Home » Blog » Breastfeeding » Why does my baby make a high pitched sound while breastfeeding?

Why does my baby make a high pitched sound while breastfeeding?

Understanding High-Pitched Sounds in Breastfeeding Babies
When a baby makes high-pitched sounds during breastfeeding, it can be both an intriguing and concerning experience for parents. These sounds can vary from soft coos to more pronounced squeals, and understanding the reasons behind them can help alleviate any worries.
1. Natural Reflexes and Communication
Babies are born with various reflexes that aid in their survival, including the rooting and sucking reflexes. The high-pitched sounds often stem from these innate behaviors as they communicate their needs. For instance, a baby might make these sounds to express excitement or hunger. This vocalization is a part of their developing communication skills and can signal that they are actively engaged in feeding.
2. Latching and Sucking Mechanics
Another reason for the high-pitched sounds could be related to the mechanics of latching and sucking. If a baby is not latched properly, it may create a vacuum that leads to a variety of sounds, including squeaks or high-pitched cries. A poor latch can also cause discomfort, prompting the baby to vocalize their frustration or discomfort. Parents are encouraged to ensure a deep latch where the baby’s mouth covers a significant portion of the areola, which can help reduce these sounds.
3. Air Intake During Feeding
Breastfeeding can sometimes lead to the intake of air, particularly if a baby is gulping or sucking vigorously. This can result in a high-pitched sound as the air is expelled from the mouth. For some babies, this air intake is normal and usually resolves itself. However, ensuring that the baby is feeding at a comfortable pace can help minimize this occurrence.
4. Allergies or Sensitivities
In some cases, high-pitched sounds could indicate a sensitivity or allergic reaction, particularly to something in the mother’s diet that the baby might be reacting to through breast milk. If the sounds are accompanied by other symptoms, such as rashes or digestive issues, it might be prudent to consult a pediatrician.
5. Developmental Milestones
As babies grow, they go through various developmental milestones that include changes in their vocalizations. High-pitched sounds can be part of this development as they experiment with their voice. This exploration is a normal part of their growth, and parents should take joy in these new expressions.
Conclusion
While the high-pitched sounds your baby makes during breastfeeding can be concerning, they are often a normal part of infant behavior. Understanding the potential reasons behind these sounds—ranging from communication and reflexes to feeding mechanics—can help ease parental anxiety. If there are any worries about feeding patterns or health concerns, consulting with a healthcare professional is always recommended to ensure both mother and baby are comfortable and healthy.

Why does my baby grunt and moan while breastfeeding?

Newborn grunting is usually related to digestion. Your baby is simply getting used to mother’s milk or formula. They may have gas or pressure in their stomach that makes them feel uncomfortable, and they haven’t learned yet how to move things through.

What does RSV sound like in babies?

RSV symptoms in babies:
A long exhale sound (usually exhaling is pretty fast, in RSV it is longer than the inhale sound) Flaring of your baby’s nostrils with every breath. A persistent cough. Wheezing (a whistling sound each time your baby breathes out)

Why does my baby make a whining sound while breastfeeding?

Babies often make a lot of noise when nursing; this is a common infant behavior. Most of the noises are related to the tongue and the swallowing of milk. Sometimes, the noise is located outside the oral cavity, and we hear it a little “down” in the neck area.

Why does my baby make a whistling sound when breastfeeding?

Whistling sound (wheezing): A blockage in the bronchioles (small airways that come from the bronchi) makes a whistling sound when the infant breathes out (as in bronchiolitis or asthma later on).

How do I know if my breastmilk is making my baby fussy?

You’ll know if your breast milk is upsetting baby if they are unusually gassy or fussy after eating. As you and your baby get acclimated to breastfeeding, you’ll learn what not to eat while breastfeeding if your baby reacts to a certain food or drink.

Why does my baby moan and grunt while nursing?

Newborn grunting is usually related to digestion. Your baby is simply getting used to mother’s milk or formula. They may have gas or pressure in their stomach that makes them feel uncomfortable, and they haven’t learned yet how to move things through.

Why is my baby gulping and gasping while breastfeeding?

Usually, this happens when mom has an oversupply of milk. According to the La Leche League International (LLLI), common signs of oversupply include restlessness at the breast, coughing, choking, or gulping milk, especially at let down, and biting on the nipple to stop the flow of milk, among others.

Why does my baby make a high-pitched gasping sound when feeding?

It happens when a baby’s larynx (or voice box) is soft and floppy. When the baby takes a breath, the part of the larynx above the vocal cords falls in and temporarily blocks the baby’s airway. Laryngomalacia (luh-ring-oh-muh-LAY-shuh) usually gets better on its own by the time a baby is 1 year old.

What is abnormal sound during breastfeeding?

Why do we get this sound? Well it’s essentially a loss of seal. When feeding a baby needs to extend and cup their tongue around the breast. 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.

What is the high-pitched sound while breastfeeding?

Laryngomalacia sounds like a high-pitched squeak (stridor) when your baby breathes in. It usually isn’t serious. But in severe cases, it can cause breathing and feeding issues, among other complications.

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.

Leave a Comment