Why does my baby make a clicking sound when I breastfeed?

Understanding the Clicking Sound During Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is a natural and intimate process, yet it can sometimes be accompanied by puzzling sounds, such as clicking. For many new parents, hearing their baby make a clicking sound while nursing can raise concerns. This article explores the potential reasons behind this phenomenon and offers insights into what it might mean for both mother and child.
Possible Causes of Clicking Sounds
1. Latching Issues:
One of the most common reasons babies make clicking sounds during breastfeeding is related to how they latch onto the breast. An improper latch can cause the baby to create a vacuum that isn’t strong enough, leading to a clicking noise as they suction and release. Ensuring a good latch is crucial not only for preventing this sound but also for effective feeding.
2. Tongue Tie:
Another factor to consider is a condition known as ankyloglossia, or tongue tie, where the band of tissue under the tongue is shorter than usual. This can limit the baby’s tongue movement, making it difficult for them to latch properly. If the clicking is persistent and accompanied by other feeding difficulties, consulting a pediatrician or a lactation consultant may be necessary.
3. Nasal Congestion:
Sometimes, a baby may click while breastfeeding due to nasal congestion. If a baby has a stuffy nose, they might struggle to breathe comfortably while feeding. This can result in audible sounds as they feed. Keeping an eye on your baby’s overall health and breathing can help determine if this is a contributing factor.
4. Positioning:
The way a mother holds her baby during breastfeeding can also impact the sounds they make. If a baby is positioned awkwardly, they may not achieve a proper latch, resulting in clicking. Experimenting with different feeding positions may help to alleviate this issue.
When to Seek Help
While occasional clicking is not uncommon, it’s essential for parents to monitor the situation. If the clicking sound is persistent and seems to be causing discomfort to either the baby or the mother, it may be worthwhile to seek advice from a healthcare professional. Signs that warrant further investigation include:
– Poor weight gain: If the baby is not gaining weight adequately, this could indicate feeding difficulties.
– Signs of frustration: If the baby appears frustrated or is refusing to feed, it may signify a problem with latching.
– Maternal discomfort: If the mother experiences pain during breastfeeding, it may indicate an issue with the latch that needs addressing.
Conclusion
In summary, while a clicking sound during breastfeeding can be concerning for new parents, it is often related to latch issues or other manageable factors. By understanding the potential causes and being proactive in seeking support when necessary, parents can foster a more enjoyable breastfeeding experience for both themselves and their baby. As always, when in doubt, consulting with a lactation consultant or pediatrician can provide tailored advice to ensure healthy feeding practices.

What are the signs of poor latch-on of breastfeeding?

You’ll know your baby didn’t latch on properly if you see indentations in their cheeks when they suckle, hear clicking noises or notice their lips curled inward. They may also move their head frequently or not do any swallowing. Incorrect latching may also cause pain for you.

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.

What is the 3 month breastfeeding crisis?

These increases occur around the same time for all babies, hence the term “3-months breastfeeding crisis”. This crisis is the most well-known because it is the most challenging for mothers. One reason is that this crisis, unlike others you may experience before, can last up to a month.

How do I stop my baby from 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.

How to stop baby from clicking while nursing?

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.

Why does my baby make a smacking sound when breastfeeding?

Sometimes you may hear your baby gulping, especially if you have lots of milk. Clicking or smacking sounds may mean that your baby is not latched correctly.

How to tell if baby is tongue-tied 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.

How do I know if my baby’s tongue is tied?

Symptoms

1. Difficulty lifting the tongue to the upper teeth or moving the tongue from side to side.
2. Trouble sticking out the tongue past the lower front teeth.
3. A tongue that appears notched or heart shaped when stuck out.

Why is my baby suddenly clicking when bottle-feeding?

Clicking is caused whenever there is a loss of suction.
This can happen both at the breast or on the bottle, and may or may not be seen in conjunction with more obvious signs of “breaking the seal” such as leaking.

Why does my baby make noises when feeding?

During feeding, your baby will also make sucking, burping and quiet low-pitched contented sounds. Crying and making noises are important as this is how your baby learns to control the air that comes from their lungs and use their vocal cords. It lays the foundation for speaking.