Holding his breath - what does this mean?

[Js Mum]

I have a monitor that registers movement including bubs breathing - and the last few days the alarm has gone off. Each time when I have gone in to check, bub is sleeping directly over the sensor pads and seems fine.

This morning though I got there and he set it off again a few times whilst I was in the bedroom next to the cot - he seems to actually be taking a breath and then it's as though he is holding his breath for while before starting to breath again normally.

Has anyone had similar experiences or can offer advice? It's a bit scray now - now I wonder if there a risk he wont restart breathing.

[sam's mum]

one of my friends had this happen with her son. he had sleep apnoea and so he would stop quite often and she would have to respond to the alarm.

babies learn how to get the mum into the room. some cry, her son held his breath. yours may be doing the same.

[naiwen]

How old is bub and does he loose colour in his face when he does it?

[LittleButton]

Babies learn how to get the mum into the room. some cry, her son held his breath. yours may be doing the same.


:iagree::iagree:My bub does the same me thinks

[Js Mum]

Because the alarm on the monitor beeps in his room also when he holds his breath, this seems to trigger him to breathe again (he was doing it the other morning without waking so not sure he realises what he's doing) - if it doesn't, the full alarm that then goes off wakes everyone up! So I haven't noticed him changing colour, but I am in a room far enough away from his that if the first beep doesn't get him to rebreath, the full alarm going off wakes him up and he is breathing (ie screaming) by the time I get in there because he has been woken up.

He's 5 months old, if this makes a difference?

[eileenb]

Not sure it is normal and I personally dont' think it is a way to get you into the room.
Can I ask how you dress your bub / wrap bubs and what is in the cradle/cot in terms of bedding, toys, etc?

Not a fun time, I am sure.

[naiwen]

The reason I asked is that neonates ie babies that are under a month old (unless prem) can be prone to harmless apnoeas like that but unless they change colour, go grey etc they are harmless kwim.

I think if it was a full apnoea the alarm wouldn't make a difference, it may just be part of his sleep cycle.

I can understand it would be scary for you though.