Tis the season, How to nurse a baby who has a cold.

Oh, no the runny nose has started baby has a low fever, and his little eyes are all red. How do you continue to be successful nursing when baby can hardly breath! Here are my ideas for b making nursing the poor little snot nose baby.

1- You are the best thing for your baby. A mothers chest can detect if a baby needs to be cooled or warmed. Skin on skin (as long as you do not also have a fever) is a great way to help baby cool down.

2- Suction out the snot before starting a nursing session.  Use saline drops as directed.

3- Go slow and be patient.  If baby is congested they may unlatch ever few chugs to get a good breath. Give them lots of time to nurse and nursing frequently will both help them to get their fill. Remember baby reads your emotional cues so stay calm and don't get frustrated or baby will too.

4- Keep baby's head upward of their body while nursing. This might make you find some pretty weird nursing positions, but allowing mucus to drain instead of pool will help baby breath.

5- Depress the breast. Make sure that plenty of air can circulate around baby's nose. Gently press down on your breast under baby's nose to allow a little better air circulation. 

As long as baby's is producing a clear, or light yellow/green mucus. You are dealing with a cold. If baby begins to produce a bright green snot I urge you too see your doctor as this is often a sign of an infection. If baby's fever passes above 102 and or baby is acting lethargic or very differently call a doctor immediately.

When in doubt call a doctor.  Never use this blog as a medical cure site. This is a place for advice and conversation. 

A typical cold passes on its own in a week or two until then do your best to make baby comfortable and give them extra snuggles.