When your little one comes down with a cold or a stomach bug, it can be a very stressful time. You might notice that your baby's typical feeding routine disappears almost overnight. Some babies become very sleepy and may need to be nudged to feed because they are exhausted from fighting off a virus. Other infants might do the exact opposite and demand to be at the breast constantly. This increased frequency is often called comfort nursing, but it serves a very important purpose beyond nutrition or comfort. Breast milk contains specific antibodies tailored to whatever germ your baby is currently fighting, so that extra time at the breast is actually providing them with a customized dose of medicine and much needed reassurance.
Navigating the Struggles of a Stuffy Nose
One of the biggest hurdles to breastfeeding a sick infant is nasal congestion. Because babies are primarily nose breathers, a stuffed-up nose makes it nearly impossible for them to maintain a seal while nursing. You may find that your baby latches on, takes a few swallows, and then pulls away crying or gasping for air. This can be very frustrating for both of you, often leading to a fussy baby who is hungry but unable to eat comfortably. It is important to remember that they aren't rejecting you or the milk; they are simply struggling to coordinate breathing and swallowing while their airways are blocked.
Creative Ways to Clear the Airways
To help your baby manage a feeding while congested, you can try to clear their nasal passages right before you sit down to nurse. One effective method is to turn your bathroom into a makeshift steam room. Turn the shower on high with the hottest water possible and sit in the bathroom with your baby for about ten to fifteen minutes. The warm, moist air helps to loosen the mucus deep in their sinuses. Another surprisingly effective remedy is using your own breast milk as a natural saline. You can use a small syringe to squirt a few drops of expressed breast milk directly up the baby's nose. Breast milk is non-irritating and contains anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce swelling in the nasal passages, making it easier for them to breathe during the subsequent feeding.
Preventing Dehydration and Hospital Visits
Breastfeeding is often the primary line of defense against dehydration, which is the leading reason infants end up in the emergency room during an illness. Even when a baby refuses solids or water, they will almost always continue to nurse. Breast milk is easily digested and contains the perfect balance of electrolytes and fluids. By offering unlimited access to the breast, you are ensuring that your baby receives small, frequent amounts of hydration that their body can handle even if they are feeling nauseous. In many cases, the ability to breastfeed through an illness is exactly what keeps a child out of the hospital, as it provides both the hydration and the caloric intake necessary to maintain their strength.
Optimal Positioning for a Sick Infant
Changing how you hold your baby can also make a significant difference in their ability to feed while they are feeling under the weather. Instead of using a traditional side-lying or cradle hold, try nursing your baby in a more upright position. Keeping their head elevated above their tummy can help prevent mucus from draining into the back of their throat, which reduces coughing fits during the let-down. You might try the koala hold, where the baby sits upright straddling your thigh, or simply prop yourself up with several pillows so the baby is at a steep incline. This vertical orientation can also be helpful if your baby has an ear infection, as it reduces the pressure in the middle ear that often makes the act of sucking painful.
Managing Your Own Well Being
While your focus is entirely on your little one, make sure to keep yourself hydrated and nourished as well. Your body is working overtime to produce milk that is rich in the specific leukocytes and immunoglobulins your baby needs to recover. If you catch the same bug, do not stop nursing. Continuing to breastfeed while you are sick is the best way to protect your baby, as your body will pass along the antibodies it is making for your own recovery directly into your milk. Be prepared for a few days of very little sleep and prioritize rest whenever the baby finally settles down. Trust in your body's ability to provide exactly what your child needs to get back to their happy, healthy self.
