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18 mo with bad cold and can't nurse  

post #1 of 6
Thread Starter 
My 18 mo dd has a VERY bad cold and is very congested. She keeps trying to nurse but can't breathe, has to come off to take a breath, tries again, etc. She gives up after a few tries. She hasn't been able to have a "real" nursing for over 24 hours. I'm kind of uncomfortable (not a lot). I'm worried that she will wean. This is how my now 4.5 yo weaned when he was almost 3. Though, with him, I was pregnant and wanted him to stop and he was only nursing every few days.

Any suggestions? I just gave her a decongestant, which I never do. Should I pump?
post #2 of 6
Hello! I'm so sorry your DD is sick! It's so hard when they are so miserable and you feel like you can't do much!

It sounds like she wants to nurse but can't due to her stuffy nose. One thing that you can try, and to warn you ahead of time, she will not be at all happy about this - is some saline nasal spray. You can get it over the counter and it's totally safe - there is nothing in it that is addictive or anything like that. You'll want to squirt some of that up each nostril, then take your bulb syringe and suck it out. She will be very unhappy but this will really help unclog her nose so she can nurse.

You can also run a humidifier near her sleeping spot at night if your heat has been on and the house is dry... not sure if that's an issue where you live now but here in Michigan, homes can get quite dry in the winter. I've had some luck with vapor bath, if you want, or just a plain bath or shower will make some good steam and that will help too.

In the meantime, I'd go ahead and pump to your comfort - if she will take that in a cup for now, that would be great. You could pump as often as she would usually nurse.

From what you said, it sounds like she WANTS to nurse, but can't, and I think that's a good sign! It doesn't take much mucus to clog up a little nose, and I think once you get that resolved, she will be back to nursing again. Please do be careful with decongestants, if you are using them, make sure you check and double check the dosage for her age/weight so she isn't getting too much.
post #3 of 6
Breastmilk also works to clear up a stuffy nose a bit. She's probably not going to like being sprayed near the base of the nose but it shouldn't be too bad.

I wouldn't worry too much, she probably wishes she could comfort nurse more than get a good meal. When sick, they're not hungry. Just keep letting her try even if it means : take a sip, take a breath.

If you are uncomfortable, just pump a bit to make yourself feel better.
post #4 of 6
i second the saline nose spray, and the bm drops in the nose.
post #5 of 6
Thread Starter 
Thanks! I tried breastmilk in her nose, which she HATED and it made her cry so much that it didn't end up helping. I gave her a small bit of decongestant, which helped enough that she was able to nurse without gulping. And, she fell asleep, which is a HUGE bonus.

I am hoping that I won't need to give her more. We do the baths with eucalyptis (sp?) oi which helps for a bit. She nursed enough that I'm no longer uncomfortable.

I feel confident now that she won't wean.
post #6 of 6
my ds is the same his is from reflux but he 1/2 the time cant breath right before i feed him i give him the saline nose spray i also have a sorry dont know the name it is the natural vicks rub but it is a liquid on him and it really helps with his breathing enough for him to nurse hope this helps
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