Sick Visit

We woke up today and Nicholas was very congested.  I wasn't sure if he had a cold or it was just newborn congestion.  He had a rough night sleeping and was nursing more often.  Today is Saturday and Mike went to work so I had to problem solve on my own.  The "snorting" got worse and nothing was coming out with the suction bulb.  I tried running the shower and having Nicholas breathe in the steam for thirty minutes.  It helped but only briefly.  I called the doctor's office and they suggested I bring him in.

His weight was 11 lbs 7.8 oz (!) and had a 99.4 rectal temperature (which isn't considered a temp--anything above 100.4 is concerning to them.)  His ears and lungs were clear.  Throat seemed fine and he wasn't coughing.  They suggested saline drops, humidifier and raising head of the mattress.  All of these suggestions have helped.  (Even now as I revise this post on 2/19/13 he is still congested from time to time and the saline drops work perfectly!  I mix a cup of water with 1/4 tsp of salt and do 1-2 drops per nostril.  It either loosens the mucous up so I can suction it out or causes him to sneeze and it comes out on its own.)

**Note: Some of these topics may be boring and/or TMI, but remember, THIS is the baby book!  Bear with me!!