3wk DS has cold, problems feeding

[WildhoodChunder]

We've had DS down to the doctors, he's got a virus and we've got to keep an eye on his temperature, breathing and feeding. He's got a stuffy nose and will latch on the breast and suck a few times but he then gets cross. Although he's feeding as frequently as usual, every 2-3 hours, he's not taking both breasts and is coming off without really getting started. I've been expressing after each attempted breastfeed and bottle-feeding the milk as he seems better able to manage the bottle. He's had two bottles previously, a few days apart just to introduce the idea, but today the last two feeds have mainly been bottles. Is this the best thing to be doing? I just want to make sure he's staying hydrated, also a bit worried about supply.

I used to dab a bit of olbas oil on my breast just to the side of where their noses would rest when feeding to try and help them breathe while they sucked. Don't put it near their where their eyes are though as it's a bit pungent for that. You can also try saline drops in his nose but they never seemed to be worth the aggro getting them in as far as I was concerned. Good luck, hope he gets better soon.

i would try to feed whichever way your little one will take fluid, hydation is the importnant one here not bottle or breast. hopefully will be feeling better in a few days n will breathe easier through the nose then u can resume your normal breast routine. maybe keep an eye on how many wet nappies there are to know hes hydrated ok..

Saline spray or drops in the nose can help clear it. Also put baby in a steamy room (maybe while you're having a shower) can help. Putting the cot on a slant so they're sleeping with head higher than feet helps them breathe easier. Hope he gets better soon

Thanks, I'll give some of those tips a go. He's weed on me twice this afternoon and his fontanelle's fine so I think he's getting enough in him. Hopefully he'll perk up in the next day or so, poor snuffly baby.

You could also try a nasal aspirator or maybe a room vapouriser.