Holidays, BBQ’s, swimming, and kids saying “I’m bored” – just some of the joys of parenting during the summer. But for those battling Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG) during this period, it can be upsetting and frustrating.
HG, characterised by severe nausea, vomiting, dehydration, and fatigue, is physically and emotionally draining. Yet our desire to give our children great memories often overrides our own self care needs, and for HG sufferers, will often result in forgetting to take medication on time, not bathing due to exhaustion, and delaying hospital admission for IV fluids until a more “convenient time.”
To help you this Summer, we’ve put together our 10 top tips for coping with HG and still having an enjoyable summer with your children.
1. Thinking outside the box – or inside it in this case! Create themed activity boxes for your little ones to enjoy, it could include arts & crafts, colouring books, stickers, word searches, Lego, Play-Doh, or even some cuddly toys. Lift one out, and let them play! The new things in there will entertain them, even if it’s only for an hour or two, and can be easily packed away at the end of the day. Planning ahead with these quiet, simple, and minimal clean-up activities will give you some much needed rest.
2. Self-serving snacks – prepare a box of mum-approved snacks, and pre-filled water bottles, leaving it where they can help themselves during the day (you’ll thank us when you don’t have to get up to get them their 10th snack of the day before midday!) Prepare lunches for the week or ask a partner to make extras for you and the kids. Avoid overpowering smells, and keep windows shut if the neighbours BBQ is triggering your symptoms.
3. Ice ice baby – this one deserved to be a top tip on its own. Ice lollies are perfect to keep in the freezer or make your own. They’re a great treat for the kids, which will keep them cool in the heat, and if you can manage it, will help you get some much needed hydration.
4. Ask for practical support – batch cooking meals for the freezer is the perfect way to ensure the house still enjoys healthy meals, and reheating them should reduce preparation smells that can trigger symptoms. Task loved ones with creating the themed boxes mentioned earlier.
5. Childcare – ask and accept for childcare help from friends and family. Perhaps you have older children returning home for the summer that can help out. Or look into organised activities like summer camps for in person and virtual events.
6. Play dates – arrange a series of playdates with your children’s friends (away from your home to give you respite, or round at yours, where 2 adults can share the load.) Teamwork makes the dream work!
7. Picnic adventure – whether you have a garden and can play in the open air with a paddling pool, garden games, bubbles or pavement chalk, or use the lounge to build dens with duvets or lay out a teddy bears picnic, your kids will burn off some energy and keep moving. They don’t need to have jam packed days out to enjoy the summer holidays.
8. Screen time is useful in moderation and often a lifeline for people suffering with HG. Let your child(ren) choose a film and get snuggled under a blanket. You’ll get an opportunity to lie still in the dark for an hour or two, and they’ll love the at home cinema experience. Consider subscription streaming services, and explore educational platforms such as BBC Bitesize.
9. Communicate with your children about what you’re going through with HG, and how unwell you feel to bring them on the journey with you. Depending on their age, they might want to help nurse you better by bringing you a teddy and a blanket, or for older children, they might offer to do some washing up, or tidy and clean their rooms.
10. We saved possibly the most important one to last, which is to be kind to yourself. You may want to reduce time on social media to avoid comparing yourself to family and friends sharing photos of their summer holidays. But remember, you are battling a debilitating condition, alongside parenting, and everything else happening in your daily life. Celebrate the small wins, and know that your child(ren) will see how much effort you’re putting in for them, no matter what that looks like.
You can do this. There will be other non-HG summers to do all the things you mourn for this time, but with a bit of planning and support, your summer can be filled with memories and laughter.
And here at PSS HQ, our support doesn’t stop during the holidays. Our freephone helpline and other support services will continue to be available so please do reach out if you need us. You can call us on 0800 055 4361, or if you would prefer for us to get in touch via WhatsApp or email, please fill out our support team contact form here: Pregnancy Sickness Support – Requesting Support from PSS and a member of the team will be in touch.
