My baby chokes while feeding, is this normal?

[RedRose]

My baby often chokes on my milk and it's really scary

I thought it was because of a strong let down, so sometimes I pull it out of her mouth and catch the spray in a breast pad. It hasn't really helped as she chokes at any point during the feed, even right at the end when it's not spraying.

It's making me nervous to feed her and I'm now dreading weaning!

Do any of you have a baby who does this? Is there anything I should be doing differently?

 

[rocemom]

Maybe reflux??

 

[Samantha675]

Sounds like you have a fast letdown. Maybe try feeding her in more a reclined pose, so that she is more on top of the breast than under it. That way gravity is helping. If you get her latched on while on the sofa or bed, then lean back so she is laying more on top of you, this might help.

 

[RedRose]

Thank you ladies!

I have had a read about reflux now and it does sound as though it could be that, thank you.

I also changed our feeding position so she was on top and feeding 'downwards' and she only did one little choke out of three feeds now which is much better!

I didn't think it could be a fast let down as it happens way into the feeds, but I could be wrong as it seems to be helping which is great, thank you.

 

[Samantha675]

Great! I am glad it is helping.

 

[leena1]

Hiya
Fast milk ejection can cause reflux too, do you have a big supply? I had to reduce mine this time so baby didn't choke/splutter every feed.
Leena

 

[Cazzyg]

You can have multiple let downs during a feed. Other things to try are:

- expressing a little before you start to feed;
- try not to switch sides too often as that will also lead to multiple let downs.

If it is a fast let down, it will settle down when your supply is more in tune with your baby's milk requirements.