What can I do to prevent my baby from choking?

Question

I have a one week old, and every time she eats, she starts choking on the milk. I have tried to sit her up so it is not so bad, but it hasn't really helped. I almost had to call 911 last time it happened because she wouldn't breathe or cough for awhile. We have a drs appointment on Monday, but does anyone know what could be causing this or what I can do to help her until then?

whoops, sorry on the fuzzy details. I am breastfeeding.

Answer 1

Please, get the slowest flow nipple you can find!!! Please. Please.

If you are nursing, take the baby away from your breast when you let down. Pumping first helps, it has worked for all 3 of my children, who have had the same problem.

Answer 2

If you're bottle feeding, try getting a slower nipple. If you're breastfeeding, all you can do is watch her closely. It may be like me, where at letdown your milk suddenly starts flowing a lot faster. If you're breastfeeding, just watch her carefully and if she starts choking, turn her onto her belly and gently but firmly pat her back. I'd also learn infant cpr as best you can if she stops breathing again. I breastfed and my son would choke while feeding too, just not as bad as you describe. He did spit up once or twice from choking, though. The only thing I can think of that could cause it would be fast milk flow, but I'm sure your doctor will have a better idea.

Answer 3

I think your baby is drinking too quickly. I'd say to pump and put it into bottles. That way you can regulate the flow. I know, it takes away from the bonding experience, but maybe you can try again in another week or so, if she's doing better.

Definitely learn the Heimlich for babies (if you haven't already). But, even if they showed you in the hospital, practice it again. Ask your doctor to show you. Call before you go, and ask them to get an infant CPR mannequin for your visit.

And remember, once you've done the Heimlich maneuver on a baby, they will probably be bruised. Maybe badly. If you ever need to perform the Heimlich, take the baby straight to the ER afterwards. You DO NOT want to have to do it twice. Especially not in the same day.

If you don't have a breast pump, get one as soon as possible. Her life may depend on it.

Oh, and give her a kiss for me. I love babies (as long as I don't have to change the diapers).

Good luck.

Answer 4

yes you definitly need slower nipples, there has to be a 24 hour store near you that sells these, otherwise your baby is getting the milk faster than she can swallow. here's a link that has mothers reviews about avent slow flow nipples which is what I had used for my two kids. Hope this helps, and never fret, none of know exactly whats what with our first child. Just read a few baby books, and you will have a good understanding of the basics.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000056W6G/002-6417897-9016030?v=glance

Answer 5

She may have acid reflux so ask the doctor to test her. My son had it and had to be on liquid Zantac for 6 months. Also talk to a Lactation Consultant about how to pace your baby while feeding. I had a horrible time with my son because he was a preemie (11 weeks early) and he had not learned the suck, swallow, breath technique that develops in the last few weeks of pregnancy. He had to be taught that.

Answer 6

Get CPR infant certified ASAP.
Breast feed if you still can, if not find a tiny holed nipple for the bottle. let her suckle a tiny bit, pull the bottle out, then give it back to her.

breast feed her, it is best, it will be the amount she needs everytime & at the right temp, and it is good for you too. keep her more upright when you feed her.
What a scary thing to experience. I hope it gets better soon, but still you should always be CPR certified when you have a baby/child. and teach them how to SWIM! it may save their life someday...can't stress this enough!

Answer 7

I would call your dr back and get the baby in sooner. She could have a blockage. This happened to a cousin of mine. Better to be safe and overprotective than sorry. Go with your gut! Good Luck!

Answer 8

are you breast feeding or bottle?

if breast - express your milk a little before feeding - the milk is coming out too fast

bottle - check the nipple to see about the hole.

make sure if a bottle it isn't too hot either. is her nose clogged - she might just have a stuffy nose. new borns only breath through their noses so the choking problem.

i have more answers for this but i need more details

Answer 9

Sounds like overactive letdown. Pump or hand express before you breastfeed. Your milk probably just came in a little bit ago. She's probably not used to it.

Also, try lying on your side in bed and have her latch on that way. Different nursing positions can help.

Answer 10

well first of all I would sit your baby up while feeding!! Keep checking the babys' intake on formula give her less then she is getting meaning....keep checking her til monday!! Burp her more often than you would!

But yea, take her to the dr.!!! Maybe her formula is not good for her! There are soo many different one!

God Bless You and Your BAby!!!

Answer 11

if you are feeding by bottle, get a new nipple. You could always tell if we accidentally put a bigger nipple on the bottle when she was young. If she does start choking, lift her upright and gentle pat her back. Remember, even if she is choking, she's getting air. Good luck