10 week old congestion - am I worrying too much?

[JDLXNDR]

Hi all,

My DD has had a red nostril since around 2 weeks old and gets a blocked, stuffy nose most nights.

This is mostly upstairs when she’s in her next to me in our room. Unfortunately because of where we live I think our room does get dusty. Could this be the reason for her congestion? Or could it be something else? My DH doesn’t seem concerned about it and I’ve mentioned it twice to our paediatrician who also doesn’t think it is a cause for concern and recommended using saline and a syringe to clear my daughter’s nose. I have been doing this but it upsets her (and me!) She also suggested propping her up with a pillow at night which i’m not going to do as I’m terrified of SIDS.

I’m considering taking her back to the doctor because her nostril just continues to be red and I can’t stand to her congested. Am I worrying over something trivial?

I’m first time mum and I’ve been suffering with some post partum anxiety so perhaps this is making me worry more!

She also suggested propping her up with a pillow at night which i’m not going to do as I’m terrified of SIDS

I would have extreme doubts about any doctor that reccomends giving a 10 week old a pillow. You are right it's totally unsafe (due to suffocation risk, not SIDS). Are you outside the UK? You're right it's probably the dust.

You can raise one end of the next to me slightly though. There's info online about the safe level of incline.

Have you tried saline drops instead of spray? They are less horrible for the baby and you can sneak them in while they're sleeping

Have you had any support with the anxiety?

Thanks so much for your reply. I think my paediatrician is a little bit old school. I definitely won’t be using the pillow. I’m in Spain!

I will look into the incline thing. Thank you. I feel really guilty because I want my daughter to be healthy and I feel like she’s not when she’s blocked up.

No I haven’t had any professional support or anything with the anxiety. I’ve just spoken to my husband and my mum. Just you asking if I have support has me in tears. It’s definitely not as bad as it was though.

Thank you again!

Many babies have suffly noses, it's so normal. Are there any other symptoms? Do they seem mostly content? If so I wouldn't worry.

Your mental health is the more significant issue here. You deserve some support so that you can enjoy this rare and special and tough newborn phase. How was the birth? Are you breastfeeding?

I don't know about Spanish support but PANDAs UK offers support via whatsapp and email so you should be able to access that https://pandasfoundation.org.uk/what-is-pnd/resources/

No other symptoms, no. Just the nostril redness which I guess is from being snotty. The doctor checked her chest and everything as well. I just can’t help but worry about it as it’s been weeks! I also found a tiny bit of mould in her bedroom (my husband got rid of it) which she doesn’t sleep in but does change and have tummy time in and I’ve convinced myself it’s that.

I really want to move house but we live in an expensive area and it’s hard to find rentals at the moment.

Thank you, that’s really kind. All in all I’m loving being a mum and being with my daughter. I was lucky enough to have a lovely, calm birth experience. I am breastfeeding but she’s having 2 bottles a day as well as my supply can be low at certain points in the day.

I’ll look into pandas now as I can’t sleep!

Thank you so much.

Oh and the saline drops I’m going to look into. Definitely less traumatic than the syringe!

Thank you.