Am I bad mum? I feel awful.

My 2 year old fell down our stairs today (top to bottom) and got off lightly with just a cut in her lip. I called 111 just to be sure as I was panicking due to the height and her age, but she has no injuries, not bumps, cuts a bruises and is totally normal within herself. 111 advised to go to a&e anyway to be checked. We got there not long after the call and it was SO busy. I'm also 7m pregnant and by myself tonight as husband is away for work (typical timing). No one in the waiting room offered me a seat. Despite all staring at me and 50% being men! Anyway, we waited about an hour and still hadn't even been triaged. Everyone around us was coughing and spluttering and throwing up. I ended up self discharging as my LG was getting tired and restless, it was chaos in the waiting area and I felt we were only there for precautionary measures rather than urgent. Like I say, she's totally normal and seems very happy and fine in herself. Am I bad for this? I feel SO GUILTY and the fact she's fallen down a whole flight of stairs then iv signed documents to say iv taken her out of hospital without being checked just makes me feel even worse, like I'm bad for it. If I genuinely thought she had hurt herself I would wait a week to be seen! But I'm absolutely certain she's fine. Is this just mum guilt or should I have stayed?

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Just pay attention to the signs. You not a bad mom accidents happens. My daughter first big injury she fell somehow to the wall and had a big gash and knot on her eyebrow. Don’t blame yourself. My daughter is rough and have many scars to prove it. Kids gonna have more accidents. If anything you really feeling call they’re doctor and get an appointment with them then the er.

you’re not bad for that at all. when we first moved into our house, our son who just turned 3 fell down the stairs, he started butt scooching down and forgot to move his legs and just moved his body forward and ended up rolling down roly poly style, we didn’t call 111, we just monitored him, gave him an ice pack for his head and lots of cuddles. i understand your panic and why you called 111 as a panicky parent but they’re very resilient these kids, and the thing with 111 is they don’t like to take things to chance with kids so the likelihood is if you call 111 for advice on an injury to a child under 5, they’ll send you to a&e even if it’s not entirely warranted just to be safe. things to look out for with falls and bumps is: being lethargic, difficulty staying awake, vomiting, fluid coming from ears/nose, problems with walking or balance or being knocked out/unconscious. by the sounds of things, she is absolutely fine! Xxx

Thanks both 💖 I can't help but feel guilty for not getting her seen. But then I felt guilty being there with a well child who has no injuries (that are known or visable anyway!) Taking up time when staff can be seeing sick children instead. I have her in my bed tonight as I'm alone so I can have a close eye on her, rather than her being in her own room with just the monitor on. I did say to them I would absolutely bring her back if I have any concerns but I do believe she's well and un injured (luckily!!) Xx

You’re not a bad mum. We had the same happen to our LO. She just tripped and fell down a whole flight of stairs. We didn’t call 111 - Same as mentioned above, with their age they do just send them in but realistically you would know if your child was seriously injured or hurt. You did the right thing going home and just monitoring her. She will be fine xxx

Just to advise, as you have “refused” (their terminology) medical treatment after seeking it for an accident and being advised to have her checked, the hospital may contact HV team/ local authority. They may reach out and ask a few questions. But just explain the above. Hope your daughter is ok and don’t feel guilty accidents happen x

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