I understand exactly what you mean. Of the women who have had babies after going through treatment, however--so far so good, but it is too soon to know yet. And, remember, I am only treating a tiny tiny number of people compared to the whole IC population despite how large my practice is. So, my experience is only a slice of the big picture. Perhaps there are enormous numbers of women who have had children while being very symptomatic and those children are fine. I do think a person should consider these things before having children. Having children is tough enough-both being the parent and being the child.  My saddest case was a little girl who at the time was 4 years old who would sit in the corner of her bedroom in her rocking chair-just rocking back and forth bc her bladder and vagina hurt so bad. A little kid should not know about those things. But, she is so healthy now. She does not suffer in that way anymore. So, think about that too! She has a great life. 

It is really hard to keep sugar out of your children's diets, but we can all do our best. And, we can think twice before unnecessarily medicating our kids. That is a big big one. Our kids aredependent upon our knowledge and guidance. If you are aware, I am sure you will do all of the things that your kids need to be healthy:) 

EAch child is so different. I have seen kids lick up the worst tasting herbs while other have to be "focrced" a bit. A child can't understand what he or she needs. When kids are old enough to understand and won't comply, you explain, it is these yucky tasting herbs or we go to the hospital--something like that. It sounds terrible, but you have to say something that shakes them up so they will listen. Or you say, if you dont take these then we will have to take you to the doctor and he will have to give you shots that are not going to feel good, and the yucky taste only lasts a minute. YOu also need to have something on hand to chase it with. Fresh water might taste best, or maybe the child might prefer apple juice. Listen, you can even put a little agave nectar in the concoction if the child just wont do it. That will take the edge off the bitterness quite well. Pharmacists put sweet sugary syrups in children's medications all the time. It is not my preference, but if that is what you need to do to get the job done, then so be it. Another trick you can use for really little ones is put the herbs in some sweetened yoghurt or apple sauce, something thick and from the opposite side of their head sneak your finger inside their cheek to get it in their mouth--this is more for pre-toddlers/babies. Once a child sees the connection between feeling better and the yucky stuff they are taking, it does become easier. They have a more positive association. It IS hard, however. Not all children are alike. But, in my humble parental opinion, you have to use your intellectual skills to override their inability to grasp what is in their best interest--because however you get it in them, you are doing them a huge service for their greater good. I want to be clear though--don't torture the kid or be mean of course! Just use your skills as an adult to help them make a good choice for the,selves. And, as I said, in a baby, a child that is too young to reason with, sometime you do just have to sneak it in there. They will forget about the bad taste 2 minutes after it is over, especially when they feel better!