Why is my baby bringing up milk and choking?

Understanding Why Babies Bring Up Milk and Choke
For new parents, witnessing a baby bring up milk and choke can be a distressing experience. This phenomenon, often referred to as “choking on milk,” can occur for several reasons, and understanding these can help alleviate concerns and improve feeding practices.
Common Causes of Choking on Milk
One of the primary reasons babies choke during feeding is related to the flow of milk. If the milk is coming out too quickly, it can overwhelm the baby’s ability to swallow. This is particularly common during breastfeeding, where a strong let-down reflex can lead to a rapid flow of milk that the baby struggles to manage. In such cases, stopping the feed momentarily can help the baby regain control.
Another factor contributing to choking is the baby’s latch. A shallow latch can cause milk to pool in the baby’s mouth rather than flow directly down the throat. This can lead to choking as the baby tries to swallow the excess milk. Ensuring a deep latch can significantly improve the feeding experience and reduce the risk of choking.
Feeding Techniques and Positions
The position in which a baby is fed can also play a crucial role. Feeding a baby while they are lying flat can increase the likelihood of choking, as gravity does not assist in directing the milk down the throat. Instead, holding the baby in a more upright position can help facilitate smoother swallowing. Additionally, smaller, more frequent feeds can ease the pressure on the muscle that closes off the stomach, reducing the chances of milk coming back up.
Reflux and Other Considerations
In some cases, bringing up milk may be a sign of gastroesophageal reflux (GER), a condition where stomach contents flow back into the esophagus. This can happen during or after feeding and is often accompanied by spitting up. While reflux is common in infants, it is essential to monitor the situation and consult a pediatrician if it seems excessive or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms.
Safety Measures for Parents
Understanding the difference between choking and gagging is vital for parents. Gagging is a natural reflex that helps prevent choking, and it is important to allow babies time to work through it. However, if a baby is truly choking—indicated by difficulty breathing or a lack of sound—parents should be prepared to act quickly. Keeping the baby’s head lower than their bottom can help gravity assist in clearing the airway.
In summary, while it can be alarming to see a baby bring up milk and choke, understanding the underlying causes and implementing proper feeding techniques can significantly reduce these occurrences. Parents should remain calm, observe their baby’s feeding habits, and seek guidance from healthcare professionals when necessary.

How do I stop my baby from choking on vomit?

first aid for a baby who is choking

1. Give up to five back blows: hold the baby face-down along your thigh with their head lower than their bottom.
2. If they are still choking, give up to five chest thrusts: turn the baby over so they are facing upwards.
3. If they are still choking call 999.

How do I know if my baby has reflux or just spitting up?

This usually causes discomfort and crying in your baby, whereas spitting up doesn’t bother them. GER can involve spitting up and/or occasional vomiting. But if your baby is mostly vomiting rather than spitting up, that could be a sign of GERD or another condition.

When should I worry about baby vomiting milk?

Speak to your GP if:
your child is repeatedly vomiting and is unable to hold down fluids. you think they’re dehydrated – symptoms of dehydration can include a dry mouth, crying without producing tears, peeing less or not wetting many nappies, and drowsiness. their vomit is green or contains blood.

Why is my baby gagging and throwing up milk?

Some babies may constantly spit up all or most of every feeding. Or they may gag and choke during feedings. This may be caused by reflux. Reflux happens when stomach contents back up into the esophagus (the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach).

Why is my baby spitting up and choking?

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and Spitting Up
Unlike happy spitters, babies with GERD may have: Discomfort and pain caused by the reflux. Breathing problems like gagging, choking, coughing, wheezing, and, in seriouse cases, pneumonia from inhaling their stomach contents into their lungs.

Why does my baby keep choking while drinking milk?

Some mothers have such a strong let-down at times that the baby can’t always handle the volume of milk well. If your baby chokes, gags, or pushes off of the breast a minute or two after starting to feed, an overactive let-down may be the cause.

Can babies choke on milk vomit?

Newborn babies can choke on things like curdled milk, mucus or vomit. As they get older, they move on to solids and explore by putting things into their mouth.

Why is my baby gulping and gasping while feeding?

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.

How to know if baby is overfed?

When fed too much, a baby may also swallow air. This can produce gas, increase discomfort in the belly, and lead to crying. An overfed baby also may spit up more than usual and have loose stools. Although crying from discomfort is not colic, it can make crying more frequent and more intense in an already colicky baby.

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˚