Is it normal for a newborn to cough when breastfeeding?

Understanding Coughing in Newborns During Breastfeeding
Coughing in newborns, particularly during breastfeeding, can be a source of concern for many new parents. While it may seem alarming, it is not uncommon for infants to cough while nursing. This phenomenon can be attributed to several factors, most of which are generally benign.
Common Causes of Coughing While Breastfeeding
One of the primary reasons a newborn might cough during breastfeeding is related to the let-down reflex. This reflex, which is triggered by the hormone oxytocin, causes milk to be released from the breast. In some cases, this let-down can be quite forceful, leading to a rapid flow of milk that can overwhelm the baby. When faced with a fast let-down, infants may gulp or choke, resulting in coughing as they try to manage the flow of milk.
Additionally, if a mother has an oversupply of milk, it can exacerbate this issue. An oversupply can lead to a situation where the baby struggles to keep up with the flow, causing them to cough or gag as they attempt to swallow.
When to Be Concerned
While occasional coughing during breastfeeding can be normal, there are instances when it may indicate a more serious issue. If the coughing is persistent or accompanied by other symptoms such as difficulty breathing, wheezing, or a change in feeding patterns, it may be time to consult a pediatrician. Conditions such as acid reflux, allergies, or respiratory infections could be at play.
Parents should also be vigilant if the cough lasts more than a few days without improvement. In such cases, a healthcare provider can help determine if there is an underlying condition that needs to be addressed.
Conclusion
In summary, while coughing during breastfeeding can be a normal occurrence due to factors like a forceful let-down or oversupply of milk, it is essential for parents to monitor their newborn’s overall health. If there are any concerns about the frequency or severity of the cough, seeking medical advice is always a prudent step. Understanding these dynamics can help ease the worries of new parents and ensure that both mother and baby have a positive breastfeeding experience.

Why does my newborn cough while breastfeeding?

Make sure your breasts are not engorged or over-full.
If your baby is pulling off and gagging or coughing during feeding, sit your baby up in a seated burp position. Gently pat your baby’s back to help your little one calm down before you continue feeding.

Is it normal for a newborn to cough after drinking milk?

If your baby has an immediated cough after feeding then CMPA might be suspected. However, babies with CMPA usually experience more than just one symptom and these symptoms can be very different from one baby to the next. Therefore it is always best to discuss it with your baby’s healthcare provider.

How to know if a breastfed baby has a dairy allergy?

Common symptoms may include:

• Hives.
• Swelling under the skin, especially around the eyes or mouth.
• Swelling of the tongue or throat.
• Wheezing or respiratory distress.
• Low blood pressure (hypotension)
• Vomiting.

Why is my infant coughing and gagging after feeding?

Signs and symptoms of reflux in babies
spitting up milk during or after feeds – this may happen several times a day. difficulty feeding – such as refusing feeds, gagging or choking. persistent hiccups or coughing. excessive crying, or crying while feeding.

Why do babies cough after breastfeeding?

This is because food can back up from your baby’s stomach and cause them to spit up. Coughing is one of the main symptoms of reflux in infants and young children. Pay attention to when you notice your child’s coughing spells. If they occur near or right after feedings, reflux could be the cause of your baby’s cough.

How do I know if my breastmilk is upsetting my baby’s stomach?

If symptoms occur such as fussiness, irritability, crying, gas, increased spitting up and/or drawing their legs up due to tummy pain, write down everything you ate that day. This lets you carefully look at your diet instead of getting rid of foods that may not be the cause of your baby’s distress.

Why does my baby cough while feeding bottles?

Your baby often chokes while drinking
If the nipple you are using flows too quickly and your baby has too much milk in her mouth, she may choke (i.e., she swallows noisily, coughs and spits up a little milk).

How to tell if a newborn is allergic to breast milk?

Symptoms of dairy allergy in breastfed babies
Some of the most common symptoms of an allergic reaction include: Hives or skin rash. Nausea or vomiting. Abdominal pain.

Do newborns cough when feeding?

Check if your baby has reflux
Reflux usually starts before a baby is 8 weeks old and gets better by the time they’re 1. Symptoms of reflux in babies include: bringing up milk or being sick during or shortly after feeding. coughing or hiccupping when feeding.

How do I know if I’m overfeeding my breastfed baby?

When feeding your little one, you should also worry if they’re getting too much milk. Look out for these signs of overfeeding breastfed baby: Frequent Spitting Up: Spitting up more than usual can indicate your baby is overfed. While spitting up is common, excessive spitting can be a clear sign of overfeeding.