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Why does my baby make a sound when I breastfeed?

Understanding Baby Sounds During Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is a profound and intimate experience, not only for the mother but also for the baby. It’s a time filled with bonding and nourishment, but it can also come with a variety of sounds that might catch a parent’s attention. Understanding why a baby makes noises while breastfeeding can demystify this natural process.
The Variety of Sounds
When breastfeeding, babies may produce a range of sounds, from coos and gurgles to grunts and even smacking noises. Each of these sounds can signify different things, and here are some of the most common reasons:
1. Satisfaction and Comfort:
Babies often make happy, contented sounds when they are feeding. These noises can indicate that they are comfortable and enjoying the experience. The act of breastfeeding releases oxytocin in both the mother and baby, fostering a sense of calm and bonding.
2. Feeding Dynamics:
The sound can also be a response to how the baby is latching onto the breast. If the latch is not perfect, the baby might make sucking or clicking sounds as they adjust their position. This could be an indication that they are trying to establish a better latch to ensure they are getting enough milk.
3. Milk Flow:
Babies can react to the milk flow during breastfeeding. If the milk is flowing quickly, they might gulp or make noises as they try to keep up with the pace. Conversely, if the flow slows down, they might grunt or fuss as they work harder to extract the milk.
4. Air Swallowing:
It’s also common for babies to swallow air while breastfeeding, especially if they aren’t latching properly. This can lead to gurgling sounds as air moves through their digestive system. If a baby is making a lot of noise, it might be worth checking the latch or positioning to minimize air intake.
5. Exploring Sounds:
Babies are naturally curious and often explore their vocal abilities during feeding. This is especially true in the early months when they are discovering their voice. The sounds they make can be a mix of pleasure and experimentation with new vocalizations.
Conclusion
The sounds your baby makes while breastfeeding are a natural part of the feeding journey and can vary greatly from one infant to another. While many of these noises are completely normal and can indicate comfort and satisfaction, it’s essential for parents to observe their baby’s behavior and feeding patterns.
If there are concerns about latching, excessive fussiness, or feeding difficulties, consulting with a lactation consultant or pediatrician can provide guidance and reassurance. Ultimately, each breastfeeding experience is unique, and understanding these sounds can enhance the joy of this nurturing bond.

Is my baby wheezing or just making noise?

Wheezing stems from the child’s lungs (the lower airway). “To tell if the sound you’re hearing is a wheeze or not, you have to listen to the lungs,” Walsh says. “In general, a wheeze is a higher-pitched sound that happens on the exhale, though it can occasionally happen on the inhale.”

Why do babies make noise when drinking milk?

More likely, they will simply release the vacuum (or negative pressure) in their oral cavity. They do this by slightly breaking the seal between the breast and their tongue. This is the “click” that is heard. As long as it is not causing pain for the breastfeeding mother, there is no reason to be concerned by this.

How to tell if baby has a tummy ache?

Some signs and symptoms of a baby stomach ache include:

  1. Fussiness.
  2. Irritability.
  3. Difficult to console.
  4. Gurgling stomach.
  5. Passing gas more than usual.
  6. Acid reflux.
  7. Vomiting.
  8. Constipation.

Why does my baby sound wheezy while breastfeeding?

Baby wheezing, much like it is in adults, is a high-pitched, whistling sound, which happens when the small airways become narrow, making it difficult for a baby to breathe. It is a common problem in babies and, in general, children and babies wheeze more than adults because of differences in the size of their airways.

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.

Why does my baby’s stomach make noises when I feed her?

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 does my baby have noisy breathing when breastfeeding?

Laryngomalacia is caused by floppy tissue falling over the larynx (voice box) and partially blocking the airway when a child breathes in. The sound from laryngomalacia is often a high-pitched squeak that often worsens when the baby is agitated, feeding, crying, or sleeping on his or her back.

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.

Why does my baby make a gulping sound when I feed her?

The sounds of “gulping” and “clicking” can signify a poor vacuum is in place and the child is swallowing more air then milk. The infant’s hands should be open and relax and eye contact maintained with the mother.

Why does my baby make noise while breastfeeding?

Why is my baby making clicking noises?

  • Poor positioning/latch
  • A strong, forceful letdown
  • Engorgement
  • Poor tongue mobility/function (Such as tongue tie)
  • A weakness of the tongue
  • Inability to maintain a seal due to weak muscles or restricted lip (lip tie)
  • Body tension or physical limitations such as Torticollis
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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