Hello world!

   Haven't updated my blog for almost a month as I had been so busy taking care of my little Moses, who is turning 15 months old this 4th of February, God willing.

   To start the year, I just want to share the above topic as for me it's very important for all Moms out there especially those who are still on extended breastfeeding just like me.

   Last 21st of December (Sunday), my baby suddenly had diarrhea in the morning which then followed by some vomiting in the afternoon (I remember it was three times in less than an hour), fever then came at night. I was so worried that for sure I can't sleep that night worrying of what it was, I asked my hubby to bring him to the doctor to somewhat ease our worries so we did. We went on the nearby hospital.

My happy, smiling little patient

   The doctor checked him and then told me nothing to worry as it might just a flu especially at this stage that he puts anything on his mouth and also that the cold weather is a factor, too. He then prescribed some medicines like paracetamol for fever, suppository for his vomiting and Smecta for diarrhea.

   Soon after two days he got better. But then on, it was followed by his big Sister having same symptoms. On her case, she was more into vomiting that whatever he eats or drinks, she easily vomits and also have watery diarrhea from time to time that we were so worried she will be dehydrated soon so we really watched over her and gave him liquids every time to replaced what she had lost. She had recovered in 3-4 days afterwards.

Both still found time to bond together despite being sick

   Surprisingly I also got the flu after my daughter. This flu is highly contagious as read on the internet so no wonder I was next. As I was into breastfeeding I was so worried as I don't have enough appetite to eat but I made sure that I was drinking somehow. I vomit once, some fever, around 5 times that I went into the toilet (also watery), chills, headaches and body aches especially on my back and lower back! It was so painful that I wanted to cry!

From WebMD here's I have read about gastroenteritis:

   When you have diarrhea and vomiting, you may say you have the "stomach flu." What it's really called is gastroenteritis. Although it may make you feel bad, it's an illness that has nothing to do really with flu. In gastroenteritis, your stomach and intestines are irritated and inflamed. The cause is typically a viral or bacterial infection.

Symptoms of Gastroenteritis

   With gastroenteritis, the main symptoms you probably have are watery diarrhea and vomiting. You might also have stomach pain, cramping,fever, nausea, and a headache.

   Children can get dehydrated quickly, so if your child has the stomach flu, it's important that you look for signs that he is very thirsty or has dry skin or a dry mouth. If you have a baby, look for fewer, drier diapers.

What Causes Gastroenteritis

There are many ways gastroenteritis can be spread:

Contact with someone who has the virus
Contaminated food or water
Unwashed hands after going to the bathroom or changing a diaper

The most common cause of gastroenteritis is a virus. Gastroenteritis flu can be caused by many different kinds of viruses. The main types are rotavirus and norovirus.   Even I was in pain, I did my best to continue breastfeeding my baby even I have a fever.

SOURCE:
WebMD - http://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/gastroenteritis

And according to Kelly Bonyata from Kellymom Parenting/Breastfeeding:

   "During any “ordinary” illness such as a cold, sore throat, flu, tummy bug, fever,mastitis, etc. you should continue to breastfeed. If mom has food poisoning, breastfeeding should continue. As long as the symptoms are confined to the gastrointestinal tract (vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps), breastfeeding should continue without interruption as there is no risk to the baby."

   "The best thing you can do for your baby when you are sick is to continue to breastfeed. When you have a contagious illness such as a cold, flu, or other mild virus, your baby was exposed to the illness before you even knew you were sick. Your milk will not transmit your illness to baby, but it does have antibodies in it that are specific to your illness (plus anything else you or baby have been exposed to) – they will help prevent baby from getting sick, or if he does get sick, he’ll probably not be as sick as you."

   And from Australian Breastfeeding Association's page:

   Breastfeeding protects against gastroenteritis

   "The support that breastmilk gives a baby’s immune system it not available to babies who are fed artificial milk. For this reason breastfed babies are four times less likely to develop diarrhea associated with gastroenteritis than artificially fed babies. If a breastfed baby does get gastroenteritis, the length is typically shorter and less severe than for an artificially fed baby."

   - This is true for breastfeeding babies as baby recovered really quick and his appetite for food had soon went back to normal.

   If a baby has gastroenteritis, it is important to keep breastfeeding

   Breastfeeding helps prevent gastroenteritis and also helps a baby to recover. Frequent breastfeeds will help ensure that any fluid lost from diarrhoea or vomiting will be replaced. The length of the breastfeeds is not important. Follow your baby’s lead and allow your baby to breastfeed as often and for as long as your baby wants. Breastmilk will also continue to provide baby with essential nutrients that are easy for a baby to absorb.

SOURCES: 

1. Kellymom - http://kellymom.com/bf/can-i-breastfeed/illness-surgery/mom-illness/

2. Australian Breastfeeding Association - https://www.breastfeeding.asn.au/bfinfo/breastfeeding-and-gastroenteritis

   Thanks be to God that all was well for all of us. By the way, next to me, their Dad got the flu, too. With the experiences we had with this sickness, I can say that it will lasts for 3 days or up to 5 days to fully recover. Hope this topic had somewhat helped to those breastfeeding moms who are presently on 

 "The best thing you can do for your baby when you are sick is to continue to breastfeed – it will help prevent your baby from getting sick, or if he does get sick, he will probably not be as sick as you."