Sudden shaking of the baby’s body while he is fast asleep on the breast is a physiological phenomenon that does not need to be dealt with, but if it is caused by a disease such as epilepsy or hypocalcemia, then it needs to be dealt with according to the disease.
1. Physiological phenomenon
When an infant is falling asleep, the higher neurons enter a low-functioning state and the inhibition of the lower neurons is weakened. A slight stimulus can excite the lower neurons and cause muscle contraction, which is manifested as body shaking, which is a normal physiological phenomenon.
This is a normal physiological phenomenon. In this case, it is necessary to stop breastfeeding to prevent the baby from choking or suffocating, but no medical intervention is needed.
2. Disease factors
Epilepsy-induced myoclonic seizures can be characterized by electric shock-like shaking of the trunk or limbs, and parents should be careful to distinguish them. If epilepsy is diagnosed, medication (e.g., clonazepam) or surgery may be required.
Hypocalcemia can also cause tremors in children, which may be characterized by sudden jerking of the body during sleep, accompanied by pain in the limbs. It is necessary to go to the hospital to clarify the cause of the disease, and to carry out treatment for the primary disease, as well as treatment to raise the blood calcium level (such as supplementation with calcium gluconate and vitamin D3).
If a baby’s body suddenly shakes when he or she is fast asleep on the breast, and if parents can’t tell whether it is a physiological phenomenon or not, it is recommended that they go to the hospital in time to avoid delaying the condition, and any treatment needed must be carried out under the guidance of a doctor.