baby choking

[unitytree]

My son Noah (2 weeks) has had 5 moments like this.....last one was about 2 hour ago:

It ofter happens after he spits up. He doesn't spit up often but when he does, usually after nursing a LOT!!, he projectile vomits what seems like the entire contents of his tummy. This is usually in the morning and only happens 1x a day. He seems to aspirate some of the spit~up and can't breathe. (its happened 2x's during the night) He turns redish~purple and screams when he gasps.(lasts about 1~2 minutes) I suction his nose either with my mouth or a bulb suction and help him get it all out, but OMgosh it is the scariest thing EVER!!!! I can't put him down and feel so freaked the I won't be able to clear his airway if it happens again! Every time he gags/coughs/makes a wierd sound I jump. He gets a bubbly mucus while it's happening, kinda like what comes out shortly after their born. I have my neonatal resusitation certification but I still feel so helpless!!! He has been sleeping on me 80% of the time...........AHHHHHH, this is so freaky, I've had kids choke so many times on all kinds of things but never like this so many times. I'm taking him in to see the doc on tuesday, hopefully he can shed some light for me! He's thriving, alert, sleeping/nursing well, he's gained 2 lbs in his 2 weeks. Any thoughts??

[Chicky2]

(((((((((((hugs!)))))))))))))) I've had a baby who projectile vomitted everyday for quite awhile. As long as he's gaining, there's no need to worry 'bout that part. But the choking....oooh, I'm sure that's scary. He doesn't have any wetness in his lungs, does he? That's the only thing I can think of. Otherwise, maybe try nursing him more frequently and not getting his tummy so full? I'd try that, and then go from there.

[stacey0402]

I used to work in a postpartum unit and I've seen what you're talking about. In my experience its just an immature gag reflex that takes a minute to calm down. Its like baby wants to breathe, but the gag reflex keeps him from being able to. Baby's musculature is just so immature and he probably needs a few months to get better control. Remember that he's not really choking, there's nothing blocking his airway...he just can't get air in right away. It can be so scary for both you and baby Turn him on his side when he does this and suction his mouth and nose. Don't stick the syringe in too far or you'll gag him (I'm sure you already know this). Suction the mouth first and remember to point the syringe away from him when you depress the bulb (you don't want to give him a burst of air in his face).

I hope that's all it is Good luck figuring this out.

[OMama]

Do you think the reddish-purple color he is turning is from lack of air or because he is crying? Does it help if you just get him upright and then he can work it out faster? It seems like you are doing everything you can. It does sound scary but maybe he is just figuring how his system. I hate it when my new babe does something similar. It doesn't last as long as what you are describing but he definitely chokes and sputters on his spit up. I remember DD doing this as well. I guess the big issue is if he is truly aspirating it or not. Wish I could be more help. Hope you get some answers soon.