The antibodies that are present in a mother’s breast milk are very beneficial to the baby’s immune system. It will be easily digested and it will speed up the baby’s recovery time. For new mothers, a sick baby can be very stressful. It raises all sorts of questions and it can sometimes be overwhelming with all the different information available on the Internet. Let’s just get one thing clear, when your baby is sick is when they need to breastfeed the most. The antibodies that are present in a mother’s breast milk are very beneficial to the baby’s immune system. It will be easily digested and it will speed up the baby’s recovery time. The more frequently you breastfeed them, the faster they will get better and the more their immune system will build up.

Tools and Things to Keep In Mind

There are different illnesses that the baby may have. If they are getting a cold, if they are congested, or if they have a stuffy nose you may have to take special precautions to ensure the baby is kept upright while feeding. This will prevent them from having difficulty breathing while feeding. You will also want to keep a rubber suction bulb handy in case the baby’s nose gets too stuffy and they cannot breathe. If possible, you should suction out their nose before they nurse. If you wait to do it afterward, they may end up spitting all the milk back out.

If your baby is constantly getting sick you may want to invest in a humidifier. This will help keep the air moist and allergen free. This will help ease the discomfort the baby may be feeling and the quiet hum it elicits may help the baby sleep easier. Make sure not to use any type of vapor rub on the baby. Although this is usually a comfort for older children and adults, it can lead to more breathing difficulty and even liver damage. If you don’t want to purchase a humidifier, try breastfeeding in a steamy bathroom. This will help ease the congestion of your baby and it will be warm and comforting for them.

My Baby Is Refusing To Nurse...What Do I Do?

Sometimes a baby will refuse to nurse. This is normal when they are having pain in their throat or ears. The key with this is to keep trying. Offer your baby to breastfeed about once every hour. You can also try various positions until you find one that they are comfortable with. You will know that your baby is getting better when they are more willing to breastfeed.

Your baby is going to sick every once in a while. The key is to handle it calmly. Don’t stop breastfeeding and don’t lose your patience. Remember, patience is key and with persistence (and your lovely breast milk antibodies) your baby will get well soon.