Berikut adalah 4 Tips Efektif Mencegah Bayi Tersedak ASI saat Menyusui
Many new parents consider an oversupply of breast milk to be a good thing (and to an extent, it is). However, an oversupply of breast milk can also cause discomfort for both Mom and baby. In very rare cases, a newborn baby can choke while breastfeeding. Let's learn more, Mom, about babies choking on breast milk and how to prevent it so that the baby can continue to breastfeed comfortably.
Reasons Why Babies Choke on Breast Milk
Choking is normal because newborns are just learning to suck and swallow breast milk while breastfeeding. By recognizing early on why a baby might choke while breastfeeding, it will be easier for Mom to take the appropriate preventative steps.
A common reason why babies choke while breastfeeding is that the breast milk flows faster than the baby's ability to swallow it. This usually happens when the mother has an oversupply of breast milk. According to La Leche League International (LLLI), common signs of oversupply include the baby coughing, choking, or even biting the nipple to stop the flow of breast milk.
A heavy flow of breast milk into the baby's mouth occurs when the mother's breast is stimulated by the nursing baby, causing the oxytocin hormone to trigger the let-down reflex that releases the milk. Well, this overly rapid release of milk causes the baby to choke while breastfeeding.
What Should Mom Do When a Baby Chokes on Breast Milk?
When Mom notices the little one choking while breastfeeding, immediately take these effective steps to clear the breast milk from their airway:
- Stop breastfeeding the little one.
- Immediately lift the baby's body and hold them in an upright position (cradled) while supporting their head and neck.
- While in that cradled position, pat their back gently. The choking will resolve in a few seconds.
Tips to Prevent Babies from Choking While Drinking Breast Milk
1. Use only one breast per feeding
Breastfeeding from one breast side each session is the best method to prevent the little one from choking while drinking breast milk. This method ensures the breast is truly empty, the flow slows down, and the baby gets breast milk with a higher fat content, which makes the baby feel full and stop breastfeeding.
This method is also called “block feeding,” which is breastfeeding using only one breast for a certain period (at least a few hours) to reduce the supply in the other breast before switching to the other side.
2. Ensure the little one has a correct latch
Adjusting the baby's latch while breastfeeding directly can prevent choking. Babies who choke are often caused by a shallow latch. Breast milk should flow down into the little one's throat, but with a shallow latch, too much breast milk remains in their mouth. If the little one's mouth latches deeply onto the mother's nipple, they can learn to swallow breast milk well.
3. Change your breastfeeding position
The next tip to prevent babies from choking on breast milk is to try a different breastfeeding position. Placing the baby at a more upright angle allows gravity to work against the flow of breast milk. The position of breastfeeding the baby on top of Mom can slow down the breastfeeding process. Meanwhile, breastfeeding in a side-lying position can help excess breast milk flow out of the baby's mouth, thus preventing choking.
4. Stop breastfeeding when the little one is full
If the little one is too full but continues to drink, they risk choking. Mom should understand the signs that the baby is full. Pay attention to whether their stomach feels harder and the little one is holding the milk back by sucking slowly. That is a sign that the little one is full, and Mom needs to gently pull the breast away.
An oversupply of breast milk can cause a baby to choke on breast milk while breastfeeding. However, although it has the potential to cause excessive worry for Mom, this situation is quite common and can usually be handled quickly. If the baby is still choking while breastfeeding, Mom should consult a pediatrician immediately.
Use Hegen Teats for a Comfortable, Anti-Choking Solution for the Little One
For prevention, try changing your breastfeeding position or using an anti-colic bottle for your newborn from Hegen. Hegen teats for newborns up to 1 month old feature a single-hole extra slow flow, and a slow flow teat for babies 1-3 months old.
So, you can be sure the baby won't choke because the flow rate is tailored to their age, making breastfeeding and swallowing breast milk more comfortable. Hegen Teat Extra Slow Flow is made from soft silicone material, and has an asymmetrical teat shape with a 20-degree tilt that prevents the risk of milk backflow.
Feeding with a Hegen teat is just like breastfeeding directly from Mom, fitting perfectly in their small mouths, and is equipped with a smart built-in anti colic air vent system that prevents air from being swallowed, which can trigger choking, bloating, and more.
Mom, don't hesitate to use baby bottle products that are comfortable and loved by babies, only from Hegen. We offer many innovations to make the breastfeeding activity easy, fun, and sustainable. Go directly to the official Hegen Indonesia website.
References
- Healthline. Help! My Baby Is Choking on Milk! https://www.healthline.com/health/baby/baby-choking-on-milk
- La Leche League International (LLLI). Oversupply. (n.d.). https://www.llli.org/breastfeeding-info/oversupply/
