COIMBATORE: Two newborns died within two days after reportedly choking on breast milk in separate incidents in Coimbatore and Erode.
In Coimbatore, on Wednesday, an 18-day-old girl reportedly choked while being fed by her mother, Varadalakshmi (23), wife of daily wager Murali Vel from Ramanathapuram.
The girl, born on December 20, 2025, at Coimbatore Medical College and Hospital (CMCH), had experienced mild abdominal discomfort and health issues. While being breastfed, the infant suddenly developed severe coughing and soon became unresponsive.
Alarmed, Varadalakshmi rushed her to a nearby private hospital, where doctors confirmed that the baby had passed away due to choking, leading to respiratory failure. The Coimbatore city police have registered a case and are investigating.
A similar incident occurred on Tuesday night near Bhavanisagar in Erode, where a 41-day-old girl, Krishmitha, daughter of D Nagaraj and Saranya, died after reportedly choking during breastfeeding.
Born on 27 November 2025, Krishmitha had a persistent cold and cough. She was immediately taken to a private hospital in Sathyamangalam, where doctors confirmed her death. Bhavanisagar police have filed a case and are investigating the circumstances that led to her death.
Following two subsequent incidents, the doctors have urged parents of newborns to exercise caution while feeding and to seek immediate medical attention if the infant shows any signs of distress.