Surviving Your Baby's Illnesses
Clear your calendar and put away the “to do” list. If you work, call in sick. Given the amount of sleep you're probably getting, this won't be a lie.
Your baby will want to be held most of the time. When she actually does fall asleep somewhere other than your arms, you'll need to lie down yourself and rest. You'll be getting a lot less sleep at night when your baby is sick, and will probably be fighting a bug yourself.
Use Your Energy Wisely
Don't clean, don't cook, and don't do laundry (except for anything that's been pooped or thrown up upon). Expect your baby to regress a stage. A baby who has been eating solids may only want to nurse; a baby who gave up her bottle for a cup a month ago may want her bottle again. Don't fight it — let her have what she wants now.
Your baby may wake several times a night, and will sometimes stay awake for hours. Don't pace the floor in the dark, bored and frustrated that you can't put her down and go back to sleep yourself. Discover late-night television. Find a trashy show that strikes your exhausted mind as funny (infomercials can be entertaining). Or make a nest of towels on the floor and lie down with your baby. This way, your bed won't get covered by snot or vomit, and maybe you'll both get some sleep.
When your baby is sick and you feel sleep-deprived: use the telephone. Call your mother, and cry to her. Call a far-away friend and complain to her about how hard it all is. Call your nearby friends and tell them how miserable you are (maybe some of them will offer to drop off a meal).
Remember: even though your baby is up all night crying, every sheet and blanket in the house needs a good washing, and the only thing that calms her is you walking up and down the hall — this will pass and you will sleep again.
