What is what to do when baby chokes while breastfeeding?

If your baby is choking while breastfeeding, act quickly and stay calm. Here's what to do:

1. Recognize the Signs of Choking: Look for signs like gagging, coughing, struggling to breathe, turning red or blue, and a high-pitched squeaking sound. A baby choking isn't always silent; sometimes they will make sounds.

2. Remove from Breast: Immediately take the baby off your breast.

3. Position the Baby:

   • Infant (under 1 year old): Position the baby face down along your forearm, supporting their jaw and chest. Ensure their head is lower than their chest.
   • Older Baby (able to sit): Sit the baby on your lap, leaning forward.

4. Back Blows:

   • Infant: Give five firm back blows between the baby's shoulder blades using the heel of your hand.
   • Older Baby: Lean the baby slightly forward and deliver five back blows.

5. Chest Thrusts (if back blows are ineffective):

   • Infant: Turn the baby over onto their back, supporting their head and neck. Place two fingers in the center of their chest, just below the nipple line. Give five quick chest thrusts, compressing the chest about 1.5 inches.
   • Older Baby: Place two fingers in the center of their chest, just below the nipple line. Give five quick chest thrusts.

6. Check the Mouth: After each set of back blows and chest thrusts, check the baby's mouth for the obstruction. If you see it, gently sweep it out with your finger. Never do a blind finger sweep.

7. Repeat: Continue alternating between back blows and chest thrusts until the object is dislodged or the baby loses consciousness.

8. If the Baby Becomes Unconscious: Call emergency services (like 911) immediately. Begin infant CPR. A detailed guide to infant CPR is highly recommended.

9. Seek Medical Attention: Even if the baby seems fine after the obstruction is cleared, it's crucial to see a doctor to ensure there are no further complications, such as irritation or damage to the throat.

Prevention Tips:

• Ensure proper latch during breastfeeding. A shallow latch can cause the baby to gulp air and milk quickly. Learn the proper%20breastfeeding%20latch.
• Burp the baby frequently during and after feeding to remove excess air.
• Pay attention to your milk flow. If you have a forceful letdown, try expressing some milk before latching the baby. This will help manage forceful%20letdown.
• Try different breastfeeding positions to find one where the baby is comfortable and can control the flow of milk.
• Be aware of signs that your baby is getting too much milk too quickly.

Important Note: This information is for guidance only and does not replace professional medical advice. It is essential to take a baby%20first%20aid%20course to learn these techniques properly and confidently.