I used to be relatively healthy… then I became a mother.
Sure I would get the occasional cold, but only once or twice a year. When I was pregnant with my son I spent many hours worrying about him getting sick. It seems so obvious in hindsight, but I never thought I would be battling with constant illnesses as well. Even if he got sick, I assumed I would remain healthy because my immune system is more developed than his. I was wrong!
Since my son arrived less than a year ago, I’ve had strep throat, pink eye, gastroenteritis, a stubborn cough that lasted weeks, and numerous viral upper respiratory infections including one where I lost my voice and one where I developed ulcers on the back of my throat. I’ve consumed more Emergen-C in the past year than I have my entire life. I may not be painting the prettiest picture of motherhood, but it’s all worth it when I look into those baby blues!
I’m a working mother so my son spends the majority of his days at daycare with 8 other children. Even though I like my son’s daycare and think they do a good job, he is unfortunately exposed to all kinds of viruses and bacteria which he brings home to share. It’s the nature of the beast. Honestly I try not to think about it because I’ve battled A LOT with mom guilt. My husband thinks I’m crazy when I say things like “It’s my fault he’s sick because I’m working. If I stayed at home with him he would be healthy.” Now rationally I know that babies get sick regardless if their mothers work or stay home, but I can’t help but feel guilty. It’s part of who I am.
While I can only do so much to suppress my mom guilt, there are certain steps I can take to decrease my chance of catching the bugs my son brings home. Unfortunately these are not foolproof as evidenced by my recurrent illnesses, but they give me the best fighting chance.
Tips For Staying Healthy While Caring For A Sick Child:
Wash your hands with soap and water. I realize you’ve heard this a million times, but that’s because it works! Frequent hand-washing is the most crucial step to avoid getting sick. Be sure to scrub all areas of your hands for at least 20 seconds, including in between your fingers and underneath your nails.
If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers quickly reduce the number of microorganisms on your hands, but they don’t eliminate all types of germs. Also, hand sanitizers are not as effective as soap and water when your hands are visibly dirty.
Make a conscious effort to stop touching your face. We touch our faces much more often than we realize. Germs usually enter the body through our nose, eyes, and mouth.
Disinfect toys and surfaces your sick child has touched. This can be time-consuming, but will help prevent germs from spreading. Don’t forget about doorknobs, faucets, tables, handrails, remote controls, phones and tablets, toilet seat covers and handles, etc.
Get as much rest as you can. Ideally this is 7-8 hours a night, but we both know that’s not likely to happen when you have a sick child. If you have family you trust, ask them to stay the night occasionally to watch your little one while you catch up on sleep. Or alternate night duty with your spouse if possible.
Eat plenty of whole fruits and vegetables. Eat a colorful variety to ensure you’re getting a broad range of nutrients to keep your immune system strong.
Limit close contact with your sick child. I admit I’m not the best at this one. All I want to do is snuggle with my son when he doesn’t feel well, but I know I’m putting myself at risk. Sometimes I don’t care and do it anyway, and then I kick myself later when I get sick.
If your child is old enough, teach them to cover their mouth and nose when they cough or sneeze. Either use a tissue and immediately throw it away, or teach them to cough or sneeze into their upper sleeve or elbow – NOT their hands.
Again, wash your hands! Hand-washing is so essential I had to mention it twice.
May your immune system be as strong as the love for your child!
