How do I stop my baby clicking when breastfeeding?

Understanding the Clicking Sound During Breastfeeding
For many new mothers, the experience of breastfeeding can be both rewarding and challenging. One common concern that arises is the clicking sound some babies make while nursing. This sound can be alarming, leading parents to wonder if something is wrong. However, understanding the reasons behind this clicking can help alleviate worries and improve the breastfeeding experience.
What Causes the Clicking Sound?
The clicking noise typically indicates that the baby is breaking the seal or suction created during breastfeeding. This can happen for several reasons, including:
1. Improper Latch: If the baby is not latched onto the breast correctly, they may struggle to maintain a good seal, resulting in a clicking sound as they attempt to re-establish suction.
2. Fast Let-Down: A rapid flow of milk can cause the baby to gulp or click as they try to manage the milk flow. This is particularly noticeable during the initial let-down when milk is released quickly.
3. Tongue Tie: In some cases, a physical condition known as tongue tie can prevent the baby from moving their tongue effectively, which can lead to difficulties in latching and maintaining suction.
4. Nasal Congestion: If a baby has a stuffy nose, they may click while trying to breathe and nurse simultaneously.
How to Address the Clicking Sound
If you notice your baby clicking while breastfeeding, there are several strategies you can employ to help resolve the issue:
– Observe the Latch: Pay close attention to how your baby latches onto the breast. A proper latch should involve the baby taking a good portion of the areola into their mouth, not just the nipple. If you’re unsure, consider consulting a lactation consultant for guidance.
– Adjust Feeding Position: Sometimes, changing your position can help improve the latch. Experiment with different holds, such as the football hold or side-lying position, to see if it makes a difference.
– Manage Milk Flow: If you suspect a fast let-down is causing the clicking, try nursing in a more reclined position. This can help slow the flow of milk and allow your baby to manage it better.
– Check for Tongue Tie: If you suspect that tongue tie might be an issue, consult with a pediatrician or lactation consultant who can assess your baby’s oral anatomy and provide recommendations.
– Clear Nasal Passages: If your baby seems congested, using a saline nasal spray or a humidifier can help clear their nasal passages, making it easier for them to breathe while nursing.
When to Seek Help
While clicking is often not a cause for concern, it’s essential to monitor your baby’s overall feeding behavior. If the clicking is accompanied by signs of distress, such as gagging, choking, or significant discomfort for either you or your baby, it may be time to seek professional advice. A lactation consultant can provide personalized support and strategies tailored to your situation.
In conclusion, while the clicking sound during breastfeeding can be disconcerting, understanding its causes and implementing practical solutions can help improve the experience for both mother and baby. With patience and the right support, many mothers find that they can successfully navigate this common breastfeeding challenge.

How to get baby to latch deeper?

You can pull the baby’s chin down while nursing to try to force a deeper latch. Another method is you can use your finger to sort of drag the top of your breast tissue back (making the top more shallow sometimes prompts the baby to deepen on the bottom side).

Why does my baby keep latching and unlatching?

Oversupply and overactive milk ejection reflex are two reasons your baby may pop on and off your breast, while breastfeeding when there is too much milk coming at them too fast or faster than they can handle. Your baby may come off your breast choking and sputtering or need to burp more often.

Can a good latch still hurt?

If you have tried to improve the positioning and latch but you still feel intense pain, seek help. Some discomfort when latching in the early days is common as you and your baby are learning. Intense pain that does not subside after a few seconds indicates a problem.

Does clicking always mean bad latch?

A clicking noise isn’t always normal and can signal an issue with the baby’s latch or tongue movement. It’s best to check the latch and consult a lactation expert.

Does clicking always mean a bad latch?

The clicking sound usually happens when air gets in due to an improper latch or feeding difficulty, like a tongue-tie or fast milk flow.

How to fix baby clicking while breastfeeding?

If you are hearing clicking, try improving the latch by bringing your baby’s chin deeply onto your breast. Your baby’s nose should tilt away from the breast as your baby’s head tips back. The nose often touches the breast but it shouldn’t be poking into it.

Does clicking mean tongue-tie?

What are the symptoms of tongue-tie? Ankyloglossia symptoms in newborns include: Difficulty latching onto the breast at all or deeply. This might mean your baby doesn’t latch on or cries when trying to latch, makes clicking sounds or pops off the breast.

How to tell if tongue-tie is affecting breastfeeding?

Signs of a significant tongue-tie

1. nipple pain and damage.
2. a misshapen nipple after breastfeeding.
3. a compression/stripe mark on the nipple after breastfeeding.
4. the baby often loses suction on the breast whilst feeding.
5. a clicking sound may be heard while the baby is feeding.
6. poor weight gains.

Why does my baby make a smacking sound when bottle-feeding?

The clicking sound can occur if the bottle is too quick. Sometimes with newborns as they figure out feeding. If the baby’s tongue is falling off of the bottle nipple and hitting it again. If there’s a tongue tie. Baby is not able to do a full wave like motion or cup the nipple.

Do I always have to hold my breasts while breastfeeding?

First of all, because it is not needed. You also “lose” a useful hand by trying to keep your breast away from the baby’s nose. Furthermore, holding the breast during the feed could unintentionally cause the baby to latch on poorly (more on how to achieve a good latch here).