Breastmilk up the nose or saline?

[LisaG]

Hi mamas,

Dd is 6 months today - has a head cold, really congested, sneezy, watery eyes. Anyone ever squirted (or dripped) BM up the nose? Wondering about doing that or doing saline. She seems a little snottier today and I'd like to keep things draining and moving. Have done the steamy shower, but need to sit in it longer with her.

Can I just say whoever invented the cradle swing is my personal hero At least she's able to sleep at an incline and the movement helps when she gets restless. That and the hum of the electric tooth brush.

But poor baby. Can't wait for her to get back to her decongested self.

[sewaneecook]

I use breast milk. It does the same thing as the saline drops, but as an added benefit, it also has antibacterial properties (and it's free!).

[adoremybabe]

Originally Posted by sewaneecook

I use breast milk. It does the same thing as the saline drops, but as an added benefit, it also has antibacterial properties (and it's free!).

It's also the right temp!

It's all I ever use for a stuffy nose.

[jessica_s]

it also tastes better!

[Angelorum]

I use saline. I guess I should figure out how to hand express so I can try breastmilk. But the saline works, sometimes ds sneezes the congestion out on his own afterwards without having to go through the snot sucker torture.

[Blueone]

I put a small amount of vicks on each foot, then cover them with socks. I have a hard time getting breast milk up his nose, but then again I don't have much milk left and usually have to get the drop that's on my finger up the nose which is really hard. Even if I had lots of milk it would be hard to keep his head still.

[sunnygir1]

I haven't had any luck getting the breast milk up there...logistically challenging. I guess if I pumped and used an eyedropper I could do it.

I use saline, made with salt and a little soda to make if less uncomfortable. I squirt it in there with an eyedropper. I haven't suctioned yet...he keeps it clear enough to breastfeed.

[LisaG]

Thanks ladies - one less hassle right now if I can use BM vs. traipsing to the store for saline or mixing saline myself. Had her nurse a little bit and that got the milk flowing well enough to hand express a bit in a cup, then took an eye dropper, had her on my lap and with strategic aim and timing and good luck, up the nose it went