Is it normal for a newborn to sleep a lot after choking?

Question

Hello doctor,

I need your suggestion regarding my newborn brother. After being discharged from the hospital, he choked on some milk while my mother was feeding him and had to be readmitted. Today, he was discharged again, but he has not cried for the past seven hours and has been sleeping the entire time. Is this a cause for concern?

Kindly suggest.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Babies tend to sleep a lot during the early weeks, but if this is accompanied by symptoms like difficulty feeding, excessive sleepiness, or reduced activity, it could indicate a problem. Check if your brother is breathing normally; newborns typically breathe 40 to 60 times per minute. Also, listen for any unusual sounds while he breathes. If he is refusing breast milk or struggling to feed, this is a cause for concern. Additionally, observe his skin color; it should be pink. If it appears pale, yellowish, or bluish, seek medical attention immediately.

Choking can sometimes lead to aspiration, where milk enters the lungs and affects oxygen levels, even if the baby looks fine. If he remains excessively drowsy or uninterested in feeding, take him to the hospital without delay. Wishing the best for your brother. To prevent such incidents in the future, ask a trained nurse or midwife to guide your mother on the correct way to breastfeed. Avoid feeding him while he is lying flat on the bed. Instead, hold him on the lap in a slightly slanted position, with his head up and butt down, to ensure safe feeding.

I hope this helps you.

Thank you.