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Why can I hear my babys stomach when feeding?

Understanding the Sounds of Your Baby’s Stomach During Feeding
Hearing your baby’s stomach gurgle or slosh while feeding can be a curious and sometimes concerning experience for parents. These sounds, often described as liquid sloshing or gurgling, are typically normal and can be attributed to several factors related to your baby’s digestive system.
The Mechanics of Digestion
When a baby feeds, whether through breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, the intake of milk stimulates the digestive process. As the milk enters the stomach, it mixes with gastric juices, which can create sounds as the liquid moves around. This is a natural part of digestion, where the stomach muscles contract to break down food and push it into the intestines. The gurgling noises you hear are essentially the sounds of this process at work, known medically as “borborygmi”.
Why the Sounds Are More Pronounced in Babies
Babies have smaller stomachs and less developed digestive systems compared to adults, which means that the sounds can be more pronounced. Their stomachs are also more sensitive to the introduction of food, leading to more noticeable reactions. Additionally, the presence of air bubbles, which can occur during feeding, may contribute to the sloshing sounds as they mix with the liquid in the stomach.
When to Be Concerned
While these sounds are usually harmless, there are instances when they might indicate a problem. If the gurgling is accompanied by signs of distress, such as excessive crying, arching of the back, or difficulty feeding, it could suggest issues like gas sensitivity or an upset stomach. In such cases, it may be beneficial to adjust feeding positions or consult a pediatrician for advice on managing your baby’s discomfort.
Conclusion
In summary, the sounds you hear from your baby’s stomach during feeding are generally a normal part of their digestive process. They reflect the natural workings of a developing system, and while they can sometimes be alarming, they are often nothing to worry about. However, staying attentive to your baby’s overall behavior and comfort can help you discern when those sounds might warrant further attention.

Why is my baby so noisy when feeding?

Laryngomalacia is a voice box disorder common in newborns. The tissues above their voice box soften and fall over their airway. This causes stridor (noisy or high-pitched breathing). Laryngomalacia usually goes away on its own by the time your baby is 1 to 2 years old.

Should I be able to hear my baby’s stomach?

If a newborn’s stomach is gurgling, it can mean many things. There isn’t necessarily something wrong. “It may just mean the infant is hungry or preparing to pass stool,” says Quillin.

Is it normal to hear baby’s stomach gurgling while feeding?

Normal GI Sounds And Noises:
They are normal, harmless and lifelong. They do not cause pain or crying. Gurgling or growling noises from the movement of food through the intestines. Normal grunting with pushing out stools.

Why can I hear milk hitting baby’s stomach?

you can hear milk sloshing in their tummy after a feed (because stomach churning without air is virtually silent) if they experience gulping, choking, gagging or frustration when they are feeding.

How do I know if something is wrong with my baby’s stomach?

Abdominal pain is common in children, especially during a baby’s first year. While your baby can’t yet tell you when their tummy hurts, you may notice some signs of discomfort. They may be extra fussy and squirmy, for example, and have a change in their bowel movement, sleeping or eating patterns.

How do I know if my baby has a stomach blockage?

Vomiting that happens soon after the baby starts to cry often means the blockage is in the small intestine; delayed vomiting usually means it’s in the large intestine. The vomit may contain bile (which is yellow or green) or may resemble feces.

Does baby know when mom touches belly?

“Overall results suggest that maternal touch of the abdomen was a powerful stimulus, producing a range of fetal behavioural responses,” the researchers write.

How will I know if something is wrong with my baby?

Crying, irritability, or twitching which does not improve with cuddling and comfort. A sleepy baby who cannot be awakened enough to nurse or nipple. Any signs of sickness (for example, cough, diarrhea, pale color). The baby’s appetite or suck becomes poor or weak.

How do I know if my baby’s stomach hurts?

Your infant might be telling you they’ve got tummy pains if they show one or more of these signs:

  1. Acts fussy or grumpy.
  2. Doesn’t sleep or eat.
  3. Cries more than usual.
  4. Diarrhea.
  5. Vomiting.
  6. Trouble being still (squirming or tensing up muscles)
  7. Makes faces that show pain (squeezing eyes shut, grimacing)

Is it normal to hear milk hitting baby’s stomach while breastfeeding?

If you can hear the milk sloshing around in your baby’s stomach, then there’s too much air there too. When you burp baby, they will often bring up a portion of their feed with the air and this can aggravate the reflux symptoms. The remainder of the air must also be dealt with.

Natasha Lunn

Tash is an IBCLC and Business Coach helping fellow IBCLCs create fun, profitable businesses that are more than just an expensive hobby. Before becoming an IBCLC and starting her private practice - The Boobala, Tash graduated as an Osteopath in 2008 and has been in Private Practice in South West Sydney. She was also a volunteer Breastfeeding Counsellor and Community Educator with the Australian Breastfeeding Association for 6 years. Through her business, Your Lactation Biz, Tash coaches and creates products to help new and seasoned IBCLCs build businesses that suit their personality and lifestyle.

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