We worried and prepared ourself for every possibility having a baby, 2 DC's later the snot sucker still hasn't made it out of its packaging, luckily we never saw any tummy upsets till both were 3. Not entirely sure if this was down to breastfeeding or good hygiene, although both went to nursery at 18 months, a nursery that was big on washing your hands and using anti bac gel.
We had a few coughs, these can be distressing and worrying, but you learn to tilt the cot / cotbed / mattress, so mucous wouldn't built up. Linctus was good for tickle coughs, between DC1 & 2, due to stupid parents thinking sedating your children with codeine based cough syrups was a great idea, we saw a huge change in available medicines. Although whilst some swore medised sedated their child into a peaceful slumber, when we used it on DC1 when they had a cough they turned hyper.
We had the usual grumbles with colic, one way to help reflux we found was to feed baby and keep them sat up for 20 minutes, as you wouldn't eat your dinner then lie straight down for several hours sleep. So it makes sense if you feed baby several ounces of liquid, or BF as we did, you would lie them down.
One medical emergency came after DH administered gripe water with a syringe. Not many will admit to such near misses, but you need to make sure you don't squirt it into the mouth, but the cheek, very slowly. As squirt it onto the tongue it can go down their airway. Which was very scary, needing a 999 call, luckily DC1 was unscathed, where we were traumatised for life.
Chicken pox was the next fun fun illness, that can't really be avoided if going around. We applied calamine, there was also another topical treatment that eased it. Although DC1 recently spoke of having chicken pox, even though they were 3. They said it was the nastiest thing ever, itching everywhere.
We also as a family suffer from hay fever, that can cause coughs as the runny noses run down the throat. Initially using piriton, they now take normal hay fever tablets. Plus an inhaler as it can sometimes cause asthma like symptoms.
With me being chronically unwell, it's been a scary time worrying that I may have passed these down to either DC. Every complaint of pain was taken very seriously, although we seldom go to the Dr's. Most pain went away as quick as it came.
We ensure good dental hygiene and avoid sweets and sugary foods where possible. Seeing peers with rotting teeth and needing hospital extractions, honestly quite alarming.
DC2 is coming up to the age where she may start her periods. I had many gynaecology issues as a teenager so again this is a worry. Girls should be taught that being in agony is not normal. Recalling lunchtimes spent in my form room, with a hot water bottle.
As the years go by there'll always be the worry they start to pick up a condition I have. Although most of mine had shown by now, so hopefully that's a good sign.
They also get support at school having a Mum that is unwell, so they speak with a counsellor which is pretty amazing.
So apart from childhood illnesses we've had nothing overly bad, despite the worrying. The mammoth tubs of sudocreme are still in use for spots and the odd rash.
I guess another thing to be said is we always make sure they're hydrated, they wear a hat and sunscreen, taking cream to school to apply before lunch. They take drinks to school which keeps them hydrated.
As an adult who is really poorly I know how hard it is, I remember being a child that was poorly. It really did rob me of quite a lot, so feel grateful that so far, touch wood, both DC's are fine.