How do you manage being poorly whilst taking care of a baby?

I feel so awful at the moment. I've come down with some sort of flu thing, constant fever and chills, can barely breathe, my head and body ache, and just overall I feel absolutely rubbish. Even ended up in a&e last night because my temperature hit 40°C and I almost passed out. It's taking absolutely everything I have to just be able to get up with my son, he's 7 months, and take care or his needs during the day. I feel like I'm letting him down by not being able to play as much as normal or sing him songs, we've basically spent all day cuddled on the sofa watching a mix of Miss Rachel and Disney films. I just feel like I'm really failing as a mum right now.

Show your support

You are in no way failing as a mum. If you're sick, you're sick. Being able to even sit and entertain him in any way is a win. Give yourself a break because the stress you're feeling will only extend your recovery time

Is there a family member/friend that can come help for a few hours? Entertain your son etc whilst you get some rest in bed

I lie down in bed with the bed guard up and put sensory fruits on and let her climb on top of me. It's not ideal, but I have very little outside help and at least I can switch off a little even though I can't actually sleep. She also isn't the sort of baby that will sit nicely and play independently unfortunately 😭 I will also put her down for naps in my bed and I'll rest next to her.

As someone who suffers with chronic illness this is the spin I like to put on it on days I feel like I am being rubbish because I am flaring up: you are teaching your son a valuable lesson that is when we are unwell we need to let our bodies rest instead of teaching him that you have to ignore our bodies and just power through. Accept help if its available and rest up! He thinks you are great no matter what! You need to take care of you so you can take care of him! You are doing great mama!

Thank you so much for making me feel better about it guys! I'm on the mend luckily now. I haven't been able to have anyone help as we couldn't risk it spreading through our family (my dad is undergoing chemo at the moment) but my partner has managed to get 2 weeks off starting Monday! I think my son has started to understand I'm poorly and has been extra cuddly, and has also started, very obviously, fake coughing along with me!

‌

‌
‌

‌

‌
‌

‌

‌
‌

‌

‌
‌

‌

‌
‌

‌

‌
‌