To stop clicking when breastfeeding, improve the latch by bringing the baby’s chin deeply onto the breast. The nose should tilt away from the breast, and the baby’s head should tip back.
Positioning the baby correctly can help create a better seal and prevent clicking sounds during breastfeeding. Breastfeeding is a natural and beautiful bonding experience between a mother and her baby. However, it can sometimes come with challenges, such as clicking sounds while nursing.
These clicking sounds may be a sign that the baby is repeatedly breaking the seal or suction, which can affect the baby’s ability to feed effectively. We will explore the causes of clicking during breastfeeding and provide tips on how to stop clicking and improve the latch for a more comfortable and successful feeding experience.
Understanding The Causes Of Clicking While Breastfeeding
Does clicking always mean a bad latch? Some causes of clicking during breastfeeding include poor positioning, poor latching, breast milk oversupply, fast let down, teething, ear infections, and intraoral infections such as thrush.
Anatomical variations in the baby’s mouth can also cause clicking, however, this is a less common reason. Clicking during breastfeeding can be a frustrating experience for both the baby and the breastfeeding mother.
It is important to understand the various causes of clicking to address the issue effectively. Here are the different factors that can contribute to clicking:
- Poor positioning during breastfeeding: When the baby is not positioned correctly, it can lead to clicking sounds. Proper positioning ensures a good latch, minimizing the chances of clicking.
- Poor latching technique: A shallow latch or incorrect positioning of the baby’s mouth on the breast can result in clicking during breastfeeding. Adequate latch technique is crucial to prevent clicking.
- Breast milk oversupply: If a breastfeeding mother has an oversupply of breast milk, it can cause the baby to struggle with managing the flow, leading to clicking noises. Balancing milk supply can help alleviate this issue.
- Fast let down: When a breastfeeding mother has a fast let-down reflex, the milk may flow too quickly for the baby to handle effectively. This can result in clicking sounds as the baby tries to keep up with the fast flow of milk.
- Teething: Teething can cause discomfort for the baby, leading to changes in their latch and suction. These changes may contribute to clicking during breastfeeding.
- Ear infections: Babies with ear infections may find it difficult to create and maintain proper suction while breastfeeding, resulting in clicking sounds. Treating the ear infection can help resolve the clicking issue.
- Intraoral infections (e.g. Thrush): Infections such as thrush can affect the baby’s ability to latch properly, causing clicking during breastfeeding. Treating the infection is necessary to address the clicking issue.
- Anatomical variations in the baby’s mouth: Some babies may have anatomical variations in their mouths, such as high palates or tongue ties, which can make it challenging for them to latch and create a proper seal. These variations may contribute to clicking.
By understanding the underlying causes of clicking during breastfeeding, you can take appropriate steps to address the issue and ensure a comfortable and successful breastfeeding experience for both you and your baby.
Tips For Correcting Clicking During Breastfeeding
When breastfeeding, clicking sounds can indicate issues such as poor positioning, latching, milk oversupply, or teething. It can also be caused by anatomical variations in the baby’s mouth.
To stop clicking, ensure a deep latch, keep the baby’s body close, and align the breast with the baby’s mouth. Breastfeeding should be a comfortable and enjoyable experience for both you and your baby.
If you’re experiencing clicking sounds during breastfeeding, it may indicate an issue with positioning, latch technique, or other factors. Here are some tips to help correct clicking and ensure a successful breastfeeding journey:
Ensure Proper Positioning And Alignment
- Sit in a comfortable and supported position, with pillows if necessary, to align your baby’s mouth with your breast.
- Bring your baby’s body close to yours, with their nose level with your nipple.
- Make sure your baby’s head, neck, and body are in a straight line during feeding.
- Avoid bending your baby’s head or neck in an unnatural position.
Improve Latch Technique
- Make sure your baby’s mouth is wide open, with their lips flanged outwards.
- Aim to have as much of your areola (not just nipple) in your baby’s mouth.
- Ensure your baby’s tongue is positioned under your breast, with their chin touching it.
- If you’re unsure about your latch technique, consider seeking guidance from a lactation consultant.
Manage Breast Milk Oversupply
- If you have an oversupply of breast milk, it can lead to fast flow and clicking during feedings.
- Try expressing some milk before feeding to decrease the flow.
- Experiment with different breastfeeding positions to help slow down the milk flow.
Adjust Breastfeeding Schedule
- If your baby is hungry and impatient during feedings, they may latch improperly and cause clicking.
- Offer your breast to your baby before they become too hungry or frantic.
- Consider feeding your baby in a calm and quiet environment to reduce distractions.
Address Teething Discomfort
- Teething can affect your baby’s latch during breastfeeding.
- Offer your baby a teething toy or a cold washcloth to ease their discomfort before feeding.
- If your baby continues to struggle with latching due to teething, consult with a pediatric dentist or pediatrician.
Treat Ear Infections Promptly
- Ear infections can affect your baby’s ability to latch properly and may cause clicking.
- If you suspect your baby has an ear infection, seek medical treatment promptly.
- Treating the ear infection may help alleviate clicking during breastfeeding.
Seek Medical Treatment For Intraoral Infections
- Intraoral infections, such as thrush, can cause clicking during breastfeeding.
- If you suspect your baby has an intraoral infection, consult with their pediatrician.
- Treatment will help resolve the infection and improve breastfeeding.
Consult With A Lactation Consultant For Support
- If you’re struggling to correct clicking during breastfeeding, consider seeking assistance from a lactation consultant.
