I know it’s scary. My oldest daughter had it very bad as well and would stop breathing for what seemed like forever. I remember not being able to sleep because I was afraid of closing my eyes and not noticing her choking. We did end up in the hospital for this and a couple of other issues and a doctor there told me that while very scary, it was important to watch it happening at some point without rushing to the suction because they are very capable of coming out of a GERD choking incident on their own. He was right. I can’t say this is your scenario but knowing in my case that although it sucked so bad, she could handle it

She will grow out of it and yes, your concern is normal! It's ok!!! That gagging reflex that she has is what will protect her as she learns to eat more items and gains better control over her chewing and swallowing. Smaller food intake more times a day and slow eating sessions will help. My oldest had GERD so severely that she was hospitalized for it as 3 weeks and it continued until she was about 3 years. At almost 5 her episodes are rare but when they happen they're pretty bad and she and her sister both get car sick still so we have to carry extra supplies when we go anywhere but it does get better over time. If you're really concerned describe in detail for your pediatrician and ask for a swallow study and to be seen by a pediatric speech pathologist. That is who does this testing. I hope this helps give you reassurance and calm.

Have you eliminated a dairy allergy? My daughter spit up after every feeding and it made me so anxious. My family helped ( I was a single mom at the time) but they hated feeding her. Just try to stay calm so she'll stay calm.