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

Understanding Why Your Baby Might Be Choking and Gasping for Air While Feeding
When a baby experiences choking or gasping for air during feeding, it can be a distressing situation for both the infant and the caregiver. Understanding the potential causes and recognizing the signs can help in managing these episodes effectively.
Common Causes of Choking and Gasping
One of the most frequent reasons babies choke or gasp while breastfeeding is related to the milk flow. If a mother has a strong milk supply or an overly fast letdown reflex, the baby may struggle to keep up with the flow. This can lead to the baby gulping air or milk too quickly, resulting in choking or gasping for breath.
Additionally, aspiration can occur when food or liquid accidentally enters the airway instead of the esophagus. This can lead to serious complications, including pneumonia, if not addressed promptly. Babies are particularly vulnerable to aspiration due to their developing swallowing mechanisms.
Signs to Watch For
It’s crucial to differentiate between choking and other respiratory issues. Choking typically involves a complete blockage of the airway, while gasping may indicate that the baby is still able to breathe but is struggling. Signs of choking include inability to cry or make sounds, bluish skin, and frantic movements. In contrast, if a baby is gasping but still able to make some noise, it may not be a complete blockage.
When to Seek Help
If your baby frequently gasps for air or shows signs of distress during feeding, it’s essential to consult a pediatrician. They can assess whether the issue is related to feeding techniques, anatomical concerns like laryngomalacia (a condition that can cause noisy breathing), or other underlying health issues.
In any case, being prepared and knowing how to respond to choking emergencies is vital. Parents should familiarize themselves with infant first aid techniques, including how to perform back blows and chest thrusts if necessary.
Conclusion
While occasional gasping or choking can be common in infants, especially during feeding, it’s important to monitor the situation closely. Understanding the causes and being aware of the signs can help ensure your baby’s safety and well-being. If concerns persist, professional medical advice is always the best course of action.

How to feed an infant with laryngomalacia?

Hold your child in an upright position during feeding and at least 30 minutes after feeding. This helps keep food from coming back up. Burp your child gently and often during feeding. Don’t give your child juices or foods such as orange juice or oranges that can upset your child’s stomach.

Why is my baby struggling to breathe 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.

Why does my baby keep choking when 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.

Why does my baby make a gasping sound 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 does my baby sound like he’s gasping for air when eating?

Laryngomalacia is a common cause of noisy breathing in infants. It happens when a baby’s larynx (or voice box) is soft and floppy. When the baby takes a breath, the part of the larynx above the vocal cords falls in and temporarily blocks the baby’s airway.

Does laryngomalacia cause SIDS?

It is suggested that laryngomalacia may be a cause for early apnea of infancy. Obstructive apnea is a well-documented cause for apnea of infancy (‘near miss’ sudden infant death syndrome) [2,7,12,19,20].

What to do if baby stops breathing while feeding?

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.

Is laryngomalacia life threatening?

Laryngomalacia is usually not life threatening.

Why is my baby choking on spit and gasping?

If your baby is choking, perform baby CPR right away and call 911. Ensure you’re prepared for this type of emergency ahead of time by taking a baby CPR class from the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross. The American Red Cross also provides a general overview of how to perform infant choking CPR.

What are the red flags of laryngomalacia?

Signs and Symptoms of Laryngomalacia
Infants with LM have intermittent noisy breathing when breathing in. It becomes worse with agitation, crying, excitement, feeding or position / sleeping on their back. These symptoms are often present at birth and are usually apparent within the first 10 days of life.