Why does my baby cough when I breastfeed?

Understanding Why Your Baby Coughs While Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is a natural and essential part of nurturing your baby, but it can sometimes come with unexpected challenges, such as coughing during feeding. This phenomenon can be concerning for new parents, prompting questions about its causes and implications.
Common Causes of Coughing During Breastfeeding
One of the primary reasons a baby might cough while breastfeeding is related to the flow of milk. If the milk is coming out too quickly—often referred to as a “forceful letdown”—it can overwhelm the baby, leading to coughing or choking. This is particularly common in mothers with a strong milk supply or those who have recently experienced a surge in milk production. Babies may struggle to manage the rapid flow, causing them to cough as they try to swallow.
Another factor could be positioning. If the baby is not positioned correctly, it can lead to difficulties in latching and swallowing, which may result in coughing. Ensuring that the baby is well-supported and in a comfortable position can help mitigate this issue.
Environmental Factors and Health Considerations
Environmental factors, such as allergies or respiratory infections, can also contribute to coughing. If your baby has a cold or is exposed to allergens, their airways may be irritated, leading to coughing fits during feeding. It’s essential to monitor for other symptoms, such as nasal congestion or fever, which could indicate an underlying illness.
In some cases, a baby might cough due to gastroesophageal reflux (GER). This condition occurs when stomach contents flow back into the esophagus, which can irritate the throat and cause coughing. If you suspect this might be the case, consulting with a pediatrician is advisable.
When to Seek Medical Advice
While occasional coughing during breastfeeding can be normal, persistent or severe coughing warrants a closer look. If your baby exhibits signs of distress, such as difficulty breathing, wheezing, or if the coughing is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, it is crucial to seek medical advice. A healthcare professional can help determine if there is an underlying issue that needs to be addressed.
Conclusion
Coughing during breastfeeding can stem from various factors, including milk flow, positioning, and health conditions. Understanding these causes can help parents navigate this common concern with greater ease. If the coughing persists or is accompanied by other symptoms, consulting a pediatrician is the best course of action to ensure your baby’s health and comfort.

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 tell if my baby is allergic to my breast milk?

Symptoms of dairy allergy in breastfed babies
Some of the most common symptoms of an allergic reaction include: Hives or skin rash. Nausea or vomiting. Abdominal pain.

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 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.

How do I stop my baby from coughing when I feed?

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. If you’ve tried the steps above and this continues to happen, talk to your doctor or lactation consultant.

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 does my baby cough when I feed him?

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.

Is it normal for babies to cough while breastfeeding?

Usually, this happens when mom has an oversupply of milk. According to the La Leche League International (LLLI), common signs of oversupply include restlessness at the breast, coughing, choking, or gulping milk, especially at let down, and biting on the nipple to stop the flow of milk, among others.

How do I know if I’m overfeeding my breastfed baby?

When feeding your little one, you should also worry if they’re getting too much milk. Look out for these signs of overfeeding breastfed baby: Frequent Spitting Up: Spitting up more than usual can indicate your baby is overfed. While spitting up is common, excessive spitting can be a clear sign of overfeeding.

What does an RSV cough sound like?

RSV in Infants & Toddlers
Children with RSV typically have two to four days of upper respiratory tract symptoms, such as fever and runny nose/congestion. These are then followed by lower respiratory tract symptoms, like increasing wheezing cough that sounds wet and forceful with increased work breathing.