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Why is my newborn stomach making noises while breastfeeding?

Understanding Your Newborn’s Stomach Noises While Breastfeeding
As a new parent, the experience of breastfeeding can be both rewarding and bewildering. One common concern that many first-time mothers encounter is the curious sounds emanating from their newborn’s stomach during feeding. These noises can range from gurgles and growls to more pronounced grunting, leaving parents wondering if something is amiss.
Normal Sounds of Breastfeeding
It’s important to recognize that some level of noise during breastfeeding is entirely normal. According to experts, many parents are surprised by the variety of sounds that accompany nursing, as these are often not discussed in parenting literature. The sounds can be attributed to the baby’s natural digestive processes as they consume milk and their immature digestive systems begin to work.
Digestive Activity and Air Intake
When a baby breastfeeds, they not only ingest milk but also swallow air. This can lead to gurgling noises as the air moves through their digestive tract. Newborns have underdeveloped abdominal muscles, which means they may grunt or make other noises as they work to expel gas or digest their food. This is a normal part of their development and usually resolves as their digestive system matures.
Potential Dietary Influences
While most sounds are harmless, it’s worth considering that a breastfeeding mother’s diet can impact her baby. Certain foods may cause discomfort or gas in infants, leading to increased noise during feeding. If you notice a pattern between your diet and your baby’s discomfort, it may be beneficial to consult with a healthcare professional or a lactation consultant for tailored advice.
Signs of Discomfort
In some cases, the noises might indicate that the baby is experiencing discomfort. For instance, if the sounds are accompanied by fussiness or if the baby seems to be struggling to latch properly, it could suggest issues with the breastfeeding technique or an overactive letdown, where the milk flows too quickly for the baby to manage. Observing when the noises occur can provide clues; if they coincide with the letdown reflex, it may be a sign that the baby is having difficulty keeping up with the flow of milk.
Conclusion
In summary, while the sounds coming from your newborn’s stomach during breastfeeding can be surprising, they are often a normal part of the feeding process. As your baby grows and their digestive system matures, these noises are likely to diminish. However, if you have concerns about your baby’s feeding habits or if the sounds are accompanied by signs of distress, seeking guidance from a lactation consultant or pediatrician can provide reassurance and support. Embracing the learning curve of breastfeeding can help you and your baby enjoy this special bonding time even more.

Why does my newborn sound like she’s gulping while breastfeeding?

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. Your nipple looks rounded, not flattened, when your baby comes off your breast.

Why is my newborn’s stomach rumbling?

Reflux. It’s no mystery that all babies have reflux, some worse than others. Reflux can cause fussiness, back arching , a lot of spit up and sometimes even a gurgling noise after feeds (or in sleep). In summary, most of the noises your baby makes are perfectly normal.

Why does the baby’s stomach make noise when breastfeeding?

At birth, babies have a gastrocolic reflex that allows them to eat and have a bowel movement within a few seconds. That is why when they start to suckle, you hear their tummy moving. It can scare you a lot to hear their tummy rumbling, but this is totally normal and healthy.

How to know if a newborn has a stomach ache?

While your baby can’t yet tell you when their tummy hurts, you may notice some signs of discomfort. They may be extra fussy and squirmy, for example, and have a change in their bowel movement, sleeping or eating patterns. There are many different reasons for abdominal pain.

What are the signs of an abnormal newborn?

Newborn Warning Signs

  • No urine in the first 24 hours at home.
  • No bowel movement in the first 48 hours.
  • A rectal temperature over 100.4 degrees F (38 degrees C) or less than 97.5 degrees F (36.5 degrees C).
  • A rapid breathing rate over 60 per minute, or a blue coloring that does not go away.

What foods should breastfeeding mothers eat to prevent colic?

It is most important to consume a diet with plenty of water and an adequate consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and low-fat dairy sources.

Is it normal for newborns to make noises while breastfeeding?

When your milk is letting down strongly, your baby will suck, swallow, breath, suck, swallow, breathe in a rhythmic gulp/”k-ah” pattern. Sometimes you may hear a “clicking” sound. Your baby may or may not also have noticeable dimples in the cheeks with each suck.

Why is my baby grunting and squirming while breastfeeding?

Many mothers report that the grunting and squirming stop after a few weeks. It is a case-by-case situation, and it is different for every child. The grunting can start right after birth or a month later, but if this phase lasts longer than a few weeks, contact your doctor and ask for guidance and support.

How do I know if my breastmilk is upsetting my baby’s stomach?

If symptoms occur such as fussiness, irritability, crying, gas, increased spitting up and/or drawing their legs up due to tummy pain, write down everything you ate that day. This lets you carefully look at your diet instead of getting rid of foods that may not be the cause of your baby’s distress.

What are abnormal newborn movements?

involuntary, nonrhythmic jerky movements of the shoulders and feet. – slow, irregular rhythmic movements of the fingers. – intermittent tongue thrusting. – some grimacing of the face.

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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