My spotty little man

I haven't had it verified by a doctor, but it would seem that J has had Hand, Foot and Mouth disease (HFM) for the past week. All the symptoms match what the NHS website says (non-itchy rash, followed by blisters on feet and hands, unwell at first and off his food, ulcers in his mouth). The worst part for me was the sudden stop in breastfeeding. I do NOT recommend going cold turkey on that front to anyone! When infants want to stop they normally taper off - for good reason. He hasn't fed now since last Wednesday evening (when he fed at 6pm or so, but refused at bedtime).

I really want to carry on breastfeeding and am expressing to try and weather the current storm until his mouth feels ok (he keeps on trying to feed, but pulls away each time because (I think) it hurts with the ulcers). I have been shocked by how many people seem to think there's no "point" at this age and it's time to stop. Just to name a few of the reasons why I want to continue:

• it's lovely for both of us (a good time of closeness and connection - great at the end of the day when I've been at work away from him for so long)
• breastmilk has more "good things" for immunity during the second year of feeding (nature seems to know toddlers will come into contact with a wider world at this age)
• it's very useful for hospital appointments (eg just before the forthcoming MRI scan when you are allowed to breastfeed up to 1 hour before even though food is not allowed)
• it's convenient!
• it was a good part of our evening routine (we've already lost bathtime because of the cast and now the feeding is out too...)   

An example of J's spots (also to a lesser extent on legs and arms) - bit blurry, sorry!

 Can you see the blister on the middle toe? At one point there were lots on the toes, sole, fingers...

Fortunately, apart from the initial feeling of being unwell (when I didn't know he was ill, it just looked like he had a heat rash), he's been fine.