Why does my newborn choke while breastfeeding?

Understanding Why Newborns Choke While Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is a natural and essential part of nurturing a newborn, but it can sometimes lead to alarming moments when a baby appears to choke. This experience, while frightening for parents, is not uncommon and can often be attributed to several factors related to the baby’s development and the mother’s milk supply.
The Role of Milk Flow
One of the primary reasons a newborn may choke while breastfeeding is the flow of milk. Many mothers experience a condition known as a hyperactive milk ejection reflex, where milk is released too quickly for the baby to manage. This rapid flow can overwhelm the infant, causing them to gag or choke as they struggle to keep up with the intake. In such cases, the baby may instinctively turn their head or cough, which are natural reflexes designed to protect their airway.
Breastfeeding Positioning Matters
The position in which a baby is fed can also significantly impact their ability to swallow comfortably. Feeding a baby while they are lying flat can exacerbate choking incidents. Instead, it is recommended to hold the baby in a near-sitting position during feeding. This posture helps gravity assist in the swallowing process and reduces the likelihood of choking.
Milk Supply and Gag Reflex
An overabundant milk supply can lead to choking as well. When there is too much milk, it can pool in the baby’s mouth, making it difficult for them to manage the flow. Additionally, newborns have a strong gag reflex, which is a protective mechanism against asphyxiation. This reflex can be triggered during breastfeeding, especially if the baby is not yet adept at coordinating sucking and swallowing.
Immature Suction Skills
Newborns are still developing their sucking skills, which can contribute to choking incidents. If a baby has immature suction, they may not create a strong enough seal around the nipple, leading to difficulties in managing the milk flow. This can result in the baby taking in too much milk too quickly, further increasing the risk of choking.
What Parents Can Do
To mitigate the risk of choking, parents can take several proactive steps. These include using a slower-flow nipple if bottle-feeding, taking short breaks during feeding to allow the baby to catch their breath, and ensuring the baby is positioned correctly. Additionally, mothers can try to manage their milk supply by expressing some milk before feeding to reduce the force of the letdown.
In conclusion, while it can be distressing to witness a newborn choking during breastfeeding, understanding the underlying causes can help parents navigate these moments with greater confidence. By adjusting feeding techniques and being mindful of milk flow, parents can create a safer and more comfortable breastfeeding experience for their little ones.

How I cured my baby’s reflux breastfeeding?

Helping your baby with reflux

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)

How do I stop my newborn from choking while feeding?

Hold your baby in the curve of your arm close to your body. Hold their head and back tilted up (Picture 1). This position will: Help keep them from choking.

Is it possible to overfeed a newborn while breastfeeding?

Do not worry about feeding your baby whenever either of you wants to. You cannot overfeed a breastfed baby, and your baby will not become spoiled or demanding if you feed them whenever they’re hungry or need comfort.

Why is my baby gulping and gasping while breastfeeding?

Most often, babies are choking and gasping at the breast because mom has a lot of milk and/or the flow of her milk is so fast that the baby struggles (just like adults can only handle guzzling so much of a drink rather than drinking it at a more reasonable pace).

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

Most often, babies are choking and gasping at the breast because mom has a lot of milk and/or the flow of her milk is so fast that the baby struggles (just like adults can only handle guzzling so much of a drink rather than drinking it at a more reasonable pace).

What is a good feeding schedule for a newborn?

If bottle-fed, most newborns eat every 2 to 3 hours; 8 times is generally recommended as the minimum every 24 hours. Babies might only take in half ounce per feeding for the first day or two of life, but after that will usually drink 1 to 2 ounces at each feeding.

Is it normal for babies to choke while breastfeeding?

Hyperactive milk ejection reflex
This is usually not a problem for older babies, who are already more skilled and have a slightly larger mouth. But for newborns and babies of a few months old, the fact that the milk comes out with such power can bother them, and they can struggle and seem to choke and gag.

What is the suffocating baby syndrome?

What Is SIDS? Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is the sudden and unexplained death of a baby younger than 1 year old. Most SIDS deaths are associated with sleep, which is why it’s sometimes still called “crib death.”

Why does my newborn keep acting like he’s choking?

A baby’s gag reflex can be triggered by too much mucus, so they may appear to choke if there are excess secretions in their mouth. Sometimes babies even spit up or vomit after coughing to clear the mouth and nose of excess mucus.

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.