Feeding with a cold

[Deleted]

Ridley (8m) has a pretty bad cold and can't breathe out of her nose. She tries to eat but just gets frustrated and chokes and cries. She hasn't really eaten much in 3 days. I'm at least getting her to eat solids and drink plenty of water, but no breast milk.

I'm worried she's not getting enough calories. I only try to feed her sitting up since laying flat is worse, but it doesn't seem to help. What else can I do? I need to get her to eat so she can at least sleep better if nothing else. Poor girl is just a pitiful mess.

Also, I don't have a pump so that's out. TIA for any advice.

[jewel441]

Colds are super rough! Hugs. You can try snot suckering/wheezing LO right before nursing to try and clear some. Also taking LO with you in the shower or the bath and nursing in there. The steam can help them breath a little better.

[vvvvvfee]

have you tried saline spray + a snot-sucking device? LO won't like it but it will probably clear her out enough to nurse. or putting her in the bathroom while you run a really hot shower?

honestly, if she's drinking water and eating solids, i'd be way less worried about the calories and more worried about you getting uncomfortably engorged >> blocked ducts >> mastitis. maybe consider hand-expressing or getting an inexpensive manual pump? then LO could drink it out of an open cup and you'd be more comfortable, at least.

[Deleted]

I have a nose Frida that I've been using, but it doesn't open her up any, just gets the runny bits out of the way. I'll try the hot shower. I haven't tried that yet. Thanks.

[jewel441]

Jan 19, 2017 11:28:39 GMT -5 @led said:

I have a nose Frida that I've been using, but it doesn't open her up any, just gets the runny bits out of the way. I'll try the hot shower. I haven't tried that yet. Thanks.

Also different Pedis feel differently about this being but our pediatrician ok-ed a small dose of children's Benadryl if it's really bad after 6 months. It dries them up. I wouldn't make a regular thing out of it, and it will prob make LO very sleepy but it does dry them up.

[Deleted]

Jan 19, 2017 11:39:32 GMT -5 jewel441 said:

Jan 19, 2017 11:28:39 GMT -5 @led said:

I have a nose Frida that I've been using, but it doesn't open her up any, just gets the runny bits out of the way. I'll try the hot shower. I haven't tried that yet. Thanks.

Also different Pedis feel differently about this being but our pediatrician ok-ed a small dose of children's Benadryl if it's really bad after 6 months. It dries them up. I wouldn't make a regular thing out of it, and it will prob make LO very sleepy but it does dry them up.

I just sent an email to the Pedi asking. Thanks!