Why is my newborn choking while breastfeeding?

Understanding Choking in Newborns During Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is a natural and essential part of nurturing a newborn, but it can sometimes lead to alarming situations, such as choking. For new mothers, witnessing their baby choke while nursing can be distressing. Understanding the reasons behind this phenomenon can help alleviate concerns and ensure a safer feeding experience.
Common Causes of Choking
One of the primary reasons infants choke during breastfeeding is related to their underdeveloped swallowing skills. Newborns are still mastering the coordination required for sucking, swallowing, and breathing, which can lead to choking incidents, especially if they are overwhelmed by the flow of milk.
Another significant factor is the milk flow. If a mother has an overactive letdown, the milk may come out too quickly for the baby to handle. This rapid flow can cause the baby to gulp and choke as they struggle to keep up with the milk’s pace. In such cases, the baby may gag or cough, which is a natural reflex to prevent choking, but it can still be alarming for parents.
Additionally, the positioning of the baby during breastfeeding plays a crucial role. An improper nursing position can lead to difficulties in swallowing and increase the risk of choking. For instance, breastfeeding while lying down can sometimes cause the baby to choke, as gravity may not assist in the proper flow of milk.
What to Do When Choking Occurs
If a newborn does choke while breastfeeding, it’s important for parents to remain calm. The first step is to gently remove the baby from the breast and allow them to cough or gag, as this is their body’s way of clearing the airway. If the baby appears to be in distress and cannot breathe, it may be necessary to seek immediate medical assistance.
Prevention Strategies
To minimize the risk of choking, mothers can adopt several strategies. Ensuring a comfortable and correct breastfeeding position is vital. Holding the baby in a more upright position can help manage the flow of milk and make swallowing easier. Additionally, if a mother experiences a forceful letdown, she might consider expressing some milk before latching the baby to reduce the initial flow.
Understanding these factors can empower new parents to create a safer breastfeeding environment. While choking can be a frightening experience, it is often manageable with the right techniques and awareness.

How to know baby is ok after choking?

Your child will likely be fine after the coughing spell. If your child was choking and is now unconscious and no longer breathing, send someone to call 911. Perform CPR right away if you know how. Take your child for medical care after any serious choking episode, especially if there is a lasting cough or wheezing.

Why is my baby gulping and gasping 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.

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

The most common reason a baby chokes during breastfeeding is that milk is coming out faster than your baby can swallow. Usually, this happens when mom has an oversupply of milk.

How to prevent milk aspiration in infants?

Place infants in an upright/prone position during feedings. Avoid placing babies under 6 months in a lying position for approximately 1 ½ hours after feeding. Avoid feedings before bedtime (within 90 minutes)

What is the correct position to breastfeed 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. Your baby needs to get a big mouthful of breast.

Why is my newborn constantly clearing his throat?

Common causes of throat phlegm in babies include: Acid reflux. If your baby has acid reflux, stomach acid irritates their throat and nasal passages. Your baby’s body responds by making extra mucus.

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.

Is it normal for a newborn to choke on milk?

Your baby often chokes while drinking
If the nipple you are using flows too quickly and your baby has too much milk in her mouth, she may choke (i.e., she swallows noisily, coughs and spits up a little milk).

Why does my baby make a gasping sound 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.

How to stop baby gulping air when breastfeeding?

Make sure your baby has a good latch so he doesn’t swallow too much air. Burp him throughout the feedings to help get rid of the gas. Try not to let your baby overfeed or feed too quickly. Keep track of when your baby is gassy and look back at your diet.