Vanessa Lin
It's not uncommon for newborns to choke while feeding, and it's understandably distressing for parents. Choking can be caused by a baby's immature sucking reflex, or by an overabundant milk supply. In some cases, choking may be due to a physical condition, such as retrognathia or tongue-tie, which makes it difficult for the baby to swallow. To prevent choking, parents can try different feeding positions, such as laid-back nursing or side-lying nursing, which can slow the flow of milk. It's also important to ensure the baby is latched properly, with a deep enough latch to prevent milk from collecting in the mouth and causing choking.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What to do if a baby is choking | If the baby is gagging, let them cough it out. If choking, try back blows and chest thrusts to dislodge the object. If the baby becomes unconscious, carefully lower them onto a flat, firm surface and begin giving infant CPR. |
| How to prevent choking in babies | Keep small objects out of their reach. Only introduce solid foods when the baby is ready (usually around 4-6 months). Only offer soft foods that can be easily smashed in their hands and mouths. Avoid high-risk foods such as hot dogs, nuts, raw veggies, hard candy, seeds, popcorn, and grapes. |
| How to prevent choking during breastfeeding | Change the feeding position. Try the laid-back position or the football/clutch position. Take the baby off the breast every once in a while to help them catch their breath. Express milk for 1-2 minutes before feeding to reduce the flow. |
| How to prevent choking during bottle-feeding | Try paced bottle-feeding, where the bottle is kept parallel to the ground, allowing the baby to control the flow of milk. Use a nipple with a slower flow. |
What You'll Learn
Try different nursing positions
If your newborn is choking while feeding, it could be due to a poor latch, an overactive milk ejection reflex, or an overabundant milk supply. To help prevent choking, you can try different nursing positions that give your baby more control over the flow of milk and make it easier for them to swallow. Here are some positions you can try:
Laid-back nursing position
Get comfortable by lying back on a couch or pillow. Place your baby on top of you, directly tummy to tummy. Your baby can then bob their head and you can guide them to latch. This position reverses gravity's effect and allows your baby to control the flow of milk. It also prevents milk from collecting at the back of their mouth, reducing the risk of choking.
Football or clutch position
Hold your baby on your side, supporting their back with your arm. Use your hand to support their head at the level of your nipple. You can then gently raise your baby up to your nipple to latch. This position gives your baby more control over the flow of milk and helps prevent choking.
Side-lying nursing position
Lie on your side next to your baby. This position allows extra milk to spill out of your baby's mouth, preventing choking. It also helps to slow down the flow of milk, giving your baby more time to swallow.
Upright nursing position
Hold your baby in an upright position with their head above the breast. This position may ease the force of the milk and reduce the risk of choking. It also helps to calm your baby if they are feeling overwhelmed or frustrated by the flow of milk.
Remember, it is important to ensure that your baby is latched properly and has a good seal during feeding. If choking persists, consult a healthcare professional, such as a lactation consultant or your baby's pediatrician, for further advice and guidance.
Baby's First Winter: Layering Up Newborns Safely
You may want to see also
Burp your baby after each feed
Burping your baby after each feed is an important step to prevent choking. This is because babies often spit up a little after feeding or during burping, which is perfectly normal. However, if your baby is forcefully vomiting, this may be a sign of an allergy, digestive problem, or other medical issue, and you should contact your doctor.
To burp your baby, sit them in an upright position and gently pat their back. You can also hold them against your shoulder and gently rub or pat their back. It is important to keep your baby's head above their feet during feeding and for at least 30 minutes after feeding. Holding your baby is best, as the way they sit in an infant seat can make spitting up more likely. You should also avoid jiggling, bouncing, or playing with your baby right after feeding.
If your baby is bottle-fed, burp them after they drink 1-2 ounces from the bottle. It is also important to not give the bottle to your baby while they are lying down.
Hard Stools in Newborns: What's Normal?
You may want to see also
Ensure your baby is latched properly
Ensuring that your baby is latched properly is crucial to prevent choking during breastfeeding. Here are some tips to achieve a proper latch:
Deep Latch
A deep latch is essential to prevent choking. A shallow latch can cause too much milk to remain in your baby's mouth, leading to choking. By achieving a deep latch, the milk will go straight down your baby's throat, reducing the risk of choking. Lactation consultant Sara-Chana Silverstein emphasises the importance of a deep latch, especially for babies who choke frequently.
Adjust Nursing Position
Experimenting with different nursing positions can help improve latching and reduce choking. Try a laid-back nursing position, where you lie back comfortably, and your baby lies on top of you, tummy to tummy. This position gives your baby more control over the flow of milk and can help slow it down. Alternatively, try the football or clutch position, where your baby is on your side, supported by your arm, with their head at the level of your nipple.
Side-Lying Nursing
Side-lying nursing can be beneficial, as it allows extra milk to spill out of your baby's mouth, preventing choking. In this position, your baby can easily manage the flow of milk, and any excess can safely exit their mouth.
Break the Suction
If your baby is pulling off and gagging or coughing during feeding, it's important to break the suction and sit your baby up in a seated burp position. Gently pat your baby's back to calm them before continuing feeding. If the gagging or choking persists, consult your doctor or a lactation consultant for further advice.
