How to prevent choking while breastfeeding? - Dr.Deanne Misquita

To prevent suffocation of baby whole feeding it is very important to position the baby correctly at the breast, whichever position you chose to feed the baby, you need to remember that the baby should be towards you such that the tummy of the baby should be close to the tummy of the mother, the face facing the breast, the ear lobe, shoulder and the hip in a straight line such that the child’s neck is to tilting either forwards or backwards. An advisable position would be keeping the baby slightly tilted wherein the head is slightly above the body level. This ensures that the baby gulps in and drinks in feed without getting suffocated. A second most important thing is to check if the baby is comfortable at the breast. As the baby is receiving feed and drinking feed, the child will gulp and have a smooth breath sounds, during each and every gulp. If you notice that the child is pulling back and pushing its head against your hand, and uncomfortable. Immediately unlatch the baby and reposition the child so that you and your baby are comfortable. In case you notice that your baby is uncomfortable, take the baby or unlatch the baby away for the breast, burp the baby and continue feed again if the baby still shows signs of hunger.