Hi y'all...I have a 10 month old, and just recently (3 weeks or so) she has started holding her breath as a coping mechanism. I talked to the pediatrician and he kinda brushed it off, and said it was "normal". I'm still worried though, and I haven't ever heard of anybody else's child like this either.

I did some research online, but eveyrthing I read is so different than what we are experiencing. For one thing, she doesn't hold her breath when she is crying...she holds it when she doesn't like something, and sometimes it may or may not escalate to crying. Also, I have read that it doesn't usually start until over a year, and she was 9 months when this started.

The biggest thing is eating...as soon as I put her in the highchair she starts holding her breath right away. Sometimes her eyes will start to close, and this just freaks me out, and I end up just taking her out of the situation. I don't know if this is the right thing to do though??

Please, does anybody else have a child like this?? I really need some advice. and if you think of it, please pray for us as we work through this issue. Thank you so much!!!

I've not dealt with this...but....
I'd just let it go.
You want to hold your breath..fine..go ahead. Your food will be waiting for you when you 'wake up' (if she goes so far as to pass out...and that'll be ok..scary, yes, I imagine so, but, no harm done...from what I understand..give a 'minute' then wake her up)

Or, I'd spank as soon as it started. "No..no you will NOT do that, you will get a spanking" period.

P L E A S E don't trust the ped on this one. While it can be normal, it can also turn dangerous. My little sister did just as you're describing, even starting about the same age. She eventually got to the place where her breath holding would end up as a seizure. She continued this until she was three years old. She vwould do it when she could not get her way. I'm sorry, but I don't remember if she just grew out of it, or if some form of discipline stopped it. She will be in my prayers to stop this behavior. You will be in my prayers for strength to overcome her.

hmmmm that is a hard one. I don't know it could be an issue of trying to get her own way but there may also be another reason for it?! I would be really concerned too especailly if it makes her pass out!! I don't think that is good! I will pray for her and also for you that you will have wisdom and direction. I was just thinking about what usually happens prior to these episodes, she may be over tired, over stimulated and this could be her way of coping?? I don't know if that helps! I feel that if you have concern then you should go with your instincts. Will definitely pray!

Hi, Ladybug! :-D

I have actually studied this disorder and know quite a bit about it. So, here's what I know; Your doctor was telling the truth when he said these episodes are 'normal', or relatively so. Mild to moderate cases of Expiratory Apnea (otherwise known as BHS-Breath-Holding Spells) occur in 5% of children, beginning as early as 3 months old, but more commonly at around 8 months. They normally peak (in frequency) at around two years old, and resolve on their own between the ages of 6 and 8 years old.

Expiratory Apnea is an involuntary condition and the child should not be disciplined for breath-holding. However, a major concern of pediatritions is that parents become anxious about their child's breath-holding and will sometimes avoid conflict or confrontation with the child out of their own fear of bringing on an episode. It's hugely advised that the parents stick to their agreed upon plan for discipline, and be consistent. It's been observed that parents of children with BHS will often deal with long-term behavioral problems with the child, due to their fear of discipline, long after the BHS disappears. :???: So, whatever your plan was for discipline, stick to it. Don't let this change your course.

Okay, so more info... Hmmmm....

BHS is almost always a benign behavior. It can be scary as all get out for the parents, but it's very rarely indicative of an underlying condition. HOWEVER, if you feel that your doctor hasn't examined your daughter thoroughly enough, speak with him/her again. The things a doctor should be looking for are, first of all, ANEMIA, which can cause a lack of oxygen to the brain and fainting spells, any UNDERLYING HEART CONDITION (very, very rare, but an untrasound and an EKG are usually done), and EPILEPTIC SEIZURES (and EEG would be done to check for this). As I've said, these conditions are extrememly rare, but having these conditions ruled out will give you peace of mind while going through breath-holding episodes.

Okay, let's see... So, it's normal for the child to turn red and then blue (especially around the mouth, nose, and eyes). This is called Cyanotic Breath-Holding. It oftens leads to partial or total loss of consciousness (which normally lasts only seconds to a minute, when the child relaxes and normal blood-flow and oxygen to the brain are restored). After the child loses consciousness, it's not uncommon for him/her to have a mild seizure. These seizures are benign. They cause no damage to the brain, no lasting effects on quality of life, will not show up on and EEG, and do NOT lead to later episodes of 'epileptic seizures'.

