11 wk baby choking/ struggling at night

[Gretafamily]

Hi all,
I have a 11 week old baby and a few weeks ago she was asleep for a couple of hours. She woke up quite suddenly with her eyes wide open and I could hear milk in her throat (gurgling liquid). Her face went red and she flapped her arms fast beside her and he head bobbed with her eyes really wide and scared looking. My husband grabbed her and she was then sick and cried. We took her to A&E as we though she had a fit. They said no fit it’s just reflux and as I’m breastfeeding to give up dairy which I have. It’s still happening though but only if she has been asleep for a couple of hours. We are winding her after every feed and she isn’t fussing. It genuinely looks like a fit or maybe a nightmare! I am going to take her to GP but wondered if anyone had experience of this? Thank you

Can one of you video her to show the Dr to confirm fitting or to reassure you that she isn't. I would ask to see your health visitor ASAP

That’s a good idea minty. I didn’t think of that. I will do that next time she does it. Thank you

Make sure she sleeps on her side so any secretions can drain and I would be asking for a gastro team referal.Put a pillow between her legs to stop her rolling onto her front . My son has sn and struggles like this but that position helps a lot. You could also invest in a SATS monitor to alert you if there is an issue with her oxygen x

I remember when my son was born early he had lots of problems with reflux. One day we came home from a lovely walk and I popped him and the buggy in the conservatory for 30 seconds while I went to shut the front door. I came back and saw his eyes wide open and milk overflowing from his mouth - it was honestly the scariest thing I’ve ever encountered. I froze stupidly but luckily my sister was around and acted so fast and grabbed my son out the buggy and hit his back until he was OK.

I went straight to the doctor the following day though and they gave me a powder called “THICK AND EASY” which I picked up from the pharmacy. It was like a powder but when added to hot liquids (in this case hot milk), it thickened it slightly so when my son drank it settled better in his stomach.

We NEVER had a problem with reflux after that. And I made sure I was always stocked with thick and easy.

I know his scary it is when babies have reflux OP. Good luck and see if you can get something similar to help your Lil one

I know it goes against instincts but if it happens again film it as said above. Seek medical advice every single time. If it’s reflux she needs medication if it’s affecting her ability to breathe during the night. You must be terrified. We got a Snuza alarm when DT2 had breathing issues at night (ended up being enlarged adenoids) which made me feel a little better but I didn’t sleep well for a long time as I was so anxious.

Also, If you haven’t already - but a small pillow or towel rolled up under the cot mattress and under the padding in the bassinet. This will help keep your sons head elevated slightly so again the milk isn’t trickling back up and causing him to choke. 💗

Good luck

We went trough this and my DC was diagnosed with allergies which they still have years later. It may be more than dairy causing problems.