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Morgan Manages Mommyhood

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What to Know About Breastfeeding a Sick Baby

September 20, 2020 By Morgan Last Updated: November 27, 2020

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When breastfeeding a sick baby, there are a few things you need to know. Today we’re covering everything you need to know about nursing when your baby is sick!

image of a mom breastfeeding a sick baby

Although I am proud to report my older 2 kiddos never got sick seriously before they were done nursing, a cold or ear infection are almost expected with littles when cold season rolls around. 

We all know that some of the best uses for breast milk are the antioxidant properties that assist with keeping baby healthy. But it can still be nervewracking to nurse a sick baby!

How to breastfeed a sick baby

Thankfully, after three kiddos I’ve learned all of the hacks for nursing when your baby is sick! Keep reading for everything you need to know about breastfeeding a sick baby. 

Don’t forget out post on how to keep a baby from getting sick when mom is!

Don’t stop!!

Before we get any further, I want to urge you to not stop nursing your baby while she’s sick! She may be nursing less because being sick lower hunger. But that does NOT mean she’s weaning!

Your breastmilk adjusts to accomodate a sick baby and help them get over a cold faster. We do NOT want to miss out on that!

Pay attention to congestion. 

That being said, it can be tough to nurse a congested baby. Before feeding, use a nasal aspirator (I love the Nose Freida, even if it is kind of ick.) to clean nasal passages as well as you can. 

If it seems to be getting stuck, try a saline spray before using the boogie sucker. Some recommend using breastmilk in place of saline spray to reduce congestion. 

Nurse upright.

Attempt to keep your baby as upright as possible. This will help with congestion and may make it easier to a sick baby to breastfeed. 

Another option may be to lay on your back and nurse with your baby on top, tummy to tummy. 

Use a humidifier or boil a pot of water to keep air moist.

A small humidifier in baby’s room will release moisture in the air. This will also help with keeping congestions and stuffiness at bay and easier to use a nasal aspirator to get out the mucus. 

Make sure you grab a kid safe cool mist version in case a little touches it. We love this 3 in 1 night light and diffuser one.

Keep breastfeeding your sick baby!

Again – keep up breastfeeding while your little is sick. We need to keep them hydrated and packed with good stuff to help them recover. If they are refusing, try continuing to offer at least once an hour and different positions. 

If your baby is not having at least 2 wet diapers in 24 hours, call your pediatrician. Also, if your baby is under 2 months old and has a fever, immediately call your doctor. 

If you do it all and still end up with a sick little, check out my posts for how to deal with a sick baby!

Filed Under: Baby, Breastfeeding

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Hi! I’m Morgan!

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