Beware of Plants!

[Mommy22]

I just felt the urge to warn everyone out there the dangers that are literally, in our own backyards!

Almost 2 years ago, when my son was 7.5 months old, he was on our patio in his walker. I was with him. I had cleaned the floor for anything he may step on, moved furniture for ample room...I had no idea I missed such a crucial thing.

I was grilling and turned from my baby to turn the meat, when I turned back my 3 dogs were in my baby's face licking him and acting VERY strange. My dogs never got up for anything, so I looked closer. My son's lips were blue and he just had tears rolling. I snatched him out of the walker and started shaking him. I tipped him upside down and beat on his back. Nothing was working. I ran inside to the phone and laid him on the floor. I live in the middle of nowhere- I knew I was alone on this- and ambulance wouldn't make it to me in time.

I was a lifeguard, swim coach, and elementary school teacher. I'm trained in CPR and First Aid- I know I should NEVER put my finger down his throat, but I did. Thankfully. When I pulled my finger from down his throat the first time, I felt something. I did it again and pulled out a leaf from a bush that had grown through the fence. My baby started laughing as I sat in the floor completely shaking and crying.

I just wanted to let everyone know, we childproof so much..who would've thought we'd had to do it in nature too!?! I pray no one else has to experience such a traumatic thing!

[busymom]

Actually... I think a "finger sweep" is part of the infant CPR procedures. I'm glad you're baby is okay.
The American Heart Association sells an infant CPR training kit that has an inflatable practice baby and DVD etc. It's $35. Well worth the money.
http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=3045955

[Mommy22]

I did do the finger sweep as we were taught, but the thing we were told never to do is stick our fingers down the victims throat. THe only thing running through my head is 'he's my baby' he wasn't a victim. I had watched my mother save my brother's life by putting her whole finger down his throat and pull up a lodged lego, so I knew it was my only hope.

Being certified in CPR infant and adult, I do encourage everyone who is not, to be come so. It's amazing how at the moment you need it, it honestly comes back to you- you don't freeze up like you did in highschool on a test.

Just pass the message along, even the little things have to be remembered. I'm so panicy about it now, even if my new son is in his walker and forever running over to make sure a leaf had not blown down on the walker...because we CUT THOSE BUSHES DOWN that almost killed my son.