Why do babies flutter their tongue when breastfeeding?

Understanding the Fluttering Tongue in Breastfeeding Babies
When observing a breastfeeding baby, one might notice a distinctive fluttering of the tongue. This behavior, often described as “flutter sucking,” is a common phenomenon that can be attributed to several factors related to the baby’s feeding technique and comfort.
The Mechanism of Flutter Sucking
Flutter sucking occurs when a baby rapidly moves their tongue in a fluttering motion while latched onto the breast. This action is not merely a random movement; it serves specific purposes during breastfeeding. Primarily, it helps the baby stimulate the flow of milk. As the baby flutters their tongue, they create a rhythmic motion that can encourage the mother’s milk to let down, allowing for a more efficient feeding experience.
Comfort and Emotional Connection
Beyond its physiological role, flutter sucking also plays a significant part in the emotional and psychological aspects of breastfeeding. Many mothers report that their babies engage in this behavior as a form of comfort nursing. This means that the baby is not only feeding but also seeking reassurance and closeness to their mother. The act of fluttering the tongue can be soothing for the baby, providing a sense of security and warmth during the feeding process.
Nutritional Implications
Interestingly, the fluttering motion can also indicate the type of milk the baby is receiving. Some mothers have observed that when their baby flutters their tongue, it often coincides with the baby receiving milk that is higher in fat content. This is particularly relevant during the latter part of a feeding session when the milk composition changes, becoming richer and creamier. Thus, the fluttering can be a sign that the baby is instinctively trying to access this more nourishing milk.
Potential Concerns: Tongue-Tie and Feeding Challenges
While flutter sucking is generally a normal behavior, it can sometimes be associated with feeding difficulties. For instance, if a baby is unable to properly extend their tongue or has a restricted range of motion, this could indicate a condition known as tongue-tie. Tongue-tie can interfere with effective latching and feeding, leading to frustration for both the baby and the mother . In such cases, it is essential for parents to consult with healthcare professionals to assess the situation and explore potential interventions.
Conclusion
In summary, the fluttering of a baby’s tongue during breastfeeding is a multifaceted behavior that serves both functional and emotional purposes. It aids in milk extraction, provides comfort, and can even signal nutritional changes in the milk being consumed. However, if there are concerns about feeding efficiency or the baby’s ability to latch, it is advisable to seek professional guidance to ensure a positive breastfeeding experience.

Why does my baby’s tongue quiver?

Neurology of the newborn
The appearance of tongue fasciculations in a floppy infant with symmetric proximal muscle weakness is highly suggestive of SMA.

Does breastfeeding cause tongue thrust?

Principle finding – the longer the duration of breastfeeding, the lower the incidence of malocclusion. Bottle feeding leads to a habit of forward tongue thrusting and a weakened development of the orbicularis muscles. There is a significant decrease in tongue thrusting with an increased duration of breastfeeding .

Is it normal for baby’s mouth to quiver?

Some characteristics of normal newborns may be alarming to their parents but are not signs of illness. These include chin trembling, lip quivering, passing rectal gas, noisy breathing without restlessness, sneezing, spitting up, belching, straining with bowel movements, and brief trembling of the extremities.

Why does my baby’s mouth quiver when nursing?

Although it sounds like a straightforward process, breastfeeding actually requires a complex series of muscle movements in the tongue, jaw, throat, lips, and face. It’s especially likely in the first few weeks for your baby’s jaw to quiver or tremble due to muscle fatigue.

Why does my baby tongue thrust when feeding?

In most cases, there is no need to worry about the extrusion reflex. It is a normal, primitive reflex that helps babies to feed in the early days and weeks. However, if the reflex persists beyond 4 months old, it may be indicative of a condition known as tongue thrust.

How to tell if baby is comfort nursing?

Your baby is only nursing for comfort nursing when you see these signs:

1. Flutter sucking, slowing down, stop sucking, or making little sucks.
2. Still and looking into space while nursing.
3. Holding the nipple in their mouth but not sucking for milk.
4. Rooting and sucking lightly at the breast.
5. Arching and grabbing ears.

What is Sandifer’s syndrome in babies?

Sandifer syndrome is a condition characterized by unusual movements of your child’s head, neck and back. The condition can cause temporary muscle spasms as a reaction to acid reflux. Symptoms are most common after your baby eats when the contents of their stomach don’t settle.

Why does my baby’s mouth flutter when breastfeeding?

Towards the end of the feed you will notice some flutter type sucks with occasional deeper swallows where your baby is getting the last of the fattier milk so it is important you let your baby finish the feed.

What does fluttering mean when breastfeeding?

After a while you will notice that the sucks become more infrequent but you might feel “flutters” with more occasional swallowing (some mums say it feels like their baby is tickling them, or their tongue is vibrating against your nipple). This helps to draw even more fat down the ducts as fat is thick and sticky.

Why does my baby flutters the tongue while breastfeeding?

Towards the end of a feed the fat globules in the milk will become larger. You may notice a fluttering or wobbling sensation in your breast as your baby uses their tongue differently to access this thicker milk.