DD just did something that scared me

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DD(12mo) had not long fallen asleep after a feed when she started making a strange noise. Like sobbing or hiccuping almost. She took a few breaths in at a time, with a pause in between, like she was about to start wailing. But she didn’t. It lasted no more than 20 seconds. Something told me it wasn’t right (second DC, never heard anything like it before) and when I lifted her arm she seemed floppy. I picked her up and she immediately started crying hysterically.

She’s just fed back to sleep and seems fine now but I’m a bit freaked out. Has anyone experienced something similar?

Hi, I'd keep a close eye on her for a while and see if it happens again.

My DS had sleep apnoea due to large tonsils and adenoids and we only realised when he was poorly at about 18 mo and we took him to sleep in our bed as he wasn't settling - he would stop breathing for different periods but could be 10 + seconds at a time, then obviously sth kicked in and he'd stir to correct it, often with a similar sharp intake of breath etc. We just kept a close eye and he had his tonsils and adenoids out about a year later then no problems after that.

So it could be something like that - or not, i'm no medical expert sorry! but best to watch her closely and see if there's a pattern, and obvs call GP / 111 if you're worried.

www.nhs.uk/conditions/breath-holding-in-babies-and-children/

I think my little girl has done this all her life,.she's 2 1/2 now. Is it like a short couple intakes of breath, silence for around 5 seconds then a sigh like they're finally breathing out?

She does this when in a deep sleep. It might be different from what you experienced - I'd say if you are concerned then speak to your GP because you'll never regret getting something checked out that's bothering you.

Of your concerned get it checked out with GP. She may of just been in a very deep sleep ( that’s why she seemed floppy?) & dreaming then you picking her up woke her up/scared her? And that’s why she started crying

It sounds as though it could be Catathrenia. Here is the wiki page for an overview. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catathrenia. A little from the snoring association. britishsnoring.co.uk/catathrenia.php.

In any case, you should talk to your GP tomorrow and push for a referral with the sleep clinic. It doesn’t sound dangerous. But we are talking about a baby rather than an older child / adult.

I knew exactly what you meant when you described what your daughter did, as mine did similar at a very young age. It never became anything, and stopped later. It seemed to only happen when she was in a very deep sleep (could explain the floppy arm).

@Poisinedmummy

Of your concerned get it checked out with GP. She may of just been in a very deep sleep ( that’s why she seemed floppy?) & dreaming then you picking her up woke her up/scared her? And that’s why she started crying

This is EXACTLY what I put it down to in my daughter´s case. It happened very occasionally and then at some point must have stopped because I don´t remember the last time it was an issue. I think it is definitely linked to a very deep sleep.

Sounds like she was sleeping hence her being limpy and also explains why she cried when you picked her up
Her breathing sounds like how my dc sleeps. Dc has always slept/breathed this way

@Poisinedmummy

Of your concerned get it checked out with GP. She may of just been in a very deep sleep ( that’s why she seemed floppy?) & dreaming then you picking her up woke her up/scared her? And that’s why she started crying

This would be my take on it, too.

[quote LifeExperience]www.nhs.uk/conditions/breath-holding-in-babies-and-children/[/quote]
That’s a very helpful link

Sorry OP, but I would be calling 111, just to be on the safe side, and make sure that they know your baby's age.

I would definitely phone your GP today, even if only to record that this has happened.
My daughter had epilepsy as a baby and she sometimes made strange noises in her throat during seizures. From what you say, though, some weird sleep pattern is probably more likely.

As above, ring your gp for peace of mind if you're worried.
That said both our kids did that, she's asleep and likely dreaming. Floppy arm.. again she's asleep pretty sure my arms floppy when I'm asleep too.

I would guess a bad dream.

All mine did this. It was like they were having a bad dream.

@Poisinedmummy

Of your concerned get it checked out with GP. She may of just been in a very deep sleep ( that’s why she seemed floppy?) & dreaming then you picking her up woke her up/scared her? And that’s why she started crying

One of mine did it and it was exactly this. If you got grabbed and lifted when you were sleeping you would be startled and scream too. I wouldn't be too worried at this stage but I would recommend speaking to your GP or HV just to be sure there isn't anything to worry about.

Try and take a video if it happens again. My DC had to have brain scans based on a scenario that everyone dismissed when I described it, but was taken very seriously indeed when I showed the GP a video of it happening. Trust your instincts if you’re worried.