Why does my newborn keep choking while breastfeeding?

Understanding Choking During 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. For many new parents, witnessing their infant gagging or struggling during feeding can be distressing. However, it’s important to understand that this phenomenon is relatively common and often manageable.
Common Causes of Choking
One of the primary reasons a newborn may choke while breastfeeding is related to their developing swallowing skills. Infants are born with a hyper-gag reflex, which is a protective mechanism designed to prevent asphyxiation. This reflex can be triggered easily, especially when the baby is still learning how to coordinate sucking, swallowing, and breathing.
Another significant factor is the flow of milk. If a mother has an overactive or forceful letdown, the milk can come out too quickly for the baby to handle. This rapid flow can overwhelm the infant, leading to choking or gagging as they struggle to keep up with the milk’s pace.
Additionally, the positioning during breastfeeding plays a crucial role. An improper nursing position can make it difficult for the baby to latch correctly, which may contribute to choking incidents. For instance, feeding while lying down can increase the risk of choking, as gravity may not assist in the swallowing process.
What Parents Can Do
To mitigate the risk of choking, parents can adopt several strategies. First, ensuring that the baby is in a proper breastfeeding position is vital. Holding the baby in a more upright position can help them manage the flow of milk better and reduce the likelihood of choking.
Mothers can also try to control the letdown by expressing a small amount of milk before latching the baby. This can help reduce the initial force of the milk flow, making it easier for the baby to handle.
If choking does occur, it’s essential for parents to remain calm. Most instances of choking during breastfeeding are harmless and may result in harmless coughing as the baby clears their throat. However, being prepared and knowing how to respond can help alleviate anxiety during these moments.
Conclusion
While it can be alarming to see a newborn choke while breastfeeding, understanding the causes and implementing preventive measures can help ease concerns. With time, both the mother and baby will become more adept at navigating the breastfeeding journey, making it a more comfortable experience for both. If choking persists or if parents have ongoing concerns, consulting a pediatrician or a lactation consultant can provide additional support and guidance.

What is the correct breastfeeding position to avoid choking?

Supporting their neck, shoulders and back should allow them to tilt their head back and swallow easily. Always bring your baby to the breast and let them latch themselves. Avoid leaning your breast forward into your baby’s mouth, as this can lead to poor attachment.

How do I stop my baby from choking while breastfeeding?

Sometimes the force of your milk (especially when it “lets down”) is so strong that it can cause your baby to gag and pull away from the breast. 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.

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.

What is the best position to breastfeed to avoid aspiration?

Laid-back breastfeeding position. The infant pictured is well, without airway anomalies, however this position helped to reduce choking due to relatively fast let-down. In infants with laryngomalacia or retrognathia, the prone position of the infant helps with airway patency.

Can newborns choke on milk while sleeping?

No. Babies will not choke if they spit up or vomit while sleeping on their backs.

How to prevent milk aspiration in babies?

Posturing methods to treat aspiration include:

1. Place infants in an upright/prone position during feedings.
2. Avoid placing babies under 6 months in a lying position for approximately 1 ½ hours after feeding.
3. Avoid feedings before bedtime (within 90 minutes)
4. Elevate the head of your child’s bed by 30˚

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.

Why is my baby choking and gasping for air 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).

Is it normal for newborns to choke a lot?

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.

How to know if an infant has reflux?

Symptoms of reflux in babies include:

1. bringing up milk or being sick during or shortly after feeding.
2. coughing or hiccupping when feeding.
3. being unsettled during feeding.
4. swallowing or gulping after burping or feeding.
5. crying and not settling.
6. not gaining weight as they’re not keeping enough food down.