Mama Needs a Sick Day
December 27, 2008 by Angela White, J.D., breastfeeding counselor
Filed under breastfeeding
Whom do I call to notify that I am taking a sick day from this motherhood gig? I know it’s only a cold, and I will get over it eventually, but in the thick of it I find it very difficult! Not only am I sick, but my baby is sick too, and that’s when I am on extra duty, not less! When she wakes, she wants ME — after all, I am her primary caregiver, and her dad just doesn’t have the super ability to comfort her at his breast! If only I could have a day filled with naps (mine, not the baby’s!) alternating with hot baths to steam my sinuses! And then a good night’s sleep!
Don’t get me wrong. I am happy to be breastfeeding during these times. I shudder to think that my baby could be even more sick if she weren’t getting antibodies from my milk. My husband is great (he just got back from doing the grocery run I requested, and he is taking the older girls skiing tomorrow) and I am sure he would stand in for me if he could, but that’s just not how it works!
Do you have any tips for coping when you and your nursling are sick? Do you think breastfeeding makes it easier or harder?
Photo credit: Evah Smit
I have no tips, but take comfort in knowing that you can just lay down and nurse baby and at least relax while you are feeding and comforting her…much easier than bottle feeding! Hope you feel better soon!
Thanks Michelle! You are right — it was lovely to rest in the bed and nurse my little one to sleep for her nap.
I hope you’re feeling better soon! I remember when I had mastitis when my son was little, I put him in his swing (the only way he would sleep without needing to touch me/nurse all the time), put a mattress on the floor nearby and went to sleep. I otherwise only used the swing as a “quick fix” if I really needed to get something done, but that day he spent hours in it.
That sounds heavenly (the sleep, not the mastitis — I know how miserable that is). I think that’s an excellent use for the swing!
Lots and lots of hot liquids (my favorite is warming up a mug of lemonade), sitting in a steamy bathroom and as much rest as possible. Nursing in a steamy bathroom is great if the baby is sick. If baby is well, nursing while lying down allows you to get some extra rest.
Feel better!
Elita, I thought your idea of lots of hot liquids was excellent, and just in time I got a tin of organic and fair trade spicy hot cocoa from my sister for Christmas. It has chili and cinnamon added to it and that spicy kick was great for clearing my sinuses LOL!