'm over here freaking out?
As it goes today, he's had 5.5oz first thing, 4oz a few hours later, some baby rice about an hour and a half ago and he's due his next feed now but he's asleep, so he's doing ok so far. Just hoping he keeps taking them.

@Bulbasaur90 I would consider making a GP appointment next week to ask again about medication. This anxiety sounds overwhelming for you.

I'd also consider giving Pandas Foundation a call today

@PritiPatelsMaker thank you for recommending. I'll have a look into Pandas.

How do I make my own quest

@Lozzarow23 are you on the app?

If so, go to the topic you want to post in, like Parenting, Children's Health or Sleep and tap on "new" on the bottom right