So last Friday my son (who is 5 1/2 months)was diagnosed with RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus). Our doctor told us to stop formula and give him only pedialite and fruits (baby food). So for two days thats what we did. But because he wasn't eating that much baby food and drinking a lot of pedialite he was getting very hungry. Two days ago (sunday) I gave him formula because he was drinking every 30 minutes and we were changing his diaper every 30 minutes. Now the problem is he won't sleep at night. He is a GREAT sleeper... sleeping through the night until he got his first ear infection two weeks ago (oh yeah I forgot to tell everyone that two weeks ago he was up ALL night vomiting because he had an ear infection) and now he won't sleep through the night with out drinking a bottle. I try to let him cry it out for a long time but it only last so long and then i give him a bottle. I try to only give him a little of the bottle. But when we go in there to comfort him he doesn't want ANYTHING but that bottle... you can't rock him... you can't give him his pacy... you can't cuddle him... I can't even bring him in bed with me... nothing makes him stop screaming except for the bottle.
Yesterday he ate breakfast lunch and dinner with baby food and had a 4 6oz bottles and he still woke up 4 times in the middle of the night. I just need help I am exhausted!
Thanks everyone for the advice! He did go back to the doc today for his check up and come to find out one of the medicines he was on was a steroid. So go figure he was hungry all the time. Luckily he didn't get it bad enough that he had to be an on oxygen or a nebulizer! But now we just have to watch him! But they said he looks great and he is healing nicely!
I would let him have the bottle and then slowly wean him back off. It is probably at this point a comfort thing and he is still fairly young. You could also try giving him water because he might decide it is not worth it to get a bottle of water in the middle of the night.
Do you have a family member or friend that would come give you a few nights of good rest or even day time rest? Incorperate all the help you can. Nap when he does. You might not get much done around the house right now but it will be there when this is over. Make sure you report to your doctor what you are dealing with he might want to change what your doing.
My younger brother had this & he was about 9 months old when he got it (but he was born premie & keep in mind this was almost 13 years ago!) & he had to be hospitalized. Everyone who stayed with him in the hospital became violently ill as well (my mother, aunt, grandmother, & father - all threw up & vise versa). The hopsital had to put him on Oxegen & give him Nebulizer treatments, so I think you're lucky! I know you're tired because he won't sleep, but just remember the end is around the corner!!!
i Nursed and supplemented with formula. I personaly woudl not stop feeding my baby formula at that age. I agree I woudl get a 2nd opinion from another pediatrician on that.
As far as the bottle at night you could try giving him water in teh bottle.
I still give a bottle to my baby at night time she sleeps better. I did it with all 3 of my kids. I know that isn't very popular and can cause bottle rot. Which none of my kids have. I do check at night to make sure its not sitting in the mouth. Trust your instincts and do what works best for you. Sometimes its worth it for you to have piece of mind and sleep too!! GOOD LUCK!
Has he been back to the doctor? I just wonder if there's a throat or ear thing that's causing him to want to suck all the time? It does seem weird. Other than that, I think it's great that you're keeping fluids in him. RSV is dangerous because of dehydration (as I'm sure you know) - I know a couple of babies who have been hospitalized for it. I hope he's better soon. Meanwhile, try to get some help from somebody so you can get some sleep to catch up - it sounds like it's been a loooong stretch as nighttime caretaker.
Hi K.,
I am so sorry you are going through this. It is so hard to see your little one suffer!
Did your ped. tell you how long to keep away from the formula?
It is my experience that it is best to follow your instinct. It truly sounds your son is hungry and mad at you for putting him in bed with an hungry tummy.
When my kids are sick I tend to break the rules (like having them in bed with me, feed them in the middle of the night if that is what they want etc..) So far it was pretty easy to go back to the old routine as soon as they were better.
I hope you have some support and are able to take some naps during the day either when your son is sleeping or if someone else is able to come by for a little bit.
I wish you strength!
K.,
I am sorry to hear about your baby boy. I had to go through this twice. With both of my older children now they are 8 and 5. Has the doctors put you lil' one on oxegen or do you give him Nebulizer treatments?? This was my life saver!! I never had to stop feeding my children (breast or formula) during this time. Yes you want to make sure that they are also getting plenty of pedialite. You will go through so many diapers it will seem like you are buying out the company! With both of my girls when they had it I would place them in their beds or the bassenet and lay a sheet over the top of it and then place the Nebulizer treatment inside (hanging inside the bed). The doctor told me also that the baby needed to be elevated while sleeping because of the mucus and congestion.
Please get another opinion on this matter. When we found out that our second daughter had RSV it was when we took her to the ER at 3am because she was turning blue. So PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE this is a matter that is all about your baby!!! second opinion or even a third if you are not happy with what the doctors are saying or if you feel that your child is not doing any better.
I don't mean to scare you but you have to make sure your baby is well.
With the sleep thing. Let him have that bottle. (just make sure that he is not letting it drip in his mouth all night) And take turns with your husband of who gets up with the baby.
Good Luck and let us know how things turn out.
Hi K.- My now healthy 15 month old also had RSV as a 3 month old last winter. I was nursing but my Dr. never said to stop. I might want a second opinion in stopping the milk in a baby so young. I know with my other 3 older children that when there is mucus build up due to cold they say to stop the milk but in one so young to stop milk seems a little extreme to me. My son wasn't even on solids at 5.5 months. I am not saying your doctor is wrong but I still would check with someone else. I am sure the little guy must be hungry.
Good Luck]
B.