- A lactation consultant can provide personalized guidance and support to help you and your baby achieve a successful latch.
Consider Using Breastfeeding Aids Or Tools
In some cases, using breastfeeding aids or tools can help correct clicking. Nipple shields, breast shells, or breast pumps may be recommended by a lactation consultant. It’s important to use these aids under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
By following these tips, you can improve positioning, latch technique, and manage any underlying issues that may be causing clicking during breastfeeding. Remember, each breastfeeding journey is unique, and it’s essential to seek individualized support when needed.
Additional Resources And Support
Clicking sounds while breastfeeding can be caused by various factors such as poor positioning, poor latching, oversupply of breast milk, fast letdown, teething, and infections. However, it doesn’t always indicate a bad latch and as long as it isn’t causing pain for the mother, there is no need to be concerned.
During breastfeeding, it’s common for babies to make clicking sounds while nursing. While most of the time, it’s harmless, understanding the possible causes and finding ways to address it can help improve the breastfeeding experience for both you and your baby.
In addition to seeking guidance from healthcare professionals, there are additional resources and support available to help you navigate this issue. Here are some helpful options:
Online Video Tutorials On Breastfeeding Techniques
- Kellymom: Offers a range of helpful videos covering various aspects of breastfeeding, including latch techniques and tips to address clicking sounds.
- Legendairy Milk Facebook: Provides videos demonstrating techniques to improve latch and suction, helping to prevent clicking during breastfeeding.
- Lucy Webber Feeding Support – IBCLC Facebook: Offers informative videos on proper positioning and latch to help minimize clicking during nursing.
Local Breastfeeding Support Groups
- Lactation Solutions of Princeton Facebook: Connect with local breastfeeding support groups in your area, where experienced professionals and other parents can provide guidance and share their experiences.
- Pain Free Dentist Sydney: Provides information on local support groups that can offer support and advice on addressing clicking during breastfeeding.
Lactation Consultant Directory
- Check with your local hospital or medical facility for a directory of experienced lactation consultants who can provide one-on-one assistance and guidance tailored to your specific situation.
Recommended Books On Breastfeeding
- “The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding” by La Leche League International: This comprehensive guide covers various aspects of breastfeeding and can provide valuable insights into addressing clicking sounds while nursing.
- “Breastfeeding Made Simple: Seven Natural Laws for Nursing Mothers” by Nancy Mohrbacher and Kathleen Kendall-Tackett: This book offers practical advice and techniques for addressing common breastfeeding challenges, including clicking.
Websites And Forums For Breastfeeding Advice And Tips
- Mom365: Provides a wealth of resources, including articles and forums, where you can connect with other breastfeeding moms and receive support and advice on managing clicking during nursing.
- Breastfeeding USA: Offers a supportive online community where you can learn from experienced breastfeeding moms and professionals.
Remember, while these resources can provide valuable support, it’s always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional or lactation consultant for personalized advice. Each baby and breastfeeding experience is unique, and they can help tailor their guidance to your specific needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Clicking Always Mean A Bad Latch?
Clicking during breastfeeding does not always mean a bad latch. It can be caused by various factors such as poor positioning, poor latching, breast milk oversupply, fast let down, teething, ear infections, and intraoral infections. Anatomical variations in the baby’s mouth can also cause clicking, but it is less common.
Why Does My Baby Keep Clicking While Breastfeeding?
Clicking while breastfeeding can occur due to various reasons such as poor positioning, poor latching, breast milk oversupply, fast letdown, teething, ear infections, and intraoral infections. It can also be caused by anatomical variations in the baby’s mouth. However, as long as it does not cause pain for the mother, there is usually no reason to be concerned about the clicking sound.
How Can I Get My Baby To Latch Deeper?
To help your baby latch deeper, follow these steps:
1. Keep baby’s body close to yours and adjust the breast if needed.
2. Make sure baby’s chin can easily go beneath the breast for a deep latch.
3. Position yourself tummy to tummy with baby, with their nose aligned with your nipple.
4. Wait for baby to open their mouth wide before allowing them to latch.
5. If the latch still feels shallow, use your pinky to break the seal and try again.
How Do You Fix A Shallow Latch?
To fix a shallow latch, ensure that you are tummy to tummy with your baby and their body is in a straight line facing you. Line up their nose with your nipple and wait for them to open their mouth wide before allowing them to latch.
If it still feels shallow, use your pinky to break the seal and try again.
Conclusion
By slightly releasing the vacuum between the breast and their tongue, resulting in a clicking sound. While clicking during breastfeeding can be concerning, it doesn’t always indicate a problem.
In fact, some common causes of clicking include poor positioning, poor latching, breast milk oversupply, fast let-down, teething, and ear infections.
It is also important to note that anatomical variations in the baby’s mouth can contribute to clicking, although this is less common. If you are experiencing clicking while breastfeeding, there are steps you can take to improve the latch and reduce clicking.
Keeping baby’s body close to yours and ensuring their chin is deeply onto the breast can help improve the latch. You can also try using your hand to adjust the breast’s position and wait for a wide mouth before allowing baby to latch.
If the latch still feels shallow, gently break the seal using your pinky finger and try again. Remember, as long as clicking is not causing pain for the breastfeeding mother, it is generally not a cause for concern.
If you have any doubts or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to a lactation consultant or healthcare professional for further guidance.
Breastfeeding is a unique journey for every mother and baby, and with proper support and information, you can overcome any challenges you may encounter.
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