Em had the flu christmas night. So much vomitting that we had to take her to the hospitol and get an iv. That was monday night. Here it is a whole week later and I'm fighting her to eat and drink anything. She's 31/2 and I was wondering if this is something any of you have experienced before. I think it's partly phycological- she doesn't want to throw up again (I don't blame her- it was a long hard night) but, I'm not sure what's going on. Is she using her will or is there something wrong? Any help?

Our dd had some vomiting last night and today as well. I am just easing her into solid food - starting with pretzels and crackers. Does your daughter resist eating anything or just bigger meals? I know one time that dd was sick it took a while before she could eat larger meals but she did eat - just not much. KWIM? Have you tried offering things that she really likes to eat along with something healthy too?

thanks- yes she'll eat snacky thngs like goldfish and cheese but, other than that it's a battle to get her to eat fruit, yogert, or pb&j. She has a pbj meal everyday until now. she ate one a few days ago and won't anymore w/o being badgered. this morning I had to feed her her juice because you wouldn't drink more than a little. May be I just need to be more patient though. to hear that your dd was slow to recover gives me a sence of calm. I hope your dd gets well soon. . .I'm sorry to hear she's sick now=( -ren

It took along time for my son to get over his bout iwth vomiting and diarrhea. The ped said sometimes it can take a week to 10 or 12 days for their little stomachs to get over being raw and irritated from all of the upset.

I think my son was cracker king for several days before he even felt like eating or drinking much more than those and water. The peds also said it is okay for them to eat popsicles to help get some sugar into their system. I know that it is hard to see them not eat like they should, but a few days of letting them eat what they feel like eating will not hurt them too much...as long as you are makingsure they are still urinating okay and not getting dehyrated.

A word of warning though...when my son's appetite finally came back it came back with a vengence and he almost ate us and the sitter out of our homes!!

I think it definitely takes some time- that has been my experience. Try Jello, popsicles, crackers, mashed potatoes, applesauce- if you're concerned about getting nutrients in, you can put warm chicken broth in a cup or sippy cup.

My experience as well it takes time. After some bouts of the stomach flu years ago with my one son with a similiar experience to yours, it took quite a while, 2 weeks, until he was eating normally again. Just take her cues and let her eat what she wants its okay for now. When my son was feeling better, able to keep things down, they even suggested milk shakes because they were high in calories.

So sorry she had an experience like that, poor baby and poor mommy. Prayers she is feeling herself really soon.

you guys ROCK! I'm so, thankfor for the words of experience and prayers! It's just what I needed! I'm feeling much better and will relax on the kiddo- new experience for me and it's so nice to have a pool of support and experience to draw from- smooches to all=) -ren

Our DD was sick quite a while ago, and for a few weeks after she was sick, she would only eat a few bites here and there. Even now, she still refuses to eat some of the food she use to love, so you may be in for that too, but I just found other things that she likes, and she is now eating 3 regular meals and drinking about 3 sippies of milk a day. She's only 16 months, but went through the same thing. I hope your Dd goes back to eating what she liked before, it was a bit stressful to find foods that she likes again, but now we are in the all clear!!!

Amber

Ren, I also wanted to add that if your dd is anything like mine, she is a picky eater to begin with. That could be part of the reason she is not eating as well as you'd like. Also I remember either my child's pediatrition or nutritionalist said that a child's stomach is about the size of their fist. So that is a good rule of thumb to go by. Even when it seems like they are eating very little compared to our meals, it is enough for them. :wink:

And PB&J's are healthy!! :wink: Especially served on whole-wheat bread! :D

My ds is just getting over pnuemonia, and his doctor said he was avoiding solid foods bec his throat was very inflamed and that it was ok to give him Pediasure while we eased him back onto eating solid food with soft things and soup.
Maybe all the vomiting your dd has been thru has made eating painful like it was for my ds? I agree with the other moms that it takes time and to ease them back into eating with soft things or her favorite foods in much smaller than usual pieces so it doesn't scrape the throat on the way down. If she is not really eating at all, you can ask your dr. if a liquid supplement is ok, too.

Hoping your little girl eats a little more each day. My son's appetite is just starting to get back to normal.