ng while breastfeeding
- A few drops of saline solution (or breastmilk) placed in each of your baby’s nostrils, with a rubber suction bulb, will help clear his nose before breastfeeds
- A vaporiser or humidifier, used in the room where the baby sleeps, will help to clear your baby’s nose
- Some mothers find breastfeeding in a steamy bathroom also helps
- Carry your baby in an upright position (e.g. in a sling or carrier) before breastfeeds; this will help drain mucus from his nose
If your baby’s nasal congestion is so bad he cannot suck effectively, you might need to express, and feed him with a spoon or small cup.
Again, you might have been told to stop breastfeeding if your baby has a respiratory infection, because dairy products increase mucus production. Firstly, there is no evidence that milk increases mucus production (unless of course the person is sensitive to cows’ milk protein) and secondly, breastmilk is not a dairy product.
What If Your Baby Refuses To Breastfeed?
Your baby might refuse to breastfeed when sick, especially if his ears or throat hurts. If this happens, he will return to breastfeeding once he feels better, but meanwhile, it can be an extremely stressful experience. Keep trying to offer (not force) feeds often (e.g. hourly) and try different breastfeeding positions.
Here are some additional things to try if your baby is refusing to breastfeed:
- Feed him your expressed milk (e.g. from a small cup or spoon)
- For a baby older than 6 months who will eat solids but is refusing to breastfeed, you can express and add your breastmilk to the solids
Find out more information about breast refusal.
It can be a stressful time caring for a sick baby. Regardless of the reason your baby is unwell, it’s always important to seek medical advice. While he recovers, breastfeeding continues to be important, and can help him get better faster.