Unfortunately, Pinky is sick during World Breastfeeding Week, but that doesn’t stop her from eating. In fact, Pinky needs her mother’s milk more than ever. She was fine all weekend and all day Monday, but after we got home from Grandma and Grandpa’s her nose was running like a faucet. It happened out of nowhere. She was acting normal, playing, laughing and throwing herself around in an attempt to crawl.
I’m sure we’ve all experienced a runny nose in which we have to drain every five minutes in order to breathe. Well, picture having to eat with that runny nose and not knowing how to blow your nose. That’s Pinky. I know she’s upset with me every time she sees the powder blue syringe in her peripheral vision, but it has to be done. This week has been quite the challenge for the both of us, but we’ve been getting through it. Here are a few valuable things I’ve decoded along the way.
- Breastfeed in any position your sick baby wants. This may be physically challenging but you must accommodate baby no matter what. She may want to sit upright while feeding or lie on your tummy while you lie on your back and drink from your breast like a straw. She may also move around several times until she finds the perfect position.
- Suction Often. I realize that babies do not like this action at all. I try to be as careful as possible, but sometimes I know it hurts her little nose. Applying a warm cloth or cotton ball over baby’s nose can help bring the mucous down, which makes for somewhat easy suctioning.
- Humidify. Use your humidifier whenever possible, especially at night. This will keep the air moist so baby can breath easy. In addition keep baby’s head as elevated as possible by placing a rolled up towel under her mattress or propping her up with an extra pillow as long as you’re there to supervise.
- Hug. Hold. Love. Babies need their Mommies. Mommies (and Daddies) are their ultimate medicine. Just hold them close, hug them often and tell them how much you love them and want them to feel better. Another thing they love, sleeping tummy to tummy.
This is the worst Pinky’s been sick and I just pray she gets well soon. It hurts me and Daddy so much to see my her in any pain.
Stay tuned to see how Pinky’s doing at http://thepinkyproject.com.