Jeniffer saved her son from choking

Her story
Jeniffer: "I always wondered if I would know what to do 'in the moment' and if I could stay calm. The answer is 'yes' and 'yes.' My little one was in his chair and was choking. I quickly took him out and hit him on the back in exactly the right spot. My sister saw something come out of his mouth, and at that moment, my son thankfully started to cry. Then I knew it was alright."

The action
Jeniffer's seven-month-old son was in the high chair to eat his evening meal: sweet potato with beans. The food was pureed, but that evening she wanted to offer it a bit chunkier. Suddenly, she discovered something strange in the food. It looked like plastic. Later, it turned out to be the protective covers of the blender blades. Before she knew it, she heard her baby making choking noises. She didn't hesitate for a moment, took her son out of the chair, and laid him on her leg to then hit his back a few times. She hit hard, as we also teach the participants during the first aid course. Participants often don't dare to hit the baby dolls that hard, but when it really happens and adrenaline is rushing through your body, you want only one thing: it-must-come-out! This is exactly what Jeniffer did. And successfully! That same night she checked on her son a few more times. The vulnerability of such a little one suddenly became very clear.

Practice before it happens to you
She was very glad she knew what to do. She felt she had control over it and felt empowered when she actually had to act. "Glad I took the course. It was a lot of information, but it comes back when you need it."

Yet Jeniffer has mixed feelings after saving her baby. She struggled with the thought after the incident: 'I’m not fit to be a parent.' She certainly doesn't want to call herself a 'hero.' But we find it incredibly brave that she wants to share her story and thus can be an example for all mothers! She consciously took a course for prevention and used the knowledge to act at that moment.

Our special thanks to Jeniffer (hero) for sharing her story, so other parents also realize how important it is to be prepared for an accident.