Susie asked, “Is it possible for a baby to choke on breastmilk to the point of needing emergency medical care? >>



This is rare, but recently I had a case of a baby with an undiagnosed heart defect that yes, caused choking. He has a (hope I get this right): right aortic arch with left subclavian artery and vascular ring. The vascular ring was making the baby choke on her entirely-normal letdowns. It was also affecting his positioning preferences and his appetite.



She told me that normally it isn’t discovered until the baby starts choking on solids. I told her, “Well, now those doctors know that this heart defect can cause babies to choke on breastmilk.”



Regina Maria Roig-Romero, BS, IBCLC, RLC

Sr. Lactation Consultant

Miami-Dade County Health Dept WIC/Nutrition

Breastfeeding Program



● 7785 NW 48 Street Suite 300 ● Miami, Florida  33166 ● Phone:  (786) 336-1333 x162 ● Breastfeeding Helpline: (786) 336-1336 



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