5mo ds - we both have colds - bf going wrong

[Sunflower1985]

My ds and I have been struggling through with a nasty cold the past few days. He's mixed fed but I've been trying to bf as much as possible to help him through. Trouble is he's been a lot more fussy - pulling off and clawing at my breasts. They're now really sore and my supply feels way down.

He's been having 3 4oz formula feeds using an SNS but a few times coughed and thrown it all up. I don't know whether to then try and make up for it with bf, painful as it is, or add another formula feed.

Any help much appreciated

Poor you.

Have you tried running a hot shower and standing with baby in the room for 10 minutes? Also try keeping them more upright as they might be getting a bit congested lying down. If there's mucous down their throat that's probably not helping with the vomiting.

Another thought. Are you taking any over the counter cold remedies? If you are, make sure it hasn't got pseudo ephedrine in it. That can decrease supply.

I know it's tricky but try and relax.

Hi, my DS has had colds on and off since birth and did dip slightly with weight due to the fussy bf when he was congested. Saline spray and hot showers helped a lot to clear the congestion particularly in the night, well worth a try if not already. I wonder whether expressing may be less painful for you and then someone else could feed DS to give you a break and your breasts don't miss a feed? Good luck.

My supply dropped after a severe case of D&V and me going into hospital. I've been drinking nursing tea and I don't know if it's a placebo effect or what, but I honestly think it has helped. I also put LO to the boob as much as possible, despite pulling, I'd sometimes offer breast after bottle and let her comfort suckle too. Oh & my LO is mixed fed too. X