Unless the baby is ill with a respiratory infection, sounds of nasal
stuffiness are often the result of microaspirations of milk up into the
nasal passage.  The debris is irritating and blocks the breathing during
feeding.  Try baby strength saline nose spray to clear before breathing.
Baby may be feeding for short episodes because he has to hold his breath a
lot.   This aspiration issues can result from a baby who has tone
problems -- perhaps slightly low tone in the soft palate and can't make a
good seal when swallowing.  This would permit aspiration into the nasal
pharynx.  Also, refluxing babies (and Laurie Wheeler also pointed out that
this could be part of the problem with Ingrid's baby) may aspirate between
feeds as material may come back up and be aspirating during an ascending
type of problem.  The weight of the baby doesn't seem out of bounds, but the
pattern of nursing reflects some distress.  Using extended feeding and
burping positions that avoid putting stress on the abdomen during and after
feeding might help.  Nursing in side lying -- esp. on the left side would be
comfortable.  If the baby is kept up-right after feeds make sure the baby is
well-supported and reclined at about a 45 degree angle so he is not slouched
over with the diaper waist band jamming into his tummy.

Barbara Wilson-Clay BSEd, IBCLC
Austin Lactation Associates
http://www.lactnews.com

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