Sometimes being a mother means being a detective. My 10-month-old had a restless night last Saturday. On Sunday she was fussy and not much interested in eating solid food, which was unusual for her. I chalked it up to teething because I could see two new teeth poking their way through the top gums.
Photo by Joana Croft
Teething was ruled out later that night when she spiked a fever of 103 degrees Fahrenheit. The next morning I started to get really worried — what would cause a fever and disinterest in food, but no runny nose, vomiting, or diarrhea? Had she managed to swallow something she shouldn’t? I started researching by reading the
fever information at AskDrSears.com.
Roseola sounded like a possibility but it didn’t explain why my little one didn’t want solids. Then I came to the information on
Mouth Sores, Coxsackie Virus (Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease). I gently pulled down my baby’s bottom lip to get a look inside — as best as she would let me — and saw what I suspected were mouth sores. Mystery solved! After three nights of fever, and four very fussy days (what do you do with a baby who doesn’t want to be put down but doesn’t want to be held either?! Answer: Distract her! Entertain her! Put on a three-ring circus!), she’s back to her happy self. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: I am so happy to be nursing. Breastfeeding saved us during the four days that my 23-pound 10-month-old had zero interest in solid food. She nursed happily, no problem there, and nursing also helped settle her to sleep. My milk supply increased to handle the extra demand, and she did not lose any weight or become dehydrated. If anything I think she weighs more now (or that could just be how I feel after carrying her around these past few days!)
I’m glad your little one is feeling better.
And I can’t even count how many times nursing has saved my bacon with a sick baby. Even if they won’t eat anything else, you can feel confident that they’re getting fluids and nutrition and also your antibodies. It’s really great!
Oh yay for breastfeeding! Angela, I just want you to know how incredibly ENCOURAGED I am by your blog. I love reading your encouraging stories and all the information you post about breastfeeding. This blog is a great way to keep breastfeeding women motivated and encouraged. keep up the great work!!!
Thanks Kate! It’s lovely to hear such kind words, especially as I am trying to keep up with posting five posts a week while the baby has this virus! She’s mostly better, no more fever thank goodness, but finally got a sore on her foot yesterday.
so, you were able to nurse and you didn’t get the virus? I really think my daughter has the virus.
Michelle, I did not get sick. I read that the virus is most common in children. Adults can get it, but that’s not as common (tell your doctor if you are pregnant though).
I would not be concerned with the baby transmitting the virus to you through nursing. At any rate you would already have been exposed. Wash your hands well especially after diaper changes. I hope your daughter gets well soon!