#asktheexpert what needs to be done if the new born baby is breathing heavily during feeding?

Question

Accepted Answer

Do you mean to say that the child stopping in between during the feed and taking deep breaths? You should also rule out if the flow of the milk is very fast, because the baby will get sudden choking because of that and might stop feeding and take some time to regroup

Accepted Answer

If a newborn baby is breathing heavily during feeding, it's important to monitor and address the situation carefully. Here’s what you should do:

**1. Observe the Baby:

Breathing Pattern: Note if the heavy breathing is consistent or occurs only during feeding. Check if the baby is also experiencing other symptoms like grunting, flaring nostrils, or rapid breathing.

**2. Check Feeding Position:

Feeding Position: Ensure the baby is in a comfortable and proper feeding position. An awkward position might make breathing more difficult. The baby should be held in a semi-upright position during bottle or breastfeeding.

**3. Monitor for Additional Symptoms:

Signs of Distress: Watch for signs of distress such as cyanosis (bluish color around the lips or face), excessive sweating, or difficulty latching. If these occur, seek immediate medical advice.

**4. Assess Feeding Technique:

Flow Rate: If bottle-feeding, ensure that the nipple flow rate is appropriate for the baby’s age. A nipple with too fast or too slow a flow can affect breathing.

**5. Check for Congestion:

Nasal Congestion: If the baby has nasal congestion, it might make breathing more difficult during feeding. Use a saline nasal spray or a bulb syringe to gently clear nasal passages.

**6. Consult a Pediatrician:

Medical Evaluation: If heavy breathing persists or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms, consult a pediatrician. They can evaluate if there are underlying issues such as respiratory infections, reflux, or other conditions affecting breathing.

**7. Ensure Comfortable Environment:

Room Temperature: Make sure the feeding environment is comfortably warm, but not too hot or cold. Extreme temperatures can affect the baby’s breathing.

**8. Feeding Frequency:

Frequent Small Feeds: Sometimes, feeding smaller amounts more frequently can help if the baby is struggling with larger feedings.

Heavy breathing during feeding can be a sign of several issues, some of which may require medical attention. Monitoring closely and consulting with your pediatrician will help ensure your baby's health and comfort.