What to do if baby chokes on breastmilk?

Understanding Choking on Breastmilk
Choking can be a frightening experience for both parents and infants, especially when it occurs during breastfeeding. While it is relatively common for babies to choke on breastmilk, understanding the causes and knowing how to respond can help alleviate concerns and ensure the safety of your little one.
Causes of Choking
Babies may choke on breastmilk for several reasons. One primary cause is an overactive let-down reflex, where milk flows too quickly for the baby to manage. This can lead to the milk pooling in the back of the throat, making it difficult for the baby to swallow properly . Additionally, an improper latch can exacerbate the problem; if the baby does not latch deeply enough, milk can accumulate in the mouth instead of flowing directly down the throat.
Feeding position also plays a crucial role. Feeding a baby while they are lying flat can increase the risk of choking, as it allows milk to collect in the back of the mouth. Instead, it is recommended to hold the baby in a near-sitting position, which helps control the flow of milk and reduces the likelihood of choking .
What to Do If Your Baby Chokes
If your baby begins to choke on breastmilk, the first step is to stay calm. Panicking can make the situation worse. Here are some immediate actions you can take:
1. Assess the Situation: If your baby is coughing or gagging, they may be able to clear the obstruction on their own. Encourage them to continue coughing, as this is a natural reflex to expel the milk.
2. Positioning: If the choking persists and your baby is unable to cough effectively, gently turn them onto their side or hold them face down on your forearm, supporting their head. This position can help gravity assist in clearing the airway.
3. Back Blows: If your baby is still choking, you can administer back blows. With your baby in the appropriate position, use the heel of your hand to deliver firm pats between the shoulder blades. This can help dislodge the milk.
4. Seek Help: If your baby continues to choke and does not respond to these measures, it is crucial to call emergency services immediately. While waiting for help, continue to monitor your baby and perform back blows if necessary.
Prevention Strategies
To minimize the risk of choking during breastfeeding, consider the following preventive measures:
– Adjust Feeding Techniques: Ensure that your baby has a deep latch. This can help prevent milk from pooling in the mouth.
– Control Milk Flow: If you have an overactive let-down reflex, try feeding in a position that allows the back of the baby’s throat to be higher than your nipple. This can help manage the flow of milk.
– Take Breaks: Allow your baby to take short breaks during feeding. This can help them manage the milk flow better and reduce the risk of choking.
Conclusion
While choking on breastmilk can be alarming, understanding the causes and knowing how to respond can empower parents to handle the situation effectively. By employing preventive strategies and remaining calm during an incident, you can help ensure your baby’s safety and comfort during feeding times. Always consult with a pediatrician if you have ongoing concerns about your baby’s feeding habits or if choking incidents occur frequently.

How common is it for babies to choke on milk?

An overabundant breast milk supply can lead to a newborn choking on milk while breastfeeding. However, while potentially scary for the baby and parent, this situation is fairly common and usually resolves quickly.

How do I know if my baby aspirated milk?

If your child aspirates, they may present with a cough when drinking or eating. Aspiration can cause symptoms including: Coughing when drinking, particularly with thin liquids. Difficulty feeding.

What to do when baby chokes on breast milk?

If you suspect your baby is choking, remain calm. Here are the steps shared by the National Childbirth Trust to take: Support Your Baby: Hold your baby upright, supporting their head and neck. Encourage Coughing: Gently pat their back.

Can aspiration clear up on its own?

When the respiratory system is healthy and strong, pulmonary aspiration often clears up on its own. When the respiratory system is compromised or a digestive disorder causes chronic pulmonary aspiration, a bacterial infection can occur, causing pneumonia.

What should I watch after my baby chokes on milk?

After any major choking episode, a child needs to go to the ER. Get emergency medical care for a child if: The child has a lasting cough, drooling, gagging, wheezing, trouble swallowing, or trouble breathing. The child turned blue, became limp, or was unconscious during the episode, even if they seem to recover.

What to do if newborn baby aspirated breast milk?

How is aspiration in babies and children treated?

1. Making changes in position and posture during meals.
2. Changing the thickness of liquids.
3. Changing the types of foods in your child’s diet.
4. Doing exercises to help with swallowing (for an older child)
5. Medicines for GERD.

How to tell if baby has milk in lungs?

What are the symptoms of aspiration in children?

1. Coughing when drinking, particularly with thin liquids.
2. Difficulty feeding.
3. Frequent respiratory infections or recurrent pneumonia.
4. Noisy breathing while drinking.
5. Gagging during meals.
6. Back arching during feeding.
7. Skin turning a bluish color.

Will my baby be ok after choking?

Your child will likely be fine after the coughing spell. If your child was choking and is now unconscious and no longer breathing, send someone to call 911. Perform CPR right away if you know how. Take your child for medical care after any serious choking episode, especially if there is a lasting cough or wheezing.

How many let downs per feed?

The let-down reflex generally occurs 2 or 3 times a feed. Most people who breastfeed only feel the first let-down. The let-down reflex can also occur with stimulation of your breasts, such as by your partner.

Do I need to take baby to hospital after choking?

Keep repeating five back blows and five chest thrusts until help arrives, checking their mouth each time. If the baby becomes unresponsive at any point, carry out a Primary Survey DRABC assessment and start baby CPR if required. All babies who have received chest thrusts should be seen in hospital.