Another type of breath-holding is called Pallid Breath-Holding. These usually happen after the child is hurt or becomes suddenly (and extremely) frightened. This type of breath-holding is actually less common. It's totally involuntary and resembles fainting. The child will become deathly pale and will pass out. Pallid Breath-Holders sometimes become fainters later in life. Anemia is most common in this form of breath-holding.

To wrap this up, I'd say you should definitely make sure your pediatrition has thoroughly examined your daughter, just to rule out any possible underlying condition, even though these are rare. After you've done this, whenever you go back to your pediatrition (or if you get a new one at any time), always bring up the breath-holding, even if they forget. Keep them apprised of any changes. If you daughter ever experiences anything that looks like a mild seizure (passing out with sudden stiffening and/or jerking) call your ped and have her examined. As I said before, mild, benign seizures are often par for the course, but until it's been established that they are not epileptic, an EEG should be done, for the record and for your own peace of mind (if this should ever occur).

If your daughter starts losing partial or total consciousness, have a plan for how you're going to deal with it. Stay calm (you don't want her to become anxious because you are). Make sure she's in a safe place where she can't hit her head. Lie her down, always check her airway( for the off-chance that she's actually choking on something), turn her on her side, and just sit by her and calmly observe. Really, that's all you're supposed to do. If this happens, when she regains consciousness, continue on with what you were doing before the episode. If you were in the process of disciplining her, continue with what you started. Don't draw unneeded attention to the breath-holding. You don't want her to become anxious about it, neither do you want her to ever 'use' it as a means of control to get what she wants.

For the record, things that don't work but are often tried by parents :-D ... blowing in the mouth, CPR, cold water to the wrists or face, yelling at them to 'get up and stop it, right now', lol!

I'll say a prayer for you, Sister. Try not to worry or stress over this. It's very likely not a big deal. Don't become anxious. This, too, shall pass.

XOXOXO

Joy [welcomewave]

I agree with Joylynn and Davidsmommy. I work in early intervention and have worked with several families who thought their children were "holding their breath" when something else was going on. I would go back to the Doctor, tell him you have been doing some reading and are concerned that something else might be going on, rather than your daughter just "holding her breath". Video tape your daughter during one of these episodes to show the Doctor.
Praying nothing serious is going on. Trust that God is in control of your little one and that these episodes will stop soon.

Agreeing with the others that it's a definite problem, wouldn't let it go with doc. Just wondering if you've tried puffing a breath of air onto her face when she starts (like blowing out a candle). This is a tried and true trick for making your baby swallow, works great when taking medicine, etc. I've never seen a baby that didn't respond by swallowing and taking a breath. Worth a try maybe...
Beth

Very informative post Joy...thanks!
(I tried to give you rep for it, but, ya know, I need to 'spread the love' Argh! I keep TRYING to!)

Very informative post Joy...thanks!
(I tried to give you rep for it, but, ya know, I need to 'spread the love' Argh! I keep TRYING to!)


Tara, I've been trying to as well. It won't let me give to either of you girls.

Joy, DITTO to what Tara said about the post. :) I never realized there was so much behind it.

I have not read all the previous posts but I did want to add that my brother was a breath holder and my moms doctor told her not to worry about it.. the worst thing that could happen is the child passing out but then they would start breathing again. My brother never did get to the point of passing out and it was a phase that came and passed. I hope it passes soon for you.. I can amagine it being very nerve racking!

THANK YOU for the support, it means so much to me. And thank you, JoyLynn, for the very informative post. :)

I talked to the pedi again today about it (we had to go in for a weight check anyway), and he was a lot more in depth that the previous time when he just passed it off. He advised me to leave her in the situation that causes her to hold her breath so that she can work it out herself; and as was previously stated here to not give in to it, and not change what were doing.

In agreeement with what was said here tooo, a week ago (or so) I tried speaking sternly, spanking her hand (when I was getting scared because her face was changing colors) and that made it sooo much worse -- she quit taking breaths at all. So I decided right then that punishing was not the way to handle this situation.

Again, thank you for all the insight and help. :)

I also read that you should lay them down and then leave. That way if she does faint she won't fall out of her seat and hit her head. It's crazy to think that at 10 months they are so smart to find ways to get what they want. Hope things come to a stop soon!

I've not dealt with this...but....
I'd just let it go.
You want to hold your breath..fine..go ahead. Your food will be waiting for you when you 'wake up' (if she goes so far as to pass out...and that'll be ok..scary, yes, I imagine so, but, no harm done...from what I understand..give a 'minute' then wake her up)

Or, I'd spank as soon as it started. "No..no you will NOT do that, you will get a spanking" period.

woweeee!! I'm so sorry, but getting spanked for holding your breath at 9 months? Yowzers..I just don't even know what to say to that.

