Infant care, 3rd HFMD and SAHM nightmares 🐦⬛
I don’t know if I’m lucky or unlucky but I’m usually the one stuck with my baby for every HFMD episode. It’s easily 5 days and up of staying at home while the rest of my life is put on hold.
She attended infant care at 3 months old and now she is 15 months old. We went through 3 HFMD from school and every time the symptoms are slightly different. This time it’s pretty intense as every symptom we saw was spot on.
Before the most recent HFMD, she just recovered from a high fever, runny nose and cough. So it was very easy to differentiate between a fever relapse or something new.
I’m just tired mentally and physically because while she was down with her previous fever both my husband and I were also sick, we had viral infection probably from her and by the time we visit the doctor we are both prescribed antibiotics and a lot of other medicine.
Now that we are slightly better, she’s sick again from school and we have the worst sleep and health ever because we are also at the risk of contracting HFMD. It’s very hard to avoid contact as she would drool everywhere because she’s in pain to swallow. She would want to be held constantly because she wants to be comforted.
As a SAHM, I feel like I’m never 100% healthy. I just hope this phase would be over soon. I just want her to be healthy so I can be healthy too.
Dealing with Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) multiple times in a toddler is a daunting experience that takes a toll on the entire family. From my own journey, I can attest that when your little one catches HFMD repeatedly, it feels like an endless cycle of worry, sleepless nights, and constant care. HFMD often starts with a high fever, as I saw with my child, followed by painful sores that make swallowing tough and lead to excessive drooling. The intensity can vary with each episode, and after the initial fever and respiratory symptoms like runny nose or cough, it’s important to monitor for new signs rather than assume a fever relapse. This can help you decide when to seek medical advice promptly. As a stay-at-home mom (SAHM), I found that the emotional and physical exhaustion builds up because you’re the frontline caregiver and often catch the infections yourself. Since HFMD spreads easily, especially in infant care or daycare settings, maintaining hygiene is critical but difficult when toddlers need constant comfort and closeness due to pain. One practical approach I discovered was creating a quiet, cozy space with soft toys and fluids nearby to keep my child calm and hydrated. Frequent hand washing and disinfecting toys and surfaces helped reduce the risk of spreading the virus within our home. Also, finding moments to rest when your child naps is crucial for maintaining your own health. Communicating openly with your pediatrician about symptom changes, like worsening fever or dehydration signs, is vital. They can guide on when medical interventions are needed beyond supportive care. Importantly, keeping a symptom diary during each bout helped me differentiate between HFMD and other viral infections. This phase, though challenging, eventually passes. Taking small steps each day to balance caring for your sick toddler while protecting your own health is key. Remember, seeking support from other parents or online communities experiencing similar hardships can provide emotional relief and practical advice. In summary, repeated HFMD episodes require patience, vigilance, and a lot of love. For SAHMs like me, it’s about surviving the tough days while hoping and working towards that moment when both you and your child regain full health and normalcy.
I feel this so much! My son got his first HFMD at 11 months :( he was hospitalized due to dehydration because he couldn’t down anything from his throat ulcers.. and im working, its very scary to take long leave at work. You just dont know when you’ll be let go of 💔