Need advice for sick 7 month old

[Autumn]

I don't know how much advice my brother and sister in law will take from me, but I thought I'd ask for suggestions anyway.

My nephew is 7 months old. My sister in law breastfed until he was 6 months. Within 2 weeks of being weaned, he developed a bad cold, and then 2 ear infections. He has been ill for 5 WEEKS now. His ears are painful, he has tons of mucus, nose running all day long, runs a temp of up to 102 several times a week and has a hacking cough. He is lethargic and not eating as he normally does. (They now have him on formula, cereal, commercial baby fruit and veggies, and water. :mad: )

They have taken him to the doctor 2x, and the doc put him on baby Tylenol and 2 antibiotics.

(I didn't express this opinion to my bro and SIL, but the fact that this poor infant is on all these meds at 7 months makes me sick!)

Anyway, I thought of telling them to get him OFF the meds, the formula, the cereal and the commercial crap and give him pure fruit juices and homemade fruit and veggie "baby" food (made in a food processor). If I was there (I'm 1100 miles away), I'd make all the stuff myself and get it to them everyday, but since I'm so far away, that's not possible. Are there any mail order raw baby food companies? (Bro and SIL are rolling in it, so $ is no problem.)

Any suggestions, please? It breaks my heart to see him so ill and hear his little baby coughing over the phone.

[Sharon in Colorado]

Poor lil thing. Sounds like he definately needs to get back on the breast.

Do they not see the correlation?

If they are rollin in it maybe they could hire a wet nurse, or find a human milk bank??

I recall Victoria Boutnako writing about this very thing. Parents take baby off breast milk or give unnatural food, baby gets sick, parents give baby drugs.

[Autumn]

No, they don't see the correlation. Most SAD people think that sickness is normal, ya know? And periodic ear infections are just part of being a baby/child. *huge sigh*

Can you put a baby back on breast milk (through wet nurse or milk bank) once the baby is weaned? I didn't think of that. I guess my SIL wouldn't be able to start up again, right? (no baby, no knowledge)

[Sharon in Colorado]

Can you put a baby back on breast milk (through wet nurse or milk bank) once the baby is weaned? I didn't think of that. I guess my SIL wouldn't be able to start up again, right? (no baby, no knowledge)


I also heard it's been done with adopted children as stated above. Plus their using a bottle usually.

I produced milk long after I weaned, however everyone is different, plus the fact that your SIL probably feels "free" from it, and wouldn't want to go back, unless she was convinced it was the best way to go.

I weaned my 1st child at 1 year, my second child at 8 months and the third at about 6 months. The latter 2 were boys and it was such a challenging time nursing them, I tried all I could to go longer. With one there was an issue with my supply and with the other I felt like I was at war with the little guy the entire time.

Maybe she was having some real issues feeding him that way :confused:

[ljcoolj]

I still produced milk for a long time after weaning, I would venture to guess she could go right back to nursing...that is if she's willing.

[vegggeeemom]

For the ear infections I have heard (never had to use this on my kids--thank God), this works.

I have given this remedy to several people and they have used it on their kids and it works.

You take garlic oil capsules, puncture it and put it in the baby's ear.

I know that this is not raw, but Echinicea really works for colds. I gave that to my second son when he was very ill one winter and he was 5 months. I was not going to take him to the doctor and have them give him a bunch of meds.

I ordered all my products from natures sunshine and believe their products are as pure as can be.

His fever was at 102 and I was giving him the herbs and within 2 days he was all better, no more runny nose, no congestion, no fever.

But, not sure of what to do and have it be completely raw though.

Hope they listen to just a little of the adivse that you will give them.

Pam

[Autumn]

Thank you everyone for your advice. I emailed your suggestions to my brother and SIL. I didn't say I asked for advice for their baby, but rather told a white lie and said another woman asked for advice for her baby. Perhaps this will get them to at least consider the suggestions without feeling affronted or judged.

Thank you again. :)

[willow]

You might also have them consider looking into the fact that he may be allergic to dairy. The symptoms you described are all what you would find in milk allergies. I know ear infections is a huge indication of dairy allergies. Just a thought- they might want to check on it.

[sweetgoddess]

ack. Autumn,if you could talk them into getting baby off of those cereals--they are dreadful! Not only are they extremely processed, gmo, irritating mucous producing grains--they also contain whey.
Add that to formula and gracious. The poor infants body is going to be loaded with mucous.
Maybe when talking to them you could start with one thing to focus on, like the forumula. Offer them a replacement and tote the benefits. Then work on the cereal.

I have a friend with 3 children who are always sick. Asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections, throat infections....all the time. They are always on antibiotics and always sick. It breaks my heart. But, they do not want to change what they do. I have informed them in a variety of ways, but they feel milk and cheese and yoghurt are more important. I had to let it go, but wow its hard isnt it?

Hopefully, your loving interest and gentle suggestion will plant seeds of awareness for them that will grow over time.
Beautiful red head!