3 week old with cold/blocked nose - struggling to breathe whilst feeding, anything I can do?

[DisenchantedPlusBump]

Shes getting very stressed

vaporub says from 1 year, calpol just to ease her isnt allowed either is it?

You can help her by sucking some of the snot out of her nose to clear it.
If you don't feel too grossed out by it, you can actually do this with your own mouth.
This has the added bonus of introducing her bugs to your own body. You will then produce antibodies that will get back to her in your milk and help her to fight the cold. (If you BF)

Otherwise, you can buy a small contraption which has a small nozzle to insert into her nostril and a tube for you to suck. This allows you to collect the snot without having to come into contact with it yourself.
It's actually rather easier and more effective than by mouth too.
Don't bother with the ones that have squeezy bulbs on them, sucking with your mouth is far more effective.

With regards to vaporub. As far as I know, the reason you can't use it on small babies is a skin issue. Apparently it can bring out a reaction due to its strength.
I'm not aware that it actually causes any problem for them to inhale it. Therefore, I have been putting a little on my own breast when my DS feeds. The vapours are released by the heat of my body, it's close to his nose and he doesn't have it on his own skin. It works quite well.
I also put it on a tissue or cloth in his cot for the same reason.

that situation is so frustrating for both of you. snot-suckers work fairly well - you can use saline drops to soften first. also, try a bit of steam inhalation - just take your DD into the room when you have a shower or bath.

Wow, thanks for that

will try it x

hey disenchanted, i was assuming you'd had your LO!! Do you remember me from the TTC threads?! Before you feed LO put the shower on and it will clear. I also have kept a bowl of boiling water beside my ds.