Why is my baby clicking when breastfeeding?

Understanding the Clicking Sound During Breastfeeding
For many new mothers, the experience of breastfeeding can be both rewarding and challenging. One common concern that arises is the clicking sound some babies make while nursing. This phenomenon can be puzzling, but understanding its causes can help alleviate worries for breastfeeding mothers.
What Causes the Clicking Sound?
The clicking sound during breastfeeding typically occurs when a baby breaks the seal or suction created by their mouth on the breast. This can happen for several reasons:
1. Tongue Movement: As babies breastfeed, their tongues play a crucial role in creating a vacuum against the palate. When the middle portion of the tongue lifts, it helps maintain this vacuum. However, if the baby slightly breaks this seal—often by moving their tongue or jaw—this can result in a clicking noise.
2. Improper Latch: One of the most common reasons for clicking is an improper latch. If the baby does not have a deep enough latch, they may struggle to maintain the suction needed for effective feeding, leading to intermittent clicking sounds.
3. Breast Fullness and Let-Down: The clicking may also be more pronounced during times of intense breast fullness or when the milk is letting down forcefully. In these situations, the baby might find it challenging to keep up with the flow, causing them to break the seal more frequently.
4. Feeding Patterns: Observing when the clicking occurs can provide insights. For instance, if it happens more during let-down or is constant throughout the feeding, it may indicate specific issues with the feeding dynamics.
Is It a Cause for Concern?
In most cases, a clicking sound is not a cause for alarm. If the baby is gaining weight appropriately and the mother is not experiencing pain during breastfeeding, the clicking is often just a normal part of the feeding process. However, if the clicking is accompanied by discomfort for the mother or if the baby seems to be struggling to feed effectively, it may be worth consulting a lactation consultant or healthcare provider for further evaluation.
Conclusion
The clicking sound during breastfeeding is a common occurrence that can stem from various factors, including tongue movement, latch issues, and feeding dynamics. While it can be concerning for new mothers, understanding the reasons behind it can help ease anxiety. If there are any concerns about the baby’s feeding or the mother’s comfort, seeking professional advice is always a good step.

How do I stop my baby from clicking while breastfeeding?

How to stop the baby from clicking while breastfeeding? To stop the clicking, ensure your baby has a deep latch and try adjusting breastfeeding positions. If the issue stays, check for tongue-tie or consult a lactation consultant.

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.

Why does my baby make a smacking sound while breastfeeding?

The odd smacking/chucking/clicking noise is pretty normal. Most young babies will do them here and there. That’s very different to a baby feeding where you are hearing it very frequently throughout the feed. For these babies looking at breast shaping can help to get a deeper latch.

How can you tell if a baby is tongue tied?

Signs and symptoms of tongue-tie include:

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 does my baby kick and punch while breastfeeding?

If nursing is not the calm bonding you were expecting, don’t worry. Some squirming is normal, but if your baby is especially active and squirmy during feedings, it could indicate that they are frustrated.

Is it normal for babies to click?

It’s actually quite normal for a baby’s body to make clicking and popping noises (like the sound of knuckles cracking), especially around the spine, shoulders, knees, and ankles. If your baby makes these sounds in their hips, however—and if you hear a “clunk” rather than a “click”—talk to your pediatrician.

Why is my baby latching and unlatching repeatedly?

Oversupply and overactive milk ejection reflex are two reasons your baby may pop on and off your breast, while breastfeeding when there is too much milk coming at them too fast or faster than they can handle. Your baby may come off your breast choking and sputtering or need to burp more often.

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.

How to get baby to latch deeper?

With your baby’s head tilted back and chin up, lift him or her to touch your nipple. The nipple should rest just above the baby’s upper lip. Wait for your baby to open very wide, then “scoop” the breast by placing the lower jaw on first. Now tip your baby’s head forward and place the upper jaw well behind your nipple.

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

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