Baby born @ 36+6 and very mucusy

[Lizzy86]

Still in hospital with baby

He won't latch on to breast but is taking colostrum through syringe and a little artificial feed to bulk him up.

He sleeps a lot but is constantly windy and has a lot of mucus. He was born at 1.38am on 9th April. What's so scary is yesterday whilst he was sleeping on his back he struggled to bring up the sick/mucus and basically went blue. I quickly picked up up and tried everything to help him out but midwife had to takeover. I feel useless and worried all the time about this now.

Any advice, similar concerns?

No experience, but I didn't want to read and run

At 36w, his lungs will be a little immature - I think the mucousy stuff is called surfactant? The babie's lungs are full of it as they don't actually need to use their lungs until they're born. Their lungs are usually mature 'enough' by 38w gestation, so your little man isn't far off the mark.

You're in the safest place. You're together and between you and the medical attention he is having, I bet he'll be breathing a-okay soon x

Congratulations and best wishes to you

Congratulations Lizzy!

DS wasn't as early as that but he was also quite mucousy. Nurse put a rolled up towel under his mattress (head side) so it was easier for him to breathe. I don't know if it's good advice, ask midwife/nurse there, it did seem to help a bit though.

Good luck with Breastfeeding too, is there someone there helping you?

My first baby was like that, albeit born post dates.

It took a good couple of days for the mucous to clear, and to latch on. We did syringe feeding and formula top ups too.

It did work out fine though - just keep persevering with the breast and the mucous will sort itself out.

Good luck with bub!