[mgm78]

It's that time of the year for colds and illnesses, which can be challenging for nursing babies. Any tips or hints for new moms?


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I know that DD likes to comfort nurse while sick, but sometimes is too stuffy to nurse and gets frustrated. A nasal aspirator can help, as does a warm bath. Also, I use a Vicks Vaporizer at night and it really opens her up. Also, a little expressed breastmilk in the nose can break up congestion.

[angelsailor288]

Good to know, thank you!

[miamor]

thanks for the tips...i had to buy a vaporizer a couple months back because once we kicked the heater on, carlos got super congested for about a week. now we're running a humidifier too.

[nilla]

Originally Posted by mgm78

Also, a little expressed breastmilk in the nose can break up congestion.

Ha, that's awesome to know! Breastmilk is beyond amazing.

[Zoostergirl]

Just don't look at the snot strands connecting the two of you.

[JustLiz]

We use the snot-sucker...I mean nasal aspirator...very frequently in our house. Sometimes I use it right before nursing because a) then he can nurse without getting frustrated and b) snot-sucking always makes him upset and nursing calms him down afterwards.

Stuffy noses are the worst! Des's last for 3+ weeks each time it seems. >

[lunarmagic]

I usually would nurse Kate laying down, but when she's really congested she does better laying next to me with her head on my arm. It's a little awkward to nurse that way, but it definitely helps her breathe while nursing.

Another thing I didn't really know for a long while: if baby gets sick, yeah you'll probably get it too. But if you get sick first and baby doesn't contract it directly, there's a good chance they will avoid getting it because of the antibodies your body is putting into the milk.