"Choking class- Preparation for life"

I completed a Ready, Steady Wean course at my local Sure Start Centre and although there was a great deal of useful information regarding methods of weaning your baby, etc, there was a first aid course on our last session about choking and CPR presented by RLSS (Royal Life Saving Society). My story happened a couple of months after;

"My little one is 8 months old and we have been weaning using the "baby led" method. We were in the middle of a cafe enjoying some drinks, cake and fruit with friends. My son was sat on my chair and I was feeding him some watermelon when he broke part of it off and he started to not make any sound.

I can't remember feeling anything really, I just grabbed him, lent him forward and slapped him on his back like I was shown. After a few attempts, the watermelon came out as quickly as it went down. After a few startled whimpers and some cuddles, he was back to wanting my watermelon again. Myself on the other hand, after the realisation that he just choked, then started to feel a bit emotional but apparently I looked/acted very calm.

I believe that the quick life saving lesson through the weaning course at the Sure Start Centre helped prepare for the choking and allowed me to act calmly. I'm not sure how I would react to having to do the chest thrusts (not sure on correct terminology) if the back slaps didn't work but with the knowledge I've been given I'm sure I could do it effectively, though lets hope I never have to test my theory. "