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Why does my baby make weird noises when breastfeeding?

Understanding Your Baby’s Noises While Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is a beautiful yet often surprising experience for new parents, especially when it comes to the unexpected sounds that babies make during feeding. Many first-time parents are taken aback by these noises, which can range from squeaks and grunts to clicks and hums. Understanding why your baby makes these sounds can help ease any concerns and enhance the breastfeeding experience.
The Nature of Feeding Noises
It’s important to recognize that the sounds your baby makes while breastfeeding are typically normal and part of the feeding process. According to experts, these noises are rarely discussed in parenting literature, leaving many parents unprepared for the auditory surprises that accompany nursing. The sounds can be attributed to various factors, including the baby’s latch, their natural reflexes, and even their comfort level during feeding.
Common Sounds and Their Causes
1. Clicking Noises: One of the most common sounds is a clicking or clucking noise. This usually indicates that the baby is breaking the seal created by their mouth on the nipple. This can happen for several reasons, such as an improper latch or the baby adjusting their position during feeding. While this sound can be concerning, it is often not a cause for alarm unless accompanied by discomfort for the mother.
2. Squeaky or Humming Sounds: Babies may also produce squeaky noises or hum while nursing. These sounds can be a sign of contentment or simply a reflection of their natural vocalizations as they feed. Humming, in particular, is a common behavior among newborns and is generally considered a normal part of their feeding routine.
3. Grunting and Straining: Some babies may grunt or strain while breastfeeding, which can be linked to their efforts to latch properly or to swallow. This is often seen in younger infants who are still mastering the breastfeeding technique.
Why These Noises Matter
Understanding these sounds is crucial for new parents. They can serve as indicators of how well the baby is feeding and whether they are comfortable. For instance, if the clicking sound is frequent and seems to cause discomfort, it may be worth consulting a lactation expert to ensure the baby is latching correctly.
Moreover, these noises can also reflect the baby’s emotional state. A relaxed baby may hum or make soft cooing sounds, while a fussy baby might produce more distressed noises. Recognizing these patterns can help parents respond appropriately to their baby’s needs during feeding.
Conclusion
In summary, the weird noises your baby makes while breastfeeding are typically a normal part of the experience. From clicking and squeaking to humming, these sounds are often linked to the baby’s feeding technique and comfort level. While they can be surprising, they usually indicate that your baby is engaging with the feeding process. If you have concerns about the sounds or your baby’s feeding habits, don’t hesitate to reach out to a healthcare professional for guidance. Embracing these unique moments can enhance the bonding experience between you and your little one.

Why is my baby making weird noises 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

Why does my baby make noises while bottle feeding?

When babies suck on their bottle nipple, their tongue makes a wave-like motion. When this motion is not done correctly, they will make a smacking sound while sucking. This can possibly lead to difficulties such as fatigue, not eating appropriate amounts of food, increased gas, etc.

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 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 slurp while breastfeeding?

If your baby seems to chew, slurp, or pull the nipple into their mouth, they may not be opening wide enough for a deeper latch. Your baby’s latch can only be as deep as how wide they open their mouth.

What is Gestalt breastfeeding?

‘gestalt breastfeeding’, which aims to optimise positional stability and intra-oral breast tissue. volumes for pain-free effective breastfeeding. The word gestalt (pronounced ‘ger-shtolt’) means ‘a whole that is more than the sum of its parts.’

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 moan and grunt while nursing?

When newborns grunt, it can sound like they are in pain, but this is not usually true. Most often, it means that they are learning how to pass stool. In other cases, the grunting can point to an underlying problem, and it is important to be aware of any other symptoms.

Why is my baby thrashing around while breastfeeding?

Overactive letdown (known medically as hyperlactation) can make it hard for a baby to keep up with the steady stream of milk. As a response, they may twist and tug to try and make the milk flow slow down or stop.

Is it normal for baby to breathe weird 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.

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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