It’s the season for runny noses. And when you have a breastfeeding baby with a blocked nose, this can make breastfeeding difficult.

Why do babies have blocked noses?

Having a blocked nose is a defense system of the respiratory system. Excess mucus keeps the system moist and contains defense cells and substances that protect your baby from viruses and bacteria that could cause some infection. However, this defense mechanism has a flip side: when there is a lot of mucus because of an infection or cold, breathing through the nose can become difficult.

Babies usually breathe through their noses, allowing them to breathe and suckle in coordination. When breastfeeding babies’ noses are blocked, they have to pause to breathe, get tired, and sometimes, they don’t get as much milk as they might need.

How can I help my baby to breastfeed when the nose is blocked?

Breastfeeding a baby with a blocked nose can sometimes be a challenge.
When that happens, it may help to use upright breastfeeding positions:

• Biological nurturing position: half lying back and supported by pillows; you can place your baby lengthways on top of your body.

• Koala hold (upright) position: sit at an almost 90° angle, with your baby sitting on the same leg side as the breast you are feeding from.

• Modified cradle hold position: if you feel more comfortable with the cradle position, you can try to lower your baby’s bottom a little more than usual so that it is not fully stretched out.

• Lying on your side in bed: this is an interesting position for the night. If your bed can raise the headboard a little, it may be a good idea to do that so that your baby is also a little raised. If your baby is less than 3 months old, remember that it is not usually recommended to sleep with cushions to avoid accidents.

While your baby is feeding at the breast, especially if they are only weeks old, it may help if you do breast compressions as well. In this link, we explain how to do that. It will help your baby to get out a little more milk in less time, and therefore, babies will get a little less tired.

The feeding sessions will likely be much shorter, and you will have the feeling that your baby eats less than usual. Therefore, you can offer the breast more often. This will also help your baby to hydrate well, so the mucus in the nose will be more fluid.

Does the mucus have to be removed?

It is difficult to remove the mucus with a small baby. If your baby is really finding it difficult to breastfeed because of a blocked nose, it can sometimes help to put a few drops (3-4) of saline solution just at the entrance of the nostrils and then offer the breast.

If this is not enough, you can contact an infant respiratory physiotherapist to see if any other measures are needed.

When to see the doctor/pediatrician?

For babies less than 6 months of age, it is recommended to see a pediatrician if:

• The mucus does not allow the baby to breathe through the nose.
• They have a fever
• Their breathing is fast
• Breathing is difficult; they are wheezing, or you can hear whistling noises with each breath.
• If you have the feeling that your baby is getting tired because of breathing difficulties.

Check your breasts

Be alerted that one of the consequences of a baby with a blocked nose is that your breasts will suffer. During this time, they change the way they breastfeed. They may now breastfeed less or, by feeding more often, stimulate your milk supply even more. Check your breasts for lumps or blockages and sore or red areas after the feeds.

If they appear, try to empty your breasts. We show you how to do this at this link. If your baby does not want to feed more, you can drain your breasts with a breast pump or by hand. Applying cold to the area can also help. If it’s getting worse or does not go away within 24-48 hours, make sure you see your midwife or healthcare professional.