This is the second day that Audrey has had a high fever.  She has been averaging 103 degrees farenheit.  I have been holding off on giving fever reducers and letting the fever simply run its course.  This is something I would have never done with my first child, Alex. 

With Alex I did not trust myself as a mother.  I was never told that I should or could trust myself as a mother.  At the first sign of fever I would quickly give him a dose of fever reducer. Then, I hate to admit this, call the doctor and make an appointment.  It wasn’t until his allergic reaction (you can read about that here) when I realized that I know my children best and in most cases am quite capable of taking care of all of their needs, medical needs included.

My second child, Ava, never really had fevers so I never struggled with to treat or not to treat.

Back to Audrey.  I can tell you specifically when she got sick.  Four days ago we were playing at the park.

Audrey playing at the park

There was a little boy following my kids around coughing while sporting a very snotty nose.  He was very sweet but also very sick.  I knew that one of my kids were destined to get sick from this boy, who in my opinion should not have been at the park.  Late the next afternoon Ava and Audrey had fevers around 100 degrees F.  That night Ava fell asleep with no worries.  At 9:00 PM Audrey woke up on fire.  She has maintained a fever averaging 103 degrees F. 

Ava woke up in the morning with no fever.  I let Audrey’s fever run it’s course through the night and the following morning.

The next afternoon I had a moment of weakness when her fever spiked to 104.4 F.   I called our pediatrician.  I had an irrational worry of meningitis.  Honestly, I think I simply needed some sort of reassurance.  Well, I called the wrong place for that.   They let me know that I should most certainly be giving her Motrin and  Tylenol on rotation and should bring her in so they could check her ears.   I kindly let Patty, the nurse, know that even if she did have an ear infection I would not be placing Audrey on antibiotic so I felt it was very unnecessary to bring her in.  The call was rather pointless and I am sure that Patty wondered why I even called but, here is the clincher, I hung up and gave Audrey a dose of Motrin.  Yep, I did it and she felt better….for about 3 hours.  After those 3 hours the fever went right back up.  I have not given her any medicine since.

She has no interest in eating or drinking from a sippy cup.  She is nursing almost constantly and I allow her to.    She is having very wet diapers throughout the day showing that she is not dehydrated.  Reassurance came when a friend  gave me a simple natural tip for easing a fever.  Audrey finds this very soothing and it is so very simple.  Simply soak a washcloth in cool water mixed with  apple cider vinegar and put on the baby.  Audrey loves it, she will  hold the cloth on her head, it is apparent that she enjoys it.  

I know that I am meeting her needs by wearing/caring her all day, breastfeeding on demand, and co-sleeping.   She is not crying or complaining.  She is very content in my arms. 

Sweet Snotty Audrey

Reading a book to Ava with Audrey asleep on me

I  feel that a fever serves a purpose.  Audrey’s  fever is fighting an infection that has invaded her sweet little body.  I read a great post ‘Fever is your friend’  and it really reassured me.  Please know that I am not a doctor and don’t recommend any treatment for anyone else’s child.  I use the doctor when I feel that it is necessary.  In this situation I felt that visiting the doctor was quite simply not necessary.  I am very happy that I have empowered myself, the mama in me, and know that I am capable of making the best decisions for my babies.

I will say that even though Audrey is obviously quite sick she is very calm and content.  She is and will be okay.  I am her mama and I know what is best for her.