Sick and having to look after baby

[Astrid]

I am so sick at the moment, I really need to lie down. DH isn't home yet and I really need someone to look after Maggie for me. She needs a bath and getting ready for bed, but I just don't think I can do that. I can wait till DH gets home, but he really only puts in a half-arsed effort with Maggie before giving up, saying that she needs me.

How does one cope with looking after a baby when you are ill yourself and breastfeeding?

[Lucy]

Astrid, you poor love. This is the hardest thing about parenting for me.....you can never just resign and give up to be sick!

I sadly have no words of wisdom. My Dh is pretty good, but I am always the one that has to settle either Olivia or Charlie, and in the evenings we have kind of made a rod for our own back becasue their bath, story, milk routine is so familar to them, if we attempt to change it, neither of them settle well or quickly.

I had shocking gastro a few weeks back and felt like death and was running to the loo every 15 mins, but just had to carry on.....awful.

If I am sick, I now just think "the quicker I get them settled, the quicker I can flop on the couch, and THEN he can pick up the reigns from there........"

[Astrid]

Just managed to get through it last night. I had a temp of over 38, but that seems to have broken this morning. I just had to be organised, I got Maggie pj's ready and then when DH had his shower, I quickly stripped her off and threw her in before he could say anything. I made him dress her as well.

Settling was very difficult, she wouldn't go down first go. So I just had to bring her to the lounge with me. I napped on the couch whilst she played (can't do that without DH around due to the heater). DH said it almost looked as if she was about to settle herself on the couch, so I then was able to get her to sleep.

So glad I am feeling much better today, but I am still going to take it easy. Thanks for the advice.

[BellyBelly]

Awwww Astrid, have you read my mummy sickie article? https://www.bellybelly.com.au/post-n...a-mummy-sickie

I think the best thing a mum can do is to find someone she is close to with kids also, and take turns looking after each others kids, especially in times like this. You rely on her and she rely on you. I know you don't have many in your mother's group that share your parenting values but is there perhaps someone on BellyBelly or something?

[Astrid]

It was bad timing really, one mu who lives near by works Wed/Thur. Our parenting styles are not exactly the same, but we respect each other and would not do anything that the other parent wouldn't do. Even though I really do need to expand my network.