What to do if baby keeps choking while breastfeeding?

Understanding Choking During Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is a natural and essential part of nurturing a newborn, but it can sometimes lead to alarming situations, such as choking. For many new mothers, witnessing their baby choke while nursing can be a distressing experience. However, it’s important to understand that this phenomenon is not uncommon and can often be managed effectively.
Common Causes of Choking
Choking during breastfeeding typically occurs due to a few key factors. One of the most prevalent reasons is an overactive or forceful letdown of milk. When a mother has a strong milk flow, it can overwhelm the baby, making it difficult for them to swallow properly. This can lead to gagging or choking as the baby struggles to manage the rapid influx of milk.
Another contributing factor is the baby’s developing swallowing skills. Infants are still mastering the coordination required for breastfeeding, which can result in occasional choking or coughing as they learn to handle the milk flow. Additionally, the nursing position can play a significant role; improper positioning may hinder the baby’s ability to latch effectively, increasing the risk of choking.
Immediate Actions to Take
If your baby begins to choke while breastfeeding, the first step is to remain calm. Babies often have a strong gag reflex, which is a protective mechanism against choking. If your baby is coughing or gagging but still breathing, it’s usually a sign that they are clearing the obstruction themselves. In this case, you should continue to monitor them closely.
However, if your baby is unable to breathe, cry, or make noise, it’s crucial to act quickly. The British Red Cross advises that you should gently turn your baby onto their stomach, supporting their head and neck, and give them a few firm pats on the back between the shoulder blades. This can help dislodge any obstruction.
Prevention Strategies
To minimize the risk of choking during breastfeeding, consider the following strategies:
1. Adjust Nursing Position: Ensure that your baby is positioned correctly at the breast. A more upright position can help them manage the flow of milk better.
2. Manage Milk Flow: If you have a forceful letdown, try nursing in a position that allows gravity to help, such as leaning back slightly. This can slow the flow of milk and give your baby more control.
3. Pacing the Feed: Allow your baby to take breaks during feeding. If they seem overwhelmed, gently remove them from the breast for a moment to let them catch their breath.
4. Monitor Feeding Cues: Pay attention to your baby’s cues. If they seem to be struggling, it may be a sign to adjust your feeding technique or position.
Conclusion
While choking during breastfeeding can be frightening, understanding the causes and knowing how to respond can help alleviate anxiety for new mothers. By implementing preventive measures and remaining calm during incidents, you can create a safer and more enjoyable breastfeeding experience for both you and your baby. Always consult with a healthcare professional if you have ongoing concerns about your baby’s feeding habits or choking incidents.

How do I make sure my baby doesn’t choke on milk?

Your baby often chokes while drinking

1. Change to a slower nipple.
2. Take short feeding breaks.
3. Avoid laying your baby on her back during feeding since milk will flow into her mouth even when she’s not sucking.

How do I stop my baby from choking while breastfeeding?

How To Stop Newborn From Choking On Milk

1. Slow down your supply.
2. Stick to only one breast per feeding.
3. Make sure your baby is latched properly.
4. Switch up your nursing position.
5. Get Help From a Lactation Consultant.

Why does it sound like my baby can t breathe while breastfeeding?

Laryngomalacia is caused by floppy tissue falling over the larynx (voice box) and partially blocking the airway when a child breathes in. The sound from laryngomalacia is often a high-pitched squeak that often worsens when the baby is agitated, feeding, crying, or sleeping on his or her back.

How to prevent aspiration while breastfeeding?

Elevation of the head of the bed approximately 30° may help, although young infants may slide down the bed during the night. Dietary modifications include thickening feeds for infants; breastfeeding; decreasing volume of feeds (10-20 mL/kg per feeding); and feeding small, frequent meals.

Why is my baby gulping and gasping while 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 stop baby gulping while breastfeeding?

Do

1. get advice about your baby’s breastfeeding position.
2. hold your baby upright during feeding and for as long as possible after feeding.
3. burp (or wind) your baby regularly during feeds.
4. make sure your baby sleeps flat on their back (they should not sleep on their side or front)

What is the best position to breastfeed to avoid aspiration?

Laid-back breastfeeding position. The infant pictured is well, without airway anomalies, however this position helped to reduce choking due to relatively fast let-down. In infants with laryngomalacia or retrognathia, the prone position of the infant helps with airway patency.

Is it common for babies to choke on milk?

Babies commonly choke on liquid (mucus or curdled milk), so keeping their head lower than their bottom helps the liquid to drain out – gravity will help.

Why is my baby choking and gasping for air while feeding?

The most common reason a baby chokes during breastfeeding is that milk is coming out faster than your baby can swallow. Usually, this happens when mom has an oversupply of milk.

What is the correct breastfeeding position to avoid choking?

Supporting their neck, shoulders and back should allow them to tilt their head back and swallow easily. Always bring your baby to the breast and let them latch themselves. Avoid leaning your breast forward into your baby’s mouth, as this can lead to poor attachment.