So here's the deal. My mom has a history of hurting herself / making herself sick for attention. Now she's out in California with my sister who is in the navy to "help" with the baby. The baby is now very ill and the doctors can't find anything wrong with him. He's losing weight, vomiting, and has severe diarrhea. There is no concrete proof that she is hurting him but it is very convenient that suddenly she is well and the baby is not. It's just a suspicion but I dont know what to ask the doctors to test him for? Any ideas? Who should my sister talk to about this? What happens if we accuse mom and it turns out that the baby really is genuinely ill? Please help!
2006-10-03 19:31:30 · 10 answers · asked by corrie 3 in Health ➔ Mental Health
1800 540 4000
child abuse hotline.
let a trained licensed social worker go check and find out.
and you can remain anonymous.
2006-10-03 19:41:36 · answer #1 · answered by anonymoususer987876 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Some kind of poisoning perhaps or any drugs in his system This is in fact a mental illess - known as Munchausen's Syndrome by Proxy - normally the parent would do this but I am sure others have escpecially when they have take on the role or responsibilites of the parent, etc.
Has your mother faked her own illnesses in the past - and believed them or caused symptoms that did not arise from any real disorder?
This would be a shame but if you really think this may be happening - you have to tell someone. Talk to someone - even to your mom directly escpecially if she has some kind of severe history - or even none - this does happen to people who have no past known mental illness. Tell them that your mom is very mentally ill and you want to make sure she is not doing anything to him to cause these symptoms - that you don't know or think that she would but that ever since it came into your mind - you have to know. I would just ask your mom - I would to see how she reacts - maybe ask her is there anything that you started doing since you were there that may be causing this - without directly accusing her - you can hint around that it may be something she has done, etc.
I really hope that she didn't do this - not that I hope the baby is really ill - it is just a lose lose situation here but you have to find out - talk to your mom.
2006-10-03 19:46:57 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
just the fact that you have a doubt and that its a baby we are talking about is enough reason to take some action. Firstly you can ask doctors to look for poisoning from domestic products like bleach, cleaners, disinfectants etc. Best place to check is the stomach to see what is being injested, better to avoid letting your mom feed the baby just to see if he improves. Your sister can talk about it with the doctors first, then approach child services, if you want to keep the cops out of this for now (till you know whats wrong for sure) then go in for one of those non profit organizations that handle specific child abuse cases. Then even if you accuse your mom and nothing comes out, not too much relationship damage is done, obviously if it does turn out to be her doing then the authorities will take the necessary measures. Main thing is to not let it go.
2006-10-03 19:44:37 · answer #3 · answered by noogney 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can talk to the baby's doctor directly about this. You'll have to divulge your mother's past self-harm, but there is a potential life at stake, so that takes precedence. I don't know about the laws in California, but in Canada, every one over the age of 18 is legally obligated to inform the police/ministry of children if they believe a child is being abused/endangered. Of course there's a chance that nothing is wrong, but if you don't do anything about this, you may regret it forever.
2006-10-03 19:38:26 · answer #4 · answered by penumbra13_77 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Have them test for excess sodium in the baby. They may have missed this. Other children have been harmed this way.
Do what you can to help the baby. Your mother may be angry at you, but if she is doing that, she is very ill and needs help herself.
2006-10-03 21:49:46 · answer #5 · answered by Patti C 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is a name for what you are describing. It's called Munchhausen by proxy. Every once in awhile you see some one go to court (typically a caucasian woman) charged with murder because of it. You would want to get in touch with the local Social Services department. The police should be able to get you in touch with them.
2006-10-03 19:36:12 · answer #6 · answered by dullorb 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Have you seen Sixth Sense? I say call the doctors and tell them your thoughts on it. Let them take the blame for pinning it on your mom.That way, if you are wrong, then she won't be uspet with you.
I pray everything turns out OK for your nephew, and that he is soon healthy once again.
And your family too.
Good luck Hon.
2006-10-03 19:40:30 · answer #7 · answered by Gothic Martha™ 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There might be a problem with the baby in the first place.
2006-10-03 19:37:19 · answer #8 · answered by megan 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your sister needs to talk to the baby's doctor.And maybe it's time for Mom to go home.
2006-10-03 19:43:51 · answer #9 · answered by jean 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Definitely say something.She might be suffering from Munchuaser(sp) Syndrome.
2006-10-03 19:35:55 · answer #10 · answered by willis_is_40 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