Heavy Breathing In Newborns After Feeding: Is It Normal?

Newborns tend to have irregular breathing patterns that can be a cause for concern for new parents. They can breathe fast, take long pauses between breaths, and make unusual noises. Newborns breathe more through their nostrils than their mouths, and their breathing pathways are much smaller and easier to obstruct. Their chest wall is more pliable than an adult's, and their respiration isn't fully developed as they are still learning to use their lungs and breathing muscles.

A newborn's typical breathing rate is 40-60 breaths per minute while awake, and 30-60 breaths per minute during sleep. Their breathing may slow down to 30 breaths per minute while sleeping and can increase to 50-60 breaths per minute for 10-15 seconds after a pause. Newborns may also experience periodic breathing, characterised by pauses in breathing lasting at least 3 seconds, followed by clusters of rapid, shallow breaths.

While newborn breathing patterns can be alarming for new parents, it is important to familiarise yourself with your newborn's typical breathing pattern and seek medical attention if you notice any changes or signs of distress.

Newborns breathe through their noses, not their mouths

Newborns are "obligate nose breathers", meaning they can only breathe through their noses. The only time newborns breathe through their mouths is when they are crying. This is because newborns are just learning to breathe, as in the womb, the umbilical cord delivered all of their oxygen straight to their body via their blood.

Nasal breathing helps to prevent the inhalation of milk while feeding, and also humidifies and warms the inhaled air, as well as decontaminating it.

Newborns' breathing pathways are much smaller and easier to obstruct, and their chest wall is more pliable than an adult's as it is made mostly of cartilage. Their respiration is also not fully developed as they are still learning to use their lungs and the associated breathing muscles.

Newborns take 30 to 60 breaths per minute, which can slow down to 30 to 40 breaths per minute while they sleep. At six months, babies breathe about 25 to 40 times per minute.

Newborns can also take rapid breaths and then pause for up to 10 seconds at a time. This is very different from adult breathing patterns, which is why new parents might be alarmed. However, within a few months, most of these irregularities resolve themselves.

It is important to pay careful attention to your newborn's typical breathing pattern so that you can learn what is normal for them and be able to tell if something changes.

Newborns can take up to 60 breaths per minute

Newborns have developing lungs and weaker muscles, so their typical breathing pattern may appear fast. They are also still learning to breathe, as the umbilical cord delivered all their oxygen straight to their body through their blood while in the womb.

Newborns breathe mostly through their noses, and their breathing passageways are very small. Their nostrils tend to get blocked easily, which can cause a whistling noise. Their breathing patterns can also sound irregular, and they may stop breathing for 5 to 10 seconds and then start again with a burst of rapid breathing. This is known as "periodic breathing of infancy", and newborns usually outgrow it by about 6 months of age.

If you are concerned about your newborn's breathing, it is important to familiarize yourself with their typical breathing pattern while they are healthy and relaxed. This way, you can notice if anything changes. If you are ever worried, do not hesitate to contact your doctor.

Newborn breathing can be irregular, with pauses of up to 10 seconds

Newborns can take 30 to 60 breaths per minute, slowing to 30 to 40 breaths per minute during sleep. This can slow further to 25 to 40 breaths per minute by the time they are 6 months old. In contrast, adults tend to take 12 to 20 breaths per minute.

Newborns can also take rapid breaths, followed by a pause of up to 10 seconds, and then resume breathing rapidly for 10 to 15 seconds. This is known as periodic breathing and is considered normal. Within a few months, most newborn breathing irregularities resolve themselves.

However, it is important to be aware of your newborn's typical breathing pattern so that you can identify any potential issues. If you are concerned about your baby's breathing, it is always best to seek medical advice. Some signs that your baby may be having breathing difficulties include:

• Grunting or moaning at the end of each breath
• Flaring nostrils, indicating they are working harder to get oxygen into their lungs
• Pulling in of the muscles around the neck, collarbones or ribs when breathing
• Difficulty feeding in addition to breathing issues
• Lethargy or restlessness in addition to breathing issues
• A fever in addition to breathing issues
• Bluish colouring around the lips, tongue, fingernails or toenails

Newborns can experience respiratory distress

• Prematurity: The underdeveloped lungs of premature babies make breathing more difficult.
• Infections and illnesses: Certain illnesses can make it harder to breathe. For example, a lung infection could cause more difficulty breathing in babies than in older children and adults.
• Aspiration: This occurs when a baby inhales fluid, which is more common among newborns, who may aspirate fluid during birth.
• Physical injuries: Damage to a baby's lungs or other parts of their respiratory system may cause them to breathe more rapidly as they try to get air.

Respiratory distress is a medical emergency and can become life-threatening if left untreated. Some other symptoms that indicate respiratory distress in a baby include:

• Flaring their nostrils when breathing
• Breathing louder than usual
• Pulling in their chest muscles to breathe, causing the ribs to become more visible when they take a breath
• Seeming lethargic or restless
• Head-bobbing when breathing
• Changes in the colour of the baby's skin, lips, tongue, or nail beds

If you notice any of these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention. It is also important to familiarize yourself with your newborn's typical breathing pattern so you can easily identify any changes or irregularities.

Newborn breathing problems can include coughing, whistling, and snoring

Newborns tend to have irregular breathing patterns, alternating between fast and slow breathing, with occasional pauses. They also tend to breathe through their nostrils rather than their mouths, and their breathing pathways are much smaller and easier to obstruct. Their chest wall is more flexible than an adult's, as it is made mostly of cartilage, and their respiration is not yet fully developed.

Newborn breathing problems can include:

• Coughing: This can sometimes be caused by mucus in the nostrils or inflammation in the voice box, such as croup. It can also be a sign of a more serious infection such as pneumonia.
• Whistling: A whistling noise is usually caused by a small blockage in the nostrils, which can be cleared by suctioning it out.
• Snoring: Newborn snoring is rare and can be confused with other breathing sounds. It is often caused by the vibration of soft tissues at the back of the throat. Snoring may be a symptom of sleep apnea, which requires medical attention.

Other signs of respiratory distress in newborns include rapid or irregular breathing, flaring nostrils, retracting (pulling the chest in at the ribs), grunting, and a blue colour (cyanosis). If you notice any of these symptoms, consult your baby's healthcare provider immediately.

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