What to do when babies choke on breast milk?

Understanding Choking in Babies During Breastfeeding
Choking incidents during breastfeeding can be alarming for new parents. While it’s common for infants to gag or cough as they adjust to feeding, there are specific steps to take if your baby appears to be choking on breast milk.
Why Choking Occurs
Choking can happen for several reasons, primarily related to the flow of milk. An overactive or forceful letdown can overwhelm a baby, causing them to struggle with the rapid intake of milk. This can lead to coughing, gagging, or even choking if the baby cannot manage the flow. Additionally, babies may choke if they are not positioned correctly during feeding or if they are bottle-fed with inappropriate nipple sizes.
Immediate Actions to Take
If you notice your baby choking, it’s crucial to act quickly but calmly. Here are the recommended steps:
1. Assess the Situation: If your baby is coughing or gagging but still breathing, they may be clearing the obstruction themselves. Encourage them to continue coughing. However, if they are unable to breathe, turn blue, or lose consciousness, immediate action is required.
2. Positioning: For a baby who is choking, place them face down on your forearm, supporting their head and neck. This position allows gravity to assist in dislodging any obstruction.
3. Back Blows: With the baby in this position, use the heel of your hand to deliver five firm back blows between the shoulder blades. This technique can help create enough pressure to expel the milk from the airway.
4. Check for Breathing: After administering back blows, check if the baby is breathing normally. If they are still choking and not breathing, you may need to perform chest thrusts or seek emergency medical assistance immediately.
Preventive Measures
To minimize the risk of choking during breastfeeding, consider the following strategies:
– Adjust Feeding Position: Experiment with different breastfeeding positions. Leaning back or holding the baby upright can help manage the flow of milk better.

– Monitor Milk Flow: If you have an oversupply of milk, try to express some milk before feeding to reduce the initial flow.
– Pacing During Feeding: If bottle-feeding, ensure that the nipple size is appropriate for your baby’s age and feeding ability. This can help control the flow of milk and prevent choking.
When to Seek Help
If your baby frequently chokes during feeding or if you have concerns about their feeding habits, it’s advisable to consult a pediatrician. They can provide guidance tailored to your baby’s specific needs and help address any underlying issues that may be contributing to choking incidents.
In conclusion, while choking can be a frightening experience, understanding the causes and knowing how to respond can help ensure your baby’s safety during feeding. Always stay calm, act quickly, and don’t hesitate to seek professional help if needed.

How do I know if my baby is ok after choking?

Take your child for medical care after any serious choking episode, especially if there is a lasting cough or wheezing. If your child has trouble breathing or swallowing, go to the ER.

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.

Can a baby choke and still breathe?

When something lodges in your baby’s airway (trachea), it causes choking. A blocked airway means that oxygen can’t get to your baby’s lungs or brain. In many cases, a choking baby can still breathe. If your baby is coughing or crying, air is still passing through their airway, despite the stuck object.

What to do if baby is choking on breastmilk?

If this happens during feeding: Try nursing your baby in a more upright position (head above the breast). This may ease the force of the milk. Nurse in a side-lying position, which also might help slow the flow of milk.

How do I know if my baby aspirated milk?

Your child may have signs such as breathing problems and a wet-sounding voice after meals. Some children with aspiration don’t have any signs or symptoms. This is known as silent aspiration.

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.

What to watch for after 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.

How do I know if my baby aspirated breast milk?

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.
• Stopping breathing while feeding.
• Faster breathing while feeding.
• Voice or breathing that sounds wet after feeding.

How to tell if baby is swallowing air while nursing?

The infant will make a suck or two and then an audible swallow should be heard as the milk is swallowed. The sounds of “gulping” and “clicking” can signify a poor vacuum is in place and the child is swallowing more air then milk.

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.