What is a 'clicking' sound during breastfeeding?
When a baby makes clicking sounds while breastfeeding, it sounds a bit like a "click-click" sound produced by the baby's tongue while suckling. Sometimes, the clicking is so obvious that it is quite loud, and mothers become concerned.
When is the clicking sound normal during breastfeeding?
The moment when the clicking happens and the age of the baby can give a first idea of what may be the cause, but there are several possible causes:
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Engorgement: This happens in the first days after birth when the mature breast milk comes in and there is poor drainage of the breast as well as because of an excess of intravenous fluids given during childbirth all of these things can cause breasts to become very hard to the touch.
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Bad latch-on: A baby who breastfeeds in the wrong position or latches on poorly at the breast cannot perform the necessary seal around the nipple-areola area in its mouth. Therefore, the solution will involve improving the baby’s attachment at the breast.
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Tongue-tie: When a baby has a short lingual frenulum, a so-called tongue-tie, they tend to try to compensate for the suction, which means they look for a way to overcome these difficulties by suckling in another effective way, a different way of suckling that can cause the tongue to move or differ from the position that would be needed.
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Lip tie: The frenulum of the upper lip can also be extremely short (lip tie) and make it impossible for a baby to perform the seal for suckling and this causes them to constantly lose the latch. This can improve by simply modifying the posture and, if necessary, intervention can also be performed.
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Overactive milk let-down reflex: When a mother has a lot of breast milk coming out of the breast all of a sudden, babies can have difficulties managing this flow of breast milk quantity. They then use their tongue as a stopper and can swallow more slowly. When they are doing this, we can hear the clicking noise, and it even seems that they are choking.
How to know if the clicking noise is normal?
A clicking may also not be of any relevance if this does not affect breastfeeding. If you are not in pain and your baby is growing and gaining weight properly, the noise they may make with the tongue is just a curiosity. It is possible that it is quite loud, but if everything works it is fine.
How to know if your baby's clicking is caused by a tongue tie or other structure issue?
If your baby makes consistent clicking sounds, even with good positioning and after engorgement passes, your baby may have a tongue tie or other structural issue preventing them from forming a good seal. In these cases, it may be necessary to see a professional, such as a lactation consultant who specializes in baby-friendly tongue and oral function.
What to do if your baby is CLICKING during breastfeeding?
If a baby seems to be really struggling to cope with the milk flow, then an in-person assessment by one of our doctors is advised.
What are the potential side effects of your baby clicking during feeding?
A clicking during feeding may result in excess air intake which can lead to slight belly discomfort or indigestion in some cases.
What else you need to know
- Babies' mouths grow, and with there development, after around three months of age, the clicking tends to improve until it disappears completely.
- If your baby is clicking and it's causing pain or discomfort, or if baby is not gaining weight as expected, it might be a good idea to get an evaluation by an experienced lactation consultant.
###A clicking sound during breastfeeding is a common occurrence, but it's rarely a reason to worry. Understanding the cause and how to appropriately address it can help ensure a peaceful and enjoyable breastfeeding experience for both mother and baby
