Okay, sorry, but I have ^another^ question re: breastfeeding my five week old baby

[Mossie]

He has had a cold for the last three days and has only fed about five or six times in a twenty four hour period for those days. He is also very sleepy. This isn't like him.

Waking him for a feed just leads to him opening his mouth not very wide and latching on only to my nipple.

He's had wet nappies and a few pooey ones.

What I want to know is, at what point do I get worried? Doctor's isn't open until Monday anyway... what do I do if it continues? Is this normal just for a cold or could it be something more?

[Chloe55]

My ds didn't feed great when he had a cold at such a young age - I guess it is because they find it hard to breath and suckle at the same time. I think providing he still has wet nappies then he must be getting enough milk for the short term. If it is just a cold there wont be much the gp could do anyway. I remember how worrying it is though. Hope he picks up soon.

[BandofMothers]

thats not a bad amount, are they fairly nice, long feeds?

[LIZS]

If he is lethargic, gets a temperature, seems dehydrated (ie colder, extremities with a purplish look, or isn't producing wet nappies), becomes sicky or is breathing raspily , sucking in under his ribs, get medical advice. They can suffer complications from a cold virus (Bronchiolitis is a very common one) and feeding little and often sometimes helps. Do you have a nasal aspirator and saline drops to help clear his nose (especially before a feed)and raise the head end of his cot. If you ahve a humidifier that may help too. Hopefully it should sort itself out in a day or two ,but if he is still like this on Monday see your gp.

[Mossie]

BoM they are very long feeds (although partly because he's not latching on so well) however today he has only had two - very long - feeds in the last ten hours, so I do get worried!

[BandofMothers]

If his feeds are long he's probably gettign loads of the filling hind milk so wont eat so soon afterwards. Don't worry too much. Just like us they probably don't want to eat as much when not well.
Similarly if he has lots of tiny short feeds he may be thirsty.

[shonaspurtle]

Keep an eye on him like LIZS says and maybe take him to the gp anyway on Monday if he's not better. My gp said they like to see young babies with bad colds just to be on the safe side.