6wo ds has a cold, not feeding as well, should i pump?

[smk84]

hi, ds has quite a nasty cold and doesn't seem to be feeding as vigorously and for a shorter time. we have worked so hard to get this far and don't want my supply to dip, but i will find it really hard to find time to pump, but i will if i need to iyswim! any advice please ? thank you :)

to help clear the blocked nose, which will be affecting his feeding, you can try putting him in the bathroom when you have a shower; the steam will help to clear his nose.

You can also get room plug ins from Calpol which gently release vapours that help clear blocked noses, but not sure what age they are suitable from.

there's nasal sprays and nasal pumps available too, which i think are suitable for newborns, but best to check at the chemist when you go as to what will be most suitable.

WRT bf, you could pump if you want to, but depending on how much his feeding has dropped, it shouldn't take long for your supply to recover - 24-28 hours is typical.

How much is he feeding and how frequently? Are you still getting plenty of wet nappies?

thanks mystery, he is feeding about every 3 hours which is normal for him, but he did do a 5 hour stretch in the night when he norm does 4. he takes both sides for 10-15 mins each, which is a bit less time than usual, and he is quite sleepy (and he normally has a little top up before going to sleep but has just been dropping back off after the 2nd boob). his nappy in the night was drier than normal but there was wee in it (and it does tend to be his driest one in 24h), and since then nice and full. he is managing to stay on for feeds, but struggles a bit with breathing when let down first comes. i hope i am doing the right thing in letting him carry on feeding while bunged as am guessing that clever little babies would come off if they couldn't breathe properly ??

Yes, you are the right thing to keep feeding. Little and often may work best.

Keep feeding, pumping won't make a difference and the sucking motion of breastfeeding will be more effective at clearing the mucus anyway.

Carvol etc.. cannot be used under 3 months so just use saline drops or spray and a bulb nasal aspirator (or suck the mucus out yourself very gently) once the saline has softened it.

Try to feed him in a more upright position to help him drain the mucus whilst feeding.

Sounds like he is feeding well still. It could be that he is just getting enough to go longer at night and the slightly drier nappy could be because he hasn't fed as much. Little and often feeding good for colds as it keeps them hydrated and helps clear mucus regularly.

Keep an eye on his hydration see pinch test here plus other signs, if at all concerned take straight to GP.

thank you zhen