Why does my baby sound chesty while breastfeeding?

Understanding Chesty Sounds While Breastfeeding
For many new parents, the sounds that accompany breastfeeding can be surprising. While some might expect a serene and quiet experience, the reality is often quite different. If your baby sounds “chesty” while breastfeeding, it can be attributed to several factors related to their feeding technique and physiological responses.
The Nature of Feeding Noises
Breastfeeding is not a silent activity. Babies often make a variety of sounds, including grunts, gurgles, and even chesty noises. These sounds can be a normal part of the feeding process as infants adjust to latching and sucking. According to experts, the noises are often a reflection of how babies are feeding and their ability to create a proper seal around the nipple.
Possible Causes of Chesty Sounds
1. Mucus and Congestion: One common reason for a chesty sound is the presence of mucus in the baby’s airways. Newborns can often sound congested due to normal physiological changes, especially if they have been exposed to allergens or irritants. This can lead to a rattling or chesty sound as they breathe.
2. Latching Issues: If your baby is not latching properly, they may struggle to maintain suction, leading to a clicking or chesty noise. This can happen if the breast is engorged or if the baby is positioned incorrectly. A poor latch can cause the baby to break the seal repeatedly, resulting in audible sounds during feeding .
3. Milk Ejection Reflex: The let-down reflex, which is the release of milk from the breast, can also contribute to these sounds. If the milk flows too quickly, the baby may gulp or make noises as they try to manage the flow.
4. Air Intake: Babies often swallow air while feeding, especially if they are feeding too quickly or are not latched on correctly. This can lead to gurgling or chesty sounds as they try to expel the air.
When to Seek Help
While many feeding noises are normal, there are instances when they may indicate a problem. If your baby seems distressed, is not gaining weight, or if you experience pain during breastfeeding, it may be time to consult a lactation consultant or pediatrician. They can help assess the latch and provide guidance on positioning and techniques to improve the feeding experience.
Conclusion
In summary, chesty sounds during breastfeeding can be a normal part of the feeding process, influenced by factors such as mucus, latching issues, and the milk ejection reflex. Understanding these sounds can help alleviate concerns and enhance the breastfeeding experience for both you and your baby. If uncertainties persist, seeking professional advice can provide reassurance and support.

Why does my baby have noisy breathing when breastfeeding?

Laryngomalacia is a common cause of noisy breathing in infants. 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.

Is it normal for babies to sound congested while breastfeeding?

Babies may experience congestion in their nose (called nasal congestion), or it may sound as though the congestion is in their chest. The symptoms differ depending on where the congestion occurs. Nasal congestion is more likely, and if the baby is happy and feeding normally, this is normal and the baby is likely fine.

Why does my baby sound phlegmy after eating?

This is known as dysphagia. Your child might have aspiration caused by problems with growth, development, or certain health conditions. Your child may have signs such as breathing problems and a wet-sounding voice after meals. Some children with aspiration don’t have any signs or symptoms.

Why is my baby gasping for air while breastfeeding?

Most often, babies are choking and gasping at the breast because mom has a lot of milk and/or the flow of her milk is so fast that the baby struggles (just like adults can only handle guzzling so much of a drink rather than drinking it at a more reasonable pace).

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.

How should a baby sound while breastfeeding?

Listen for a “ca” sound. You will hear this more easily when your milk increases. 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 wheezing or congestion?

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 chesty but not sick?

Some home remedies like warm baths, saline drops, and clean air may help an infant who is congested. However, speak with a doctor if the infant also has other symptoms like fever.

How to know if baby has milk in lungs?

Aspiration can cause symptoms including:

• Coughing when drinking, particularly with thin liquids.
• Difficulty feeding.
• Frequent respiratory infections or recurrent pneumonia.
• Noisy breathing while drinking.
• Gagging during meals.
• Back arching during feeding.
• Skin turning a bluish color.

Why does my newborn sound chesty when I feed her?

Why does my newborn sound chesty? Mucus can also move further down to your baby’s voice box (larynx) and their windpipe, which may make them sound chesty . If you place your hand on your baby’s chest, you may feel a gentle rattle. This is a vibration from their larynx.