Nipple Shields
Using correctly-sized nipple shields can be helpful. Nipple shields prevent milk from coming out too quickly, allowing your baby to manage the feed better and reducing the risk of choking.
Remember, it's normal for newborns to choke or gag occasionally during feeding due to their immature sucking and swallowing reflexes. However, if choking persists or causes concern, don't hesitate to seek professional advice from a doctor or lactation consultant.
A Newborn's Appetite: What to Expect in 48 Hours
You may want to see also
Reduce the amount of breast milk you're making
If your newborn is choking while feeding, it could be due to an overabundant milk supply, also known as hypergalactia, hyperlactation, or oversupply. This can be resolved by reducing your breast milk supply. Here are some methods to help you with that:
Wean Gradually
It is recommended to wean your baby gradually. Abrupt weaning can lead to discomfort, infection, or other medical issues. One way to do this is to stop breastfeeding, which will cause your body to gradually stop producing milk due to the lack of stimulation. During this process, it is important to wear a supportive bra, use ice packs to manage inflammation, and occasionally express milk to relieve breast engorgement.
Use Herbs
Research suggests that certain herbs may help reduce milk supply. For example, drinking sage tea made with 1-3 grams of dried sage leaves, applying jasmine flowers to your breasts, or taking chaste berry orally. However, always consult your doctor before using herbs orally or topically, and watch your baby for any behavioural changes.
Apply Cabbage
Cabbage leaves can help suppress lactation and soothe engorged breasts. To use this method, wash the leaves of green cabbage, chill them in the refrigerator, place them under your bra and over each breast, and change the leaves every few hours.
Take Birth Control
Taking birth control pills containing the hormone estrogen can help stop lactation. Consult your doctor about this option, as it should be done under close medical supervision.
Take Sudafed
Sudafed, a common over-the-counter decongestant, has been found to cause a noticeable decrease in milk production. However, as with birth control, Sudafed should only be used for lactation suppression under the supervision of a doctor.
Take Vitamin B
Research shows that taking high doses of vitamins B1, B6, and B12 may suppress lactation. However, there are conflicting findings regarding its effectiveness, and the negative effects of excessive vitamin B1 or B12 intake are not well understood. Always consult your physician before trying to reduce your milk production.
Remember to consult your doctor before attempting to dry up your breast milk supply, and reach out to a medical professional if you experience any concerning symptoms, such as blocked ducts or breast infection.
Keep Newborns Cozy in Summer: Dressing Tips for Parents
You may want to see also
Use nipple shields
Nipple shields are a short-term solution to help your baby latch onto your breast for breastfeeding. They are thin, flexible, and transparent silicone devices that cover your nipple and areola. They have tiny holes at the tip to allow milk to flow into your baby's mouth.
Nipple shields can be useful if you have short, flat, or inverted nipples, as they make your nipple longer and harder, helping your baby to latch. They can also be used if your baby needs more stimulation to start sucking, as a longer nipple can touch the roof of their mouth and stimulate their sucking reflex.
If you are experiencing sore, cracked, or bleeding nipples, nipple shields can help to protect them and allow them to heal while you work on improving your baby's latch. They can also be useful if you are transitioning your baby from bottle to breast, as they can help adjust to the difference in texture and flow.
It is important to note that nipple shields should only be used when necessary and for as short a time as possible. They do not address the underlying causes of latching issues and can be difficult to wean your baby off. They can also reduce skin-to-skin contact and may affect your baby's milk intake, so it is important to monitor their weight and diaper changes. Speak to a lactation consultant to determine if a nipple shield is the best option for you and to receive guidance on proper use and weaning.
Choking Hazards While Breastfeeding: What's Normal for Newborns?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
If your baby is choking on milk, it's important not to panic. Gagging and choking during feeding is common in young infants due to their hyper-gag reflex and neurologic immaturity. Simply stop the feed, position the baby upright, and support their head and neck. You can also gently pat their back.
One of the most common reasons for choking during breastfeeding is that the milk is coming out faster than your baby can swallow. This often happens when the mother has an oversupply of milk or a particularly forceful let-down reflex.
There are several things you can try to prevent your baby from choking on milk:
- Change your feeding position. Try a laid-back position, with your baby lying on top of you, tummy to tummy.
- Nurse from only one breast per feed to ensure the breast fully empties and the flow slows.
- Make sure your baby is latched on properly. A deeper latch will help them handle the flow.
- Try block feeding, using only one breast for a few hours at a time.
- Express milk for 1-2 minutes before breastfeeding to reduce the flow.
If your baby chokes while bottle-feeding, try using a slower-flow nipple. You should also practice paced bottle-feeding, where you slow down the flow of milk by holding the bottle parallel to the ground, allowing your baby to control the flow.
While choking and gagging during feeding is usually nothing to worry about, you should take your baby for a check-up if the choking continues even after you've slowed down the rate of feeding. If your baby turns blue or loses consciousness during a choking episode, seek emergency medical attention.
