How do I stop my baby from clicking while breastfeeding?

Understanding the Clicking Sound
For many breastfeeding mothers, the experience can be filled with unexpected sounds, one of which is the clicking noise that some babies make while nursing. This clicking, often described as a clucking or chucking sound, typically indicates that the baby is breaking the seal or suction created during breastfeeding. Understanding the reasons behind this behavior is crucial for addressing it effectively.
Causes of Clicking
The clicking sound can occur for several reasons. One common cause is that the baby may not be latching properly. A poor latch can lead to repeated breaks in suction, resulting in the clicking noise. This can happen during the let-down reflex, when the milk flow changes, or it may be constant throughout the feeding session. Observing when the clicking occurs can provide insights into whether the latch needs adjustment or if the baby is simply adjusting to the flow of milk.
Another factor could be the baby’s oral anatomy. Some babies may have a tongue tie, which can restrict their ability to create a proper seal. This condition can lead to difficulties in breastfeeding, including the clicking sound. If you suspect this might be the case, consulting a lactation consultant or pediatrician can help determine the best course of action.
Strategies to Reduce Clicking
To help minimize or eliminate the clicking sound during breastfeeding, consider the following strategies:
1. Check the Latch: Ensure that your baby is latching on correctly. A good latch involves the baby taking a large portion of the areola into their mouth, not just the nipple. If you’re unsure, a lactation consultant can provide guidance and support.
2. Adjust Feeding Position: Sometimes, changing the position in which you hold your baby can improve their latch. Experiment with different holds, such as the football hold or side-lying position, to see if it helps create a better seal.
3. Monitor Milk Flow: If your milk flow is too fast or too slow, it can affect how your baby feeds. If the let-down is too forceful, your baby might struggle to keep up, leading to clicking. Conversely, if the flow is slow, they may break the seal to try to stimulate more milk. Adjusting your feeding routine or expressing a little milk before feeding can help manage this.
4. Stay Calm and Patient: Babies can be sensitive to their mother’s stress. If you feel anxious about the clicking, it may affect your baby’s feeding. Try to remain relaxed and patient, as this can create a more positive feeding environment.
5. Consult a Professional: If the clicking persists despite your efforts, it may be beneficial to consult a lactation consultant. They can assess your breastfeeding technique and your baby’s latch, providing tailored advice to resolve the issue.
Conclusion
While the clicking sound during breastfeeding can be concerning for many mothers, it is often a manageable issue. By understanding the underlying causes and implementing strategies to improve latching and feeding techniques, you can create a more comfortable experience for both you and your baby. Remember, breastfeeding is a learning process for both mother and child, and seeking support when needed can make all the difference.

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 get baby to latch deeper?

With your baby’s head tilted back and chin up, lift him or her to touch your nipple. The nipple should rest just above the baby’s upper lip. Wait for your baby to open very wide, then “scoop” the breast by placing the lower jaw on first. Now tip your baby’s head forward and place the upper jaw well behind your nipple.

Does clicking always mean a bad latch?

Some things that can cause clicking include:
Poor positioning and/or latch: for example, if baby is retracting the tongue or curling the tongue up when nursing, it can cause a clicking sound as the suction is broken. With poor positioning, baby may have a hard time maintaining a good seal at the breast.

How to stop tongue clicking?

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Why does my baby slurp when I breastfeed?

They seal their tongue around it and then move their tongue in a wave to “milk” the breast. The chuck/shuck /slurp type sound happens when the seal breaks.

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.

Is clicking a bad starter?

Faulty Starter
One of the symptoms of a bad starter is a single clicking noise when you turn the key or push the start button. Gently tapping the starter can sometimes get it going again, but not always.

When to stop paced bottle feeding?

Continue this paced feeding until baby shows fullness signs. Baby is full when she no longer sucks after a break, turns away, or pushes away from the nipple. After several days of paced feeding, she will usually learn to pace herself. You will notice she will take her own sucking breaks and then return to feeding.

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.