Breastfeeding A Sick Baby

Your breastfed baby sick? The best medicine you can give baby right now is breast milk. Breast Milk Will:

(1) Breast milk will create a protective lining on baby's stomach and heal the body faster, it contains antibodies that will help fight the infection or virus faster.
(2) Breast milk is easily digested, which is great, especially if baby has trouble keeping anything down. The easy digestion will also help to prevent tummy cramps (colic symptoms), which can make baby feel even more miserable. Nutrients and vitamins are therefore also digested faster.
(3) Breastfeeding is calming for baby. Everyone needs a little comfort when feeling sick. The oxytocin which is released while breastfeeding will help calm baby and give an overall feeling of well-being.
(4) Breast milk will hydrate baby, there is no need for other liquids, unless advised so by your "breastfeeding friendly" doctor.

A guide to go by:
(1) Nurse baby as often as possible and allow baby to comfort feed.

(2) Breastfeed often, but short periods at a time to prevent baby from spitting up.
(3) If baby refuses to breastfeed due to a sore ear or throat infection, it can sometimes help to use alternative feeding methods such as cup or finger feeding. This can also prevent nipple confusion if baby is under 6 weeks old. If you are using alternative feeding methods, you will need to pump to keep your milk supply up. Use a good hospital grade, electric, double action breast pump for best results.

How to clear a stuffy nose
Baby might have difficulty breastfeeding because of a stuffy nose, there are a few things you can do to clear baby's nose passages...
(1) Squirt some breast milk into baby's nose and use a nose syringe to suck it out (Do not place the syringe too far down baby's nasal passages.)
(2) Saline nasal drops can also be used instead of breast milk.
(3) If baby is in a reclined or upright position while breastfeeding, it can help to keep the nose open while nursing.

Make sure that baby does not become dehydrated:
What are the signs of dehydration in baby?
- Sunken eyes, Sunken fontanel, a reduction in the number of urine nappies, Abnormal sleepiness, Dry mouth, Dark urine, Dry lips and skin and/or Rapid breathing
By breastfeeding, you are openhandedly giving your baby a prized gift that will continue giving for the remainder of baby's life.

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