(posted this in BFing as well) I wonder if any of you ladies & babies have experienced this?

Every night for Kirsty's bedtime feed, I nurse Kirsty lying down on our bed on 1 breast (seeing as it's a long feed, I like to watch TV to pass the time a little!), then I take her through and nurse in a chair in the nursery on the other breast, then it's off to bed for her.

She nurses whilst sleepy/sleeping at this time, she falls asleep pretty quickly during this feed but feeds on. Every night over the last few weeks whilst nursing on the bed (side lying) and/or in the chair, she seems to have a moment where she "forgets" to breathe and by the time her breathing kicks in again (maybe 5-10 seconds), she ends up in such a panic and cries with fright. It really scares me

I am aware of it when it happens and normally rubbing her cheek kicks in her breathing quickly and no panic, but tonight it didn't and she got a huge fright. Tonight it happened twice, but the second time wasn't so bad.

Do any of your babies do this? It's only ever during her bedtime feed. It really frightens me (sorry this was long)

[Resi]

Hmm.. I don't think this has ever happened with us. How do you know she stopped breathing? I have had Oliver pull away crying or upset but never knew for sure what caused it. He has went through a lot of BF changes were he does something new. How long has she been doing this? I have found that he will start something new and then it goes away after a week or so. I'm no help.. maybe someone else will be able to answer this.

It's definately that she stops breathing for about 5-10 seconds cos I can't hear her breathing, then she'll let go after the 5-10 secs and it's like she can't breathe in, then she gasps huge intake of air and cries with fright.

It#s been happening for about 2-3 weeks but seems to be getting worse. By worse, I mean bigger frights. My rubbing her cheek would prevent the panic gasp & crying but it didn't work tonight. She has a health visitor weigh-in on Thursday, I'm going to mention it to see what she says.

[Resi]

That does sound scary. Poor Kirsty. I can only imagine why she gets so frightened. I hope the doctor can give you some peace of mind or ideas to why this is happening. Let us know what you find out.

Thanks Resi, I appreciate you replying. It really scares me so I can't imagine how frightening it is for her. I hate seeing that panic in her little face. I meant to ask the HV last last week but I forgot. Must make a note to ask this week though.

[**Jenn**]

Neither of my boys did this to my recollection, and it definitely seems like something I would remember if it did. It sounds very scary, for both of you. I hope you can get some answers when you ask at her next appointment.

[*Anna*]

my little one does this! And I remember reading somewhere that it is normal. She gasps and starts breathing after like 5 seconds. I usually rub her head to get her to start breathing sooner. And she has the newborn stuffyness right now, so I know when she's breathing and when she's not. I am always with her, so I watch her alot, but plan to ask ped at her next appt.

I'm curious what your ped will say though FI... but I remember reading somewhere (can't remember where) that its normal and no need to worry.

[Mars]

Amara does something similar but I don't think it's the same thing that Kirsty does. Sometimes when feeding she may decide she's going to do a long drink without breathing (about 5 - 10 secs) and then she does this big gasp to get air. Usually when I see her doing it, I stop her feed and restart.

thanks girls. Anna i feel so much better after your reply - not that I/m "glad" Alexa does this, but to know Kirsty isn't alone, KWIM? Definately try to remember to ask the health visitor on Thursday, I'll be sure and let you know what she says.

Just back from our health visitor appointment, Kirsty now weighs 13lb 1½oz Her gain has slowed down since her last weigh-in 2 weeks ago. But she's definately going through a growth spurt, so the HV wasn't concerned. Kirsty is still healthy & content so is obviously doing fine.

I asked about this breathing thing, she said she couldn't think of an explanation other than... a baby who falls asleep sucking a dummy, sucks continually and "knows" there's something in his/her mouth... whilst BFing baby creates a vacuum around the breast and he/she may "forget" the breast is in his/her mouth and forgets to take a breath.

I'm not sure as Kirsty falls asleep at the breast through the day at times as well but this doesn't happen. The HV said to monitor and if it continues to have her checked out by a doctor to be sure.

[Mars]

Kirsty's growing so well!! Great job, Mommy!!

I hope the breathing issue stops.