Downtime ... with Diarrhea

I'm not sure if this was purely a coincidence.

We don't really patronize McDonald's like how we used to and we would normally visit the outlet that has a play area. 

On two separate occasions this month alone, each time we returned from McD, our toddler would fall sick. 

The first time around was where she came down with flu, subsequently slight fever and cough ensued. 

Not long after, it was passed on to hubby and me.

On a second occasion, which was last weekend, our toddler suffered from diarrhea after visiting McD.

Day 1

On Sunday morning, I was surprised to find her diaper with loose stool (and it was full to the brim!). 

She didn't complain of tummy aches but just that she looked extremely uncomfortable. 

When evening came, as we were at my parents' house, her diaper leaked slightly as she was busy kicking around the football with her aunt and uncle.

I changed her diaper and noticed watery stool.

I consulted my best friend, Google, to look up for more information on the type of stool and it's treatment. 

It was apparently normal for toddlers to suffer from diarrhea and it would normally take 5 days or a couple of weeks (weeks!?!?!?!) to heal. 

However, if it is coupled with other symptoms ie headache, tummy ache, loss of appetite, fever, etc, it is advisable for parents to seek professional advise. 

Since our toddler looked normal and happy and was eating and drinking as per normal, I decided against bringing her to the clinic. 

Day 2

There were more watery stools throughout the day and our toddler was extremely co-operative to let me know when she passed motion.

As a mom, I was of course extremely worried, though I kept telling myself "This will pass" a few times. 

I kept making supplications to the Almighty to heal her, or maybe, just pass it on to me so she need not suffer. :(

I gave her fluids, breastfed her more, gave her bread, cereal and prepared porridge for her meals. 

Only on a few occasions she looked uncomfortable whilst holding her tummy. 

I applied Yu Yee oil on her tummy, calf and feet. 

Day 3

Her stools were still watery. 

We changed her diaper a few times today:

1st - after her morning shower

2nd - 2 hours later

3rd - when she woke up from her afternoon nap

4th - in the evening after her shower

On the fourth diaper change, this was the only time where I could see formed stools. This DID give me some form of relief (phew!).

Day 4

This is today. 

When I wanted to check her diaper, she told me "No, Ummi, don't have."

As I took off her diaper, I was extremely glad to see that there were NO watery stools! 

All she was trying to say was she didn't pass motion. :)

It's still 10 o'clock in the morning so I shall continue to monitor her situation. 

I have a feeling that she's on the road to recovery! 

I've read about "Toddler's Diarrhea" too, where it is normal for toddlers between 2 - 5 years of age. 

The kids would seem healthy, however, suffer from diarrhea and don't have other symptoms. 

It is still a puzzle for parents (and of course, worrying too!) as parents would tend to check on their toddler's diet, environment, etc to find the trigger. 

I've read online where a mom had to take a few days off work and alternate this with her husband as their toddler suffered from "Toddler's Diarrhea".

The day care centre has a policy of a "3-diaper change" and anything more, the child will be sent home. 

Once home, the child should not have any loose stool bowel movements for 24-hours, else, the child is not permitted to return to the day care centre. 

Wow, that's quite strict! 

However, I believe that they have a reason behind this too. 

Firstly, the caregivers already have other kids to tend to and they can't really focus on the one child. 

This child obviously needs special attention, in case it develops into something more serious. 

Secondly, they do not want it to be passed on to other kids. Yes, in the event the toddler or caregiver does not practice good hygiene, other kids may end up suffering from diarrhea too.

I'm thankful that I'm not working, else, I would be missing out on 3-days of work this week alone.

Not to mention a few days earlier this month when she fell sick with flu and fever!

I can only imagine the challenges which working moms have to endure whilst caring for their sick toddlers.

Obligations to their job and their child is one tough juggling act! 

Take care, moms out there!

May God bless you!