Abnormal sound during breastfeeding is often described as noisy nursing, which can include sounds like clicking.
Understanding Noisy Nursing
While some sounds during breastfeeding are normal, such as gentle swallowing, others indicate potential issues. According to the reference, the main cause of "noisy nursing" is a Faulty Latch.
Common Abnormal Sounds
The reference specifically identifies clicking as a common abnormal sound during breastfeeding. This sound often indicates that the baby is losing suction or the latch is not deep enough.
Causes of Abnormal Sounds
Several factors can contribute to noisy nursing and abnormal sounds like clicking. Based on the reference, these include:
- Faulty Latch: This is cited as the primary reason for noisy nursing. A poor latch means the baby isn't taking enough breast tissue into their mouth, leading to ineffective sucking and potentially air intake, causing sounds.
- Response to Fast Flow: If the mother has a rapid letdown or faster milk flow, babies might change their suck pattern to manage the speed. This altered suck can sometimes lead to noise as they struggle to keep up or maintain suction.
- Short Frenulum (Tongue-Tie): Affecting 2% to 5% of newborns, a short frenulum under the tongue can restrict tongue movement. This restriction can impact the baby's ability to latch correctly and maintain suction, making clicking a common sound associated with tongue-tie during feeding. Tongue-tie can be familial and significantly affect the latch.
Summary of Causes & Sounds
| Cause | Impact on Latch/Feeding | Common Sound(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Faulty Latch | Ineffective suction/seal | Noisy nursing, clicking |
| Response to Fast Flow | Altered suck pattern | Noisy nursing |
| Short Frenulum (Tongue-Tie) | Restricted tongue movement, affects latch | Clicking |
If you notice persistent abnormal sounds during breastfeeding, it can be helpful to consult with a lactation consultant or healthcare provider to assess the latch and identify any underlying causes.
