Why does my baby choke and stop breathing 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 parents, witnessing their baby choke and momentarily stop breathing while nursing can be a terrifying experience. Understanding the reasons behind this phenomenon can help alleviate fears and ensure safer feeding practices.
Common Causes of Choking
One of the primary reasons infants choke while breastfeeding is their underdeveloped swallowing skills. Newborns are still learning how to coordinate sucking, swallowing, and breathing, which can lead to moments of gagging or choking, especially if they take in too much milk too quickly. This is particularly common in the early weeks of life when babies are still adjusting to feeding.
Another significant factor is the flow of milk. A mother’s milk supply can vary, and in some cases, a condition known as overactive letdown can occur. This happens when milk is released too forcefully, overwhelming the baby and making it difficult for them to keep up with the flow. When the milk flow is too fast, babies may struggle to swallow, leading to choking or gasping for air.
The Role of the Gag Reflex
Interestingly, infants are equipped with a hyper-gag reflex, which is a protective mechanism designed to prevent choking. This reflex can be triggered during breastfeeding, causing the baby to gag or choke momentarily. While this reflex is beneficial, it can still be alarming for parents to witness. In most cases, the baby will cough or sputter, which is a normal response as they clear their airways.
What to Do If Choking Occurs
If a baby does choke while breastfeeding, it is essential for parents to remain calm. Most instances of choking are harmless and resolve quickly as the baby coughs or regains their breath. However, if a baby appears to stop breathing for an extended period or turns blue, immediate medical attention is necessary.
To minimize the risk of choking, mothers can try different feeding positions that may help control the flow of milk better. Holding the baby in a more upright position can slow down the intake of milk, allowing them to manage the flow more effectively. Additionally, mothers can express some milk before latching to reduce the initial force of the letdown.
Conclusion
While choking during breastfeeding can be a frightening experience, it is often a normal part of a baby’s development as they learn to feed. Understanding the causes, such as underdeveloped swallowing skills and fast milk flow, can help parents navigate these moments with greater confidence. By employing strategies to manage milk flow and being prepared for the occasional gag, parents can create a safer and more comfortable breastfeeding experience for both themselves and their babies.

Why is my baby choking and gasping for air 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 to do when baby stops breathing while breastfeeding?

Give five rescue breaths: tilt their head back, seal your mouth over their mouth and nose. Blow five times into the baby. By blowing into their mouth you are topping up the oxygen levels in their blood. The oxygen you give them helps to keep their organs alive.

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.

How do I know if my baby is aspirating?

What are the symptoms of aspiration in children?

• Coughing when drinking, particularly with thin liquids.
• Difficulty feeding.
• Frequent respiratory infections or recurrent pneumonia.
• Noisy breathing while drinking.
• Gagging during meals.
• Back arching during feeding.
• Skin turning a bluish color.

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.

Why does my baby make a gasping sound while feeding?

Most babies who have laryngomalacia start having symptoms within a few days to weeks after birth. These symptoms may include: Noisy breathing. Difficulty feeding or gasping/choking noises while feeding.

What is early near miss for SIDS?

Infants who survive episodes of respiratory or cardiorespiratory arrest have been described as having aborted, or “near-miss,” SIDS events, which are generally presumed to represent a variant of true SIDS. Although “near-miss” occurrences may be repetitive, death rarely occurs in infancy.

Why is my baby gasping for air during a feed?

Most babies who have laryngomalacia start having symptoms within a few days to weeks after birth. These symptoms may include: Noisy breathing. Difficulty feeding or gasping/choking noises while feeding.

Why is my baby coughing and choking when I feed her?

It’s normal for a baby or young child to choke and cough from time to time. When it happens frequently, there could be cause for concern. These episodes are typically due to aspiration, food or liquid accidentally entering the airway.

How do I stop my baby from suffocating while breastfeeding?

“Often, just stopping the feed and positioning the baby upright with good head and neck support will give them a few seconds to manage the problem.” Gina Posner, MD, a pediatrician at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center, says if your baby begins to choke, let them stop feeding for a little bit and pat their back.