Moms of multiples tell it like it is

This little dude is trying his best to give his mama heart failure.

You may remember my post(s) last week about Jonathan climbing out of his crib, and our solution.And as scary as his tumble out of bed and thoughts of putting him into a toddler bed was, tonight’s scare was much, much worse.

My long time blog followers may remember this post about doing the Heimlich on Jonathan when he was 9 months old. Well, tonight we had a repeat performance.

Jonathan was throwing a fit because Faith was playing with a ball that he wanted. Jay took him by the arm and made him sit down. And of course he was upset. I was in the kitchen, when my “mom radar” went off. I walked into the living room where Jonathan was sitting in front of Jay, beet red. At first I thought maybe he was just mad, and then I realized he was choking. I said to Jay “He’s choking!” and picked him up. A faint wheez was all that I could hear, and as I flipped him over I saw that he was starting to turn blue. Somewhat in disbelief, I alternately started pounding on his back (infant Heimlich style) and trying the one-fisted child Heimlich. Neither was working, and he was quickly turning VERY blue. I shoved my finger down his throat as far as I could go and felt something…and so I went deeper. His gag reflex was triggered, and he started vomiting. Unfortunately, his airway was still blocked, and his face was blue from nose to chin. This whole time, Jay was on the phone with 911.

I think I tried the Heimlich again but I am not sure, as it is all a bit blurry now. I reached back down his throat, and was able to make him throw up again, and to my great relief, up came some food and he went from blue to pasty white. Jay was still on the phone with 911, I told him to have them come anyway. Jonathan’s cry was very wet and rattly, and his color wasn’t good. Faith was screaming and terrified…Jonathan was screaming and he, I and the floor were strewn with vomit. And Jay asked me if I wanted to talk to the 911 dispatch, and I said “No! Just tell them to come!”

Once we ascertained that Jonathan was okay, Jay started cleaning up the puke, and then took Faith upstairs to settle her down while Jonathan and I waited for the EMS. They knew he was breathing again, so they were very calm and kind when they arrived. And get this! The paramedic is a mom to a 10 year old and 7 year old quads! She listened to Jonathan’s lungs and said they were clear, monitored his respiration’s and amused him with a pen light. They were great, and were very nice about it all. I signed paperwork saying I was refusing transport (he had completely pinked up, was breathing fine and was being playful.)

You know what the ironic thing was? It was just this morning that I was talking to some other mom’s at a play date and I said “I really need to talk a refresher CPR course.” I have only had one refresher since obtaining my EMT certification in college (which has long since expired).

I now have first-hand knowledge about the importance of knowing CPR and the Heimlich maneuver. And I am incredibly grateful to my EMT instructor, Terry Scott, for drilling this stuff into my head. If you are unsure about your emergency skills or need a refresher, would you please watch these 15 second long videos?

CPR for a child

CPR for an infant

How to help a choking child

How to help a choking infant

I am so very thankful to God for sparing my son’s life (again.) Hug your kids extra tightly tonight, okay?

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Cross-posted at my personal blog: www.adventuresintwinparenting.blogspot.com

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