Is it normal for my baby to cough while breastfeeding?

Understanding Coughing During Breastfeeding
Coughing while breastfeeding can be a concerning experience for new parents, but it is not uncommon. Babies may cough for various reasons during feeding, and understanding these can help alleviate worries.
Common Causes of Coughing
One of the primary reasons a baby might cough while breastfeeding is related to the flow of milk. If the milk is coming out too quickly, it can overwhelm the baby, leading to coughing or choking. This is often referred to as a “forceful letdown.” Newborns, especially, are still mastering the coordination of sucking, swallowing, and breathing, which can result in coughing fits as they adjust to the flow of milk.
Another potential cause is nasal congestion. Babies are obligate nasal breathers, meaning they primarily breathe through their noses. If they have a stuffy nose, which can be due to a cold or allergies, they may cough as they try to clear their airways while feeding.
When to Seek Medical Advice
While occasional coughing during breastfeeding can be normal, there are instances when it may warrant a visit to the pediatrician. If the coughing persists or is accompanied by other symptoms such as a fever, difficulty breathing, or if the baby seems unusually lethargic, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional. Persistent coughing could indicate underlying issues such as acid reflux, allergies, or even respiratory infections.
Breastfeeding and Health Considerations
Interestingly, breastfeeding itself has protective benefits. Studies have shown that breastfeeding can reduce the risk of respiratory issues later in life, including recurrent cough. This highlights the importance of continuing to breastfeed, even if minor coughing occurs during sessions.
Conclusion
In summary, while it is relatively normal for babies to cough during breastfeeding, especially in the early days, parents should remain vigilant. Understanding the reasons behind the cough can help ease concerns. If there are any signs of distress or if the coughing becomes frequent, seeking medical advice is always a prudent step.

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 make choking noises when breastfeeding?

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.

How to tell if baby is lactose intolerant breastfed?

Symptoms may include:

1. pain and swelling in the tummy.
2. failure to settle at feeding times, coming on and off the breast.
3. failure to gain weight.
4. diarrhoea.
5. bulky, frothy and watery faeces.
6. red bottom with skin worn away in places.
7. passing wind and crying when passing faeces.
8. irritability.

Why does my baby cough while breastfeeding?

Usually, this happens when mom has an oversupply of milk. According to the La Leche League International (LLLI), common signs of oversupply include restlessness at the breast, coughing, choking, or gulping milk, especially at let down, and biting on the nipple to stop the flow of milk, among others.

Can breast milk cause a cough in babies?

3.3 |.
After adjusting for socio-economic factors using logistic regression, children who had a longer receipt of breast milk were less likely to have cough or chest congestion (P = 0.045).

Why can’t you eat chocolate while breastfeeding?

Caffeine. It’s not just tea and coffee that contains caffeine – it’s in chocolate, and various energy drinks and soft drinks. It’s sensible to cut caffeine out while breastfeeding because it’s a stimulant so can make your baby restless.

When should I be concerned about my baby’s cough?

Call your pediatrician if:
Your child has a cough combined with fast breathing. Your child has a high fever, especially if he’s coughing but does not have a runny or stuffy nose. Your child can’t speak normally because of coughing. Your infant (3 months or younger) has been coughing for more than a few hours.

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.

How to avoid baby choking while breastfeeding?

How Can I Keep My Baby From Gagging?

1. Try nursing your baby in a more upright position (head above the breast). This may ease the force of the milk.
2. Nurse in a side-lying position, which also might help slow the flow of milk.
3. Make sure your breasts are not engorged or over-full.

Why does my baby cough when I feed him?

Aspiration can cause signs and symptoms in a baby such as: Weak sucking. Choking or coughing while feeding. Other signs of feeding trouble, like a red face, watery eyes, or facial grimaces.