Under the Weather

My munchkin is sick. 

(Taken with my cell phone, hence the poor quality...I was a bit glued to the couch today!)

Every parent will tell you how heartbreaking it is when your baby is sick. Molly's had colds off and on throughout the winter months, and while yes, its been tough to see her not be 100% I haven't been wracked with anguish. It's winter and colds are to be expected. We've had our fair share of calls and visits to see the doctor, but overall her issues have been minor.

The drippy eyes however, started on Saturday. On Sunday she woke up with a cough. I didn't figure it was much more than what we've already been through this winter, until 1:30 this morning when she woke up and didn't go back to sleep. Her cry wasn't the normal, "hey I'm hungry" or "hey guys I'm just in a bad mood" cry, it was a "momma help me, I don't feel good" cry - the one that tugs so hard at your heartstrings that you yourself sit in the rocking chair with tears streaming down your own face because you know you can't make it better.

It was a long night. Finally the two of us ended up on the couch with her comfortable enough on my chest to sleep for an hour or so. A trip to the doctor this morning told us that we were experiencing our first ear infection.

For those of you with new little ones, here's what we learned from the doctor today:

• Ear infections often start with a common cold which gets worse quickly and clogs up everything, causing the bacteria to grow in the ear. 
• A sudden change in behavior such as a long fussy night, accompanied by a fever is often a sure sign of an ear infection.
• Babies over 6 months of age can have infant Motrin or Advil which is more effective than Tylenol in bringing down a fever.
• Since babies Molly's age still have yet to have several of their vaccinations, amoxicillian is often prescribed to help fight the bacteria. Older babies and kiddos (ages 3+ don't necessarily need the antibiotic as the ear infection will go away on it's own.
• Antibiotics can often wreak havoc on a child's digestive system. Using a powdered probiotic such as this can help prevent serious diarrhea, yeast infections, and thrust.

So, there's my Kristina M.D. lesson of the day. I'm quickly learning that Dr. Mom may be a very real term after all. Here's hoping my kiddo is back to her giggly, goofy self in just a few days.