10month old frequent chest infections

[Lisab89]

Hello there, I'm writing this post wondering if anyone has been in the Same position as me and may have any advice ....

My 10 month old had bronchiolitis at 8 weeks, which caused him to stop breathing, he was on a ventilator for a week in the PICU. For the past 8months since then he has had constant chest infections/pneumonia and difficulty breathing. He is currently waiting to be seen By the respiratory team because his X-rays have showed his diaphram is higher on one side .

Anyway to get to the point, my son does not sleep! I have never let him learn how to self soothe because crying would leave him in such a state (wheezing/phlegmy/out of breath) so he only gets to sleep by breast feeding. He is waking every hour and spending every night in my bed. Does any one have any advice about teaching him how to sleep on his own without leaving him to cry? Thanks in advance

[newlands]

I am sorry I can't help but I wish you well

Take care

Dorothy

[Hidden]

Can you teach him to suck his thumb or maybe get a comfort blanket that has your smell on it bless you good luck Angie xxx

[mrsmummy]

Try sitting with your hand on him, patting him as he falls asleep. This worked for one of my little ones who always wanted to sleep in my arms.

[knitter]

My now adult daughter had a continual cough when she was a baby , and I found the gentle patting like Mrs mummy suggested helpful. Now babies must sleep on their backs so it has to be very gentle ...maybe a slight rocking movement.

Now 42 years later she has a ten month old of her own who sleeps little but has no cough. Instead of breastfeeding at night she was recommended to try sips of water , make sure the baby is not too hot or cold, and she does use a dummy or pacifier at night I don't know if that would be suitable for a snuffly baby though, who might have difficulty breathing . Does your son have a favourite soft toy, or a snuggly or blanket with a satin edge or secure label. They can help soothe .

I also used a wind up musical box as part of the bed time routine . But I remember she used to wake coughing regularly at 11 pm every night , but she had itchy eczema as well which disturbed her. Does your son have any allergies at all?

During the day her baby will only nap in the pram with a gentle rocking movement.

Have you asked your health visitor for advice , your GP or respiratory nurse....they can see your baby and assess his condition and needs . I know breathing and coughing gets more problematic at night for many people.

The first thing I would do is ask for professional help on Monday , hopefully they will help both you and your son sleep better.

The BLF and Asthma UK have helplines too.

Take care

[peege]

Ooo I do sympathise, it's so knackering. None of mine slept through the night for years and when small would drop off feeding. If I had my time over I'd try giving water in the night rather than sustenance & holding. I would have ensured they took to a bottle teat as well, for emergencies.

My 1st grandchild has asthma, so many infections plus antibiotics as a small baby, was awful. My daughter gave her infant drops of probiotic to help counteract the effects of all the antibiotics & boost her immune system.

I'd always recommend double checking your baby's prescribed meds. Once my same grandchild was prescribed an adults dose of Azithromycin which nearly ruined her gut. Was horrific. Anna kept her on probiotics for months afterwards.

A routine helps, bath, story, snuggle, put down with music. The patting or strokinghelps too. My son made a Spotify music list for his son.

None in my family could leave our babies to cry so. I do wish you both all the best for the future - never be shy of seeking help and support which is your right. Do look after yourself too. It must be very tough going for you.

P x