Why does my baby always cough when breastfeeding?

Understanding Why Babies Cough While Breastfeeding
Coughing during breastfeeding can be a concerning experience for new parents. It’s important to understand that this phenomenon can occur for several reasons, often related to the baby’s feeding technique, the flow of milk, or even environmental factors.
1. Milk Flow and Feeding Technique
One of the most common reasons babies cough while breastfeeding is related to the flow of milk. If a mother has a forceful letdown, the milk can come out too quickly for the baby to handle. This can lead to coughing or choking as the baby struggles to keep up with the rapid flow. Newborns, especially those who are just learning to breastfeed, may not yet have developed the coordination to manage the milk effectively.
Lactation consultants often emphasize the importance of positioning during breastfeeding. If the baby is not latched on properly or is in an awkward position, it can exacerbate the issue. Ensuring that the baby is well-positioned and latched can help regulate the flow and reduce the likelihood of coughing.
2. Gag Reflex and Sensitivity
Infants have a natural gag reflex that can trigger coughing when they take in too much milk or if the milk flows too quickly. This reflex is a protective mechanism that helps prevent choking. As babies grow and become more accustomed to breastfeeding, they typically learn to manage this reflex better.
3. Environmental Factors
Sometimes, external factors can contribute to a baby’s coughing during breastfeeding. For instance, if the mother has a cold or is exposed to allergens, the baby might react to these irritants. Breastfeeding can also expose the baby to any respiratory issues the mother may have, leading to coughing.
4. Other Considerations
While occasional coughing during breastfeeding can be normal, persistent coughing or signs of distress should not be ignored. If a baby frequently coughs or shows signs of choking, it may be wise to consult a pediatrician or a lactation consultant. They can provide guidance tailored to the specific situation and help ensure that both mother and baby are comfortable during feeding sessions.
In conclusion, while coughing during breastfeeding can be alarming, it is often a manageable issue related to milk flow, feeding technique, or environmental factors. By understanding these causes and seeking support when needed, parents can help create a more comfortable breastfeeding experience for their little ones.

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.

How do I know if my baby has an intolerance to breastfeeding?

MSPI symptoms

​fussiness or excess crying before, during and after a feeding	​stools may be infrequent, watery, have mucous, or be bloody
​reflux	​spitting up
​nasal congestion	​skin rash, eczema, hives, dry skin
​weight loss	​repeated vomiting
​sudden waking with discomfort	​

How do you feed overactive letdown?

What can help

1. Allow your baby to come off your breast as they need to.
2. Let your baby nurse until let-down. Then quickly remove the baby from your breast.
3. Hold your nipple between your forefinger and your middle finger. Or gently press your hand into the side of your breast during let-down to slow the rapid flow of milk.

Why is my baby coughing while breastfeeding?

Make sure your breasts are not engorged or over-full.
If your baby is pulling off and gagging or coughing during feeding, sit your baby up in a seated burp position. Gently pat your baby’s back to help your little one calm down before you continue feeding.

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.

How do I get rid of a cough while breastfeeding?

Two main OTC cough medications are considered safe to take when breastfeeding: dextromethorphan (Delsym) and guaifenesin (Mucinex, Robitussin). Dextromethorphan helps calm a cough. The amount found in breast milk after taking it is very low, so it should be safe for your baby. Guaifenesin is an expectorant.

What are the symptoms of an overactive letdown?

Signs of an overactive letdown
Most moms notice they have a forceful letdown if their babies are fussy at the breast and are choking, gulping, pulling off the breast, tugging the breast, coughing or gasping. Babies may also experience painful and excessive gas, hiccupping or spitting up.

Why does my baby choke and stop breathing 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.

What is dysphoric letdown syndrome?

Dysphoric milk ejection reflex, or D-MER, is a condition that affects people who breastfeed (chest feed) or pump milk. It causes sudden and intense negative emotions just before you “let down” or release milk. It’s quick and lasts just a minute or two.

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.