I'm so sorry she's doing this. It would be scary for me too. Is it only in the high chair? I'd find a different ped. I think it's something to investigate further. I'm sorry, I don't have any more advice.

Yes I would spank at 9 months for holding breath to determine if it was an attempt at getting her way.
In most cases breath holding is simply a means by which a child gets what they want. It's a way of manipulating the parent. I would nip that right away..with a spanking. :)

Here is just a few sites for info on this topic. I didn't have a lot of time to research further. But I found it interesting that low iron can be one cause of holding breath. At any rate, my hope is that you don't see it as manipulation & you're able to meet a real need for your baby.

DrSpock
http://raisingchildren.net.au/articles/breath_holding.html

DrSears
http://www.askdrsears.com/faq/db4.asp

thank you for the links, Kalihi! :) It is very obvious to me in our situation at least, that my baby is NOT holding her breath to get something that she wants or to manipulate me. She does that by kicking her feet and screaming (she gets disciplined for this).

this is jmho, but I have to admit that I am kinda disappointed in the very strong push to spank that I have read on this website. I do believe in spanking, but certainly not in EVERY single case like I have read here. I think spanking takes a lot more discernment than the cure-all to everything that is "wrong". Thank you kalihi for pointing out your point of view, and I totally agree with you. :)

I think it's wise to remember that our viewpoints on things are just that, *our* opinion. If someone chooses to spank more than someone else, well then that is their conviction, it doesn't make it right or wrong. It all boils down to how you interpret the Scriptures and to be honest we have already *been there, done that* with that debate on this site. It's not our place to judge someone else's methods of parenting or to imply that their way of parenting is wrong. We are just supposed to love one another despite our disagreements. So don't be disappointed, just be content with how you parent.[lovesign]

Ladybug07 wrote:
this is jmho, but I have to admit that I am kinda disappointed in the very strong push to spank that I have read on this website.

I have been around this site posting longer than most around here, it is very balanced and this is not a fair statement. Rachel works extremely hard to keep it balanced. There are a variety of contributors, authors and viewpoints that are represented - EQUALLY.

Eva, I second your post.

Ladybug07 wrote:


I have been around this site posting longer than most around here, it is very balanced and this is not a fair statement. Rachel works extremely hard to keep it balanced. There are a variety of contributors, authors and viewpoints that are represented - EQUALLY.

Eve, I second your post.

May I third it??

Yeah, I gotta step in and 4th that comment. (well aside from the original part of having been posting longer than most around here..I've been around a while now, but, I'm not like a founding member or anything *grins* )

The most you'll see about 'spanking' here is probably from *me*. I am very open about my choice to spank as a form of training my children. I am not ashamed of that. I do so wisely and Biblically.
So, if you get the impression this *site* is too 'spank-happy' maybe you're just really reading too many of *my* posts. :p

In which case, if you do not agree, simply stop reading them. It's that easy.

And with that...I will stop..as this has strayed too far from the original topic already.

My son did this when he was little. Most of the time it would happen when he was scared, but a couple of times it happened because he was mad. The first time I rushed him to the hospital (I knew kids could do this but he had surgery on his skull a few months before this started so I wanted to be sure). The doctors ran tests (due to the surgery) and he was fine. My doctor stressed that we not give in to him no matter what or he would just keep doing it. He would pass out and twich a little and then he would come to just fine. It was scary but he out grew it quickly. I would just watch his face for cues- he would look really scared like he couldn't help it. He gradually learned to watch my face and breath slower. He started at about 11 months and it stoped when he was about 1 1/2 years old. The Dr said if you give in it can keep on til they are school aged. I hope this helps a little.

I was a breath holder when I was little.

used to freak babysitters right out, because I did pass out from it, and they weren't used to it.

breath holding wasn't the only thing that made me pass out, and sometimes it was not intentional at all. it happened when I got stressed out. still does once in a while!@

I have passed out from:
my mother yelling at me (and not just once, and not to try to manipulate anything, I honestly just started to get dizzy and my body/mind could not handle it and I'd pass out)
finals at college
heat
illness (particularly when vomiting)

I recommend learning as much as you can about it, and to complete training in first aid and CPR, just in case, KWIM>? I actually think every mother should, but that's another story ;)