Is it normal for babies to choke on breastmilk?

Understanding Choking in Babies During Breastfeeding
Choking on breastmilk is a concern that many new parents face, and while it may sound alarming, it is often a normal part of an infant’s feeding experience. Babies can indeed choke on breastmilk, but this occurrence is typically linked to their developmental stage and the dynamics of breastfeeding.
Why Do Babies Choke on Breastmilk?
The primary reason babies choke while breastfeeding is related to the flow of milk. Infants have a natural gag reflex that protects them from choking, but when the milk flow is too fast—often due to a mother’s strong letdown reflex—babies may struggle to manage the volume of milk in their mouths. This can lead to gagging or choking sensations as they attempt to swallow.
Lactation consultant Sara-Chana Silverstein notes that many babies, particularly those whose mothers produce a lot of milk, tend to experience these choking episodes. The rapid flow can overwhelm the baby’s ability to coordinate sucking and swallowing, resulting in a gagging reflex that can be mistaken for choking.
Common Causes of Choking Episodes
Several factors contribute to choking incidents during breastfeeding:
1. Hyperactive Milk Ejection Reflex: A strong letdown can cause an excessive amount of milk to flow into the baby’s mouth quickly, making it difficult for them to keep up.

2. Feeding Position: The position in which a baby is fed can also influence their ability to manage milk flow. Certain positions may exacerbate the problem, leading to more frequent choking episodes.
3. Reflux Issues: Some babies may experience gastroesophageal reflux, where stomach contents flow back into the esophagus, potentially causing choking sensations.
Is It a Cause for Concern?
While choking can be frightening for parents, it is generally not a cause for alarm if the baby is otherwise healthy. Most choking incidents during breastfeeding are manageable and do not lead to serious complications. Experts emphasize that as babies grow and develop better control over their swallowing reflexes, these episodes typically decrease.
What Can Parents Do?
To minimize the risk of choking, parents can adopt several strategies:
– Adjust Feeding Positions: Experimenting with different breastfeeding positions can help manage the flow of milk and make it easier for the baby to swallow.

– Pacing the Feed: Allowing the baby to take breaks during feeding can help them manage the milk flow better and reduce the likelihood of choking.
– Monitoring Milk Flow: If a mother notices a strong letdown, she might consider expressing some milk before breastfeeding to reduce the initial flow.
In conclusion, while it is normal for babies to choke on breastmilk occasionally, understanding the underlying causes and implementing preventive measures can help ease parental concerns. As babies grow and their feeding skills develop, these incidents typically become less frequent, allowing for a more comfortable breastfeeding experience.

How to stop baby swallowing air when breastfeeding?

Make sure your baby has a good latch so he doesn’t swallow too much air. Burp him throughout the feedings to help get rid of the gas. Try not to let your baby overfeed or feed too quickly. Keep track of when your baby is gassy and look back at your diet.

What foods should breastfeeding mothers eat to prevent colic?

It is most important to consume a diet with plenty of water and an adequate consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and low-fat dairy sources.

Could my breast milk be upsetting my baby?

You’ll know if your breast milk is upsetting baby if they are unusually gassy or fussy after eating. As you and your baby get acclimated to breastfeeding, you’ll learn what not to eat while breastfeeding if your baby reacts to a certain food or drink.

Am I overfeeding my breastfed baby?

Do not worry about feeding your baby whenever either of you wants to. You cannot overfeed a breastfed baby, and your baby will not become spoiled or demanding if you feed them whenever they’re hungry or need comfort.

Why we should not breastfeed in sleeping position?

Lying down position is okay to get started with breastfeeding but just might turn fatal for the baby, as there are chances that milk may get absorbed into the lungs. Secondly, it may also increase the risk of ear infection in the baby, if the milk spills from the mouth and reached the ears.

How do I make sure my baby can breathe while breastfeeding?

Their chin should be touching your breast, and their nose will be close to your breast. (They will be able to breathe, but if you are concerned about their breathing, try lifting your breast or changing the angle of his body slightly, pulling their bottom in more closely to your body.)

Why does my baby keep choking on my breast milk?

It is a very complex and intricately timed process. When a baby is gagging /choking or spluttering at the breast it is generally because the smooth coordination of the suck-swallow-breathe rhythm has been disrupted and the swallow and breathe is mis-timed.

What position to breastfeed to avoid choking?

Side-lying position
So this position may be best once both you and your baby are used to breastfeeding. Lie on your side with pillows to support your back and head. Face your baby toward your breast, supporting the baby with one hand.

Why is my baby gasping for air while breastfeeding?

Most often, babies are choking and gasping at the breast because mom has a lot of milk and/or the flow of her milk is so fast that the baby struggles (just like adults can only handle guzzling so much of a drink rather than drinking it at a more reasonable pace).

How to prevent milk aspiration in babies?

Posturing methods to treat aspiration include:

1. Place infants in an upright/prone position during feedings.
2. Avoid placing babies under 6 months in a lying position for approximately 1 ½ hours after feeding.
3. Avoid feedings before bedtime (within 90 minutes)
4. Elevate the head of your child’s bed by 30˚