Could the stress of returning to work make baby sick?

So I was supposed to return to work tomorrow from maternity leave but baby girl woke up this morning with a fever of 103. She's 7 months and has never been sick before. We spent several hours at the doctor's office. They couldn't figure out a reason for her illness. Her flu test was negative (and she hasn't been around anyone who has been sick). Her doctor said it was probably viral but did additional tests which were all negative. We were sent home and told to just monitor and give her tylenol and motrin. The doctor said (possibly as a joke) that the baby was having a tantrum because she didn't want me to leave tomorrow. Other people have said this too. Could this be a real thing?😔 I have been stressed and dreading going back.😭 Could she have picked up on my stress and gotten sick?🥺 I don't think so but I don't know. I feel even more like crap for leaving her now. Didn't need any more mommy guilt. Anyway, I'm not going back tomorrow. We'll try again next Tuesday.

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What an awful joke! I’ve never heard about that before and I would have been pissed if the doctor told me something like that. My son started daycare at 7 months too and I think it was way more hard on me than him. He was his normal self but I was an emotional mess. I leaned on my sisters and mom friends for support. Btw, have you checked to see if the fever is related to teething?

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Wouldn’t it be low grade tho? I mean almost 104 is not something to be monitored. You need to know!

I was thinking it could be teething but the doctor said the fever was too high for that. Anyway, her comment made me feel guilty so now I feel guilty for leaving her and guilty for not going back to work when I said i would. 🤦🏿‍♀️🤷🏿‍♀️

Oh my god. First of all, I’m so sorry she is sick. No mom needs that added stress! Especially one who had to leave her baby. Second, if my doctor said that I would be finding a new doctor ASAP. Like I said, you’re already stressed. I asked my dad, who’s a doctor, and he said “no, fever is never physiological or mental. Never.” He also agreed that doctor has no bedside manner and he’d look elsewhere for a doctor who does. What’s going to happen if it’s ever really bad? Do you really want a doctor who can’t take it seriously? I’m just appalled, I’m sorry. And “just monitor” a 103 fever!? That... sounds dangerous. Did they not recommend anything? Of course, they should have recommended medicine for pain/to help baby sleep. My mom also used to place a cool (not cold) wash clothes on my forehead and replace it when it got too warm. (ALWAYS monitor baby with item on face; would only do while holding or sitting beside her and not while you are sleepy). A tantrum. Good grief. 🤦🏻‍♀️

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Thank you. This is very helpful! They never found a reason for the fever. They sent us home saying give her tylenol, motrin and lots of fluids. The fever appears to be gone now. It came back a few times at home and we gave her medication. She also developed some diarrhea. If the fever returns, I'll try the cool wash cloth. The timing of everything is just really odd and not having a reason for the temperature is scary. I felt like the pediatrician wasn't concerned enough about the cause. I don't want to just treat the symptoms I want to know what caused it. I should look into getting a new doctor. I'm also feeling guilty for not going back to work today which I know is silly. If I had gone today, I'd be worried about the baby and feeling like a horrible mom. I have to get my emotions under control. I'm a mess. Guilt all around.