Overcautious
Had an argument with my husband tonight over our parental instincts. We have two children and I don’t drive so when discussing our daughter being poorly I pointed out he would have to take her to the hospital if needs be and not me because I can’t drive and can’t wake our toddler up so late to take him to a and e for 12 hours.
Our daughter has been hot and clammy and really unsettled all day. I called 111 who recommended waking her up after she had just fallen asleep and checking temp etc while on the phone with them. Husband kicked off moaning that she had only just fallen asleep and was annoyed because the assessment required them checking she could wake up and stay awake and wasn’t unresponsive (perfectly fine with me and makes total sense). He was really angry about it and kept shaking his head at me.
111 referred to an out of hours doctor team who are calling me back within 2 hours to assess further and arrange an in person out of hours appointment meaning my husband would have to take her. Once off the phone he moaned at me and said “I’m not mad at you as such but you’re being overcautious and overprotective. My paternal instincts say she’s fine.” So I replied “my maternal instincts say she COULD be fine but also COULD be poorly and need checking over. I’d rather be over cautious than take action too late.”
I’m waiting for the call back and he is stropping making out like I am being a hypochondriac and making something out of nothing but she is 13 weeks old and was in the NICU when born for breathing difficulties so it’s flagging up some fears for me. I couldn’t help her in the NICU but I could help her now. She wasn’t born premature but was via c section and had fluid on her lungs so I worry about her lungs and breathing even if there is nothing wrong.
BUT I can acknowledge when I’m being a hypochondriac and this time she has a mild cough but is warm and clammy without a temperature so my maternal instincts are screaming to just get her checked over.
Husband is settling our daughter back to sleep, moaning that I woke her up as instructed by 111. Any advice?
Also please be kind. Hubs loves the kids more than anything he is just exhausted and isn’t quite seeing priorities as he normally would and should. I’m just after advice on how to handle him right now and on if I am being overcautious or if I am doing the right thing
I say, if your motherly instincts tells you to have her checked over because you think something could be wrong, to definitely do it. I don’t think husbands have the same senses when something is wrong with the littles as much as mom does. You’re doing a great job & doing everything you’re supposed to ! 🤍 always trust that motherly instinct