A Mystery Illness Identified

Angela White, J.D., breastfeeding counselor — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 16:35:29 +0000

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!)

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A Mystery Illness Identified