3 week old spit up coughing/ choking

[CharlieBol]

Hello,
First time mum, over tired and probably panicking!
My 3 week old EBF is spitting up after most feeds and often will cough/ choke when it comes up. It’s horrific to watch, but she seems okay once she’s caught her breath!
HV and midwife said to go to the doctor and they said nothing wrong off you go! We’re trying a chiropractor in the week but in my sleep deprived state I just want to know if this is normal?!

How is baby doing in terms of weight gain and wet/dirty nappies? Is baby struggling during the feed with spitting up or is it only after the feed? How long does baby feed for?

It sounds like it may be reflux - babies digestive systems can take time to develop and at three weeks it's really normal to see spitting up after feeds. It usually isn't a problem if weight gain is good and will resolve itself as baby develops. The NHS has information on this here. It may be that you need to hold baby up for half an hour or so after feeds (which I know isn't easy or possible, especially in the night). It may help but doesn't always.

If baby is spitting up during the feeds it could possibly be that you have a strong let down or potentially over supply (that's just a suggestion, that may not be the case!). This link gives information on that in case any of it sounds familiar to you.

Hope that's some help. It's never nice watching baby spluttering on milk but sounds like you're doing great

Echoing the previous poster, worth looking into reflux. DD was a “happy spitter” (great weight gain, spit up at every feed). As well as lots of muslins to mop it up, what helped most was making sure she was thoroughly burped after every feed. It’s worth googling since techniques - we got on well with a kind of “sit baby upright (supporting head) and gently move their upper body round in a circular motion” technique, which often squeezed a burp out at a specific point.

Keep asking for help if you’re worried. It’s normal and correct to ask multiple times, you’re not being a bother. Sounds like you’re doing a great job.

After an initial weight loss she’s now happily putting on weight. If she had the choice she’d constantly feed! I’ve tried holding her up for as long as possible but very hard at night!

Thank you so much for the help, I’ll look into the links now!