Lesson Learned

What I've learned about Olivia's recurrent battle with illness:

Ibuprofen does a better job at getting rid of the fever, but it upset her stomach more.

Tylenol doesn't do as good of a job at getting the fever (but it's okay), but she tolerates it more. She'll eat more when given tylenol than ibuprofen.

If you have to use ibuprofen alternate between it and tylenol to be safe.

Do NOT go to the Doctors office unless it's URGENT. She catches everything and I'm almost POSITIVE she's contracted sickness while there.

Day 1 is mild, Day 2 is worse. Day 3 & 4 are at the climax, and day 5&6&7 are recovery.

Baths are a Godsend and will help clean out all the mucus and help her breathe easier.

Humidifier is good for coughs, but don't use if she's got a temperature (it will make the room really hot---I need to get a cool mist humidifier).

Honey can help for a cough.

Vicks rub helps on chest and buttoms of feet.

Essential oils help with breathing (a tiny bit).

Wash hands constantly---after going to the store, the park, friends, the bathroom, before eating, etc.

Eat healthy foods and drink liquids.

Don't pressure feedings. If she's not hungry, don't fight it. (Ive been thrown up on)

If she's not eating, let her eat ANYTHING (even junk) It will help her regain energy and strength so that she CAN eat healthy again.

Say prayers, ask for prayers in her behalf.

Do not listen to others if they say "Its just allergies, it's a cold, or they are over it."

Do not get angry with others. (They don't understand).

Never judge another mom or their child's circumstances.

Kids get sick, it's just a part of life. *sigh* But please don't tell me this! I already am aware.

Snuggle lots--its okay to not get things done.<--I need to be better at this one.

Always carry clorox wipes and hand sanitizer when not at home for emergencies. Otherwise normal hand washing.

Vitamins help prevent. Any type of vitamin C is good. Acidophilus helps with her gut.

Excessive milk makes more mucus and causes constipation. Clear liquids are better!

A pacifier when dropped MUST be cleaned, and only used at night or naps.

 Benadryl helps for sleeping at night (if you get the okay from your Dr.)

Do NOT make her more upset then she already is... shell get herself worked up and throw up.

Throwing up doesn't always mean upset stomach (at least for Olivia).  90% of the time it's just been access mucus that she can't get rid of.  You'll know if it's a upset stomach by what comes up and the smell.