NetNews Usenet Archive 1993 #3/NN_1993_3.iso/spool/misc/kids/33205

Internet Message Format | 1993-01-23 | 1.6 KB

From: [e-mail] (Karen Helt)
Date: Thu, 21 Jan 1993 17:28:00 GMT
Subject: Re: Scarey breathing incident
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Organization: Hewlett-Packard Co., Loveland, CO
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My daughter does the breath holding routine.  I think it first started when
she was about 16 months (she is 19 months now).  When she gets hurt or really
mad (or both in the case of her 3.5 yr old brother hitting her), she will
let out one scream and then do the silent scream.  Usually she will not go
quite a far as your daughter did.  Her lips would turn blue and she would
get alittle stiff, and her eyes would roll back alittle.  Then she would
relax and start breathing and crying again.  She would not actually pass
out, just kind of gray out.  I have noticed the severity of the incidences
becoming less.  I haven't decided if the frequency is less or not.

In talking to my doctor, he said it is important to not make a big deal
of the incidences.  She is in no danger (assuming you make sure that she
will not fall and hit her head).  Her automatic breathing reflexes will
kick in before any harm could occur.  However, if you make a big deal
she could learn to do it on purpose to try to control you.  I will usually
just pick Kayla up and hold her if it is due to an injury.  If it is out
of temper due to my not allowing her to do something, I will make sure
she lying down and then ignore her.

Karen Helt
[e-mail]