Does anyone's child have blue breath-holding spells?

[JohnnyMcGrathSaysFuckOff]

Earlier tonight, 13mo DS was crying and suddenly stopped breathing. It was really scary. His mouth area went all blue, his eyes rolled back and he went all floppy. Naturally, I thought he was choking and tried to whack him on the back.

He started breathing again and was a bit clingy but otherwise fine. He had his bath and milk, and is in bed, fussing on and off but okay. However, NHS website says the first time a chils has an episide like this, they should see a GP so we have rung 111 and waiting a callback. I am hoping they say it can wait till tomorrow so I don't have to drag him out.

Has anyone else had this? Did it occur again? Is it associated with cot death? Bit worried now he is in bed on his own and wondering if I should take him into bed with us tonight.

WeShouldBeFriends

Ahh I see what you mean, I guess that's what the paediatrician was meaning then . Although the the GP I saw before she turned one was insistent it was intentional for attention. I found that really frustrating as she was far too young to be doing that. I just had to accept it though because, well who am I to argue with an experienced professional.

Although the paediatrician did tell me it wasn't RAS because her episodes had a trigger (tiredness and loud noises) whereas RAS occurs randomly?

My eldest son used to do it - I think a PP mentioned "blowing" on your child - which was also what my doctor recommended. I can recommend that this works.

I also had varying responses from medical professionals - one HV told me that it was "sheer temper". The general consensus seemed to be that it was quite common and not to worry as children grow out of it.

I can vouch that my son did grow our of it when he was about 2.

My sister did this as a baby. Under shock or trauma she'd stop breathing. She's 37 now and grew out of it. Really scary though.

Thanks all. Good to hear it is so common but slightly worried now as to how bad it might get when he is a toddler and has tantrums!

Oh well, cross that bridge when we come to it!