Weaning a sick baby

[FirstTimeMumDec2020]

Hi,

My son is 8 months but hasn't been well since he was 6months old. Basically it started off as really bad reflux and progressively got worse to a point he was vomiting as much as he was having bottles, it would be projectile and he would retch until there was nothing left. This then turned into a really big chest infection which hospitalised him 3 weeks ago because his oxygen levels were really low and he lost a lot of weight. He's still on oxygen now and similac milk to help him gain weight but we've been sent back to hospital yesterday after only two days at home because his breathing has gone back to how it was when he was first admitted.

I'm just so worried that I'm holding him back in his weaning journey because of all of this. I don't even know how long he will need to stay in this time. I'm hoping they let us out today but I stopped weaning him when I didn't know what was causing the vomiting as I didn't want to overwhelm him and make it harder to find the cause. He's even started vomiting again even though he's on two types of reflux medicine. A nurse said to not worry about weaning him until he's better but I worry that it'll take ages for him to be 100%.

Has anyone started weaning when their baby has been over 8months old? How did it go? Or has anyone even been in a similar situation?

I'm honestly so exhausted and fed up. My husband has had to take time off work unpaid and my maternity pay has dropped to SMP so we're struggling a lot atm.

Thank you x

I assume he has been referred to a peadiatrican? I would talk to them about the best route to take with regards weaning and maybe ask for some dietican support

Food is for fun before one is the mantra. Honestly just focus on getting him well as per medical advise, that should be your focus. It sounds like an overwhelming situation and I’d take it a day at a time you’ll know when he’s well enough for weaning. Look after yourself x

So sorry you're going through this. I'd ask on the ward of you can see a Paediatric Dietitian. They will be able to guide you through weaning.

As for your finances, is there a benevolent fund associated with either of your jobs, for example the Civil Service Charity or the Royal British Legion? They may be able to help with a one off payment

How is LO and how are you coping this morning @FirstTimeMumDec2020?

@BunnyRuddington

How is LO and how are you coping this morning *@FirstTimeMumDec2020*?

Thank you for your advice and for checking in!

He's fine. He's always been happy the whole time you wouldn't think he had problems breathing.

We're finally home and he slept really well last night. He's still on oxygen and now has an at home monitor to check his oxygen levels but he will be seeing a doctor once a week now so they can keep a close eye on him. I spoke to the doctor and dietician and they both agreed to not worry about weaning him too much but to just try him with different flavours of puréed things and not to worry about giving him meals just yet. That's given me peace of mind.

I just worried that i was holding him back and he would be really behind on it for his age.