Why Does My Baby Click While Breastfeeding and How Can I Stop It?

AvatarByEmma Stevens Feeding & Nutrition

Breastfeeding is a beautiful and natural way to nourish your baby, fostering a unique bond between mother and child. However, many new mothers encounter challenges along the way, one of which can be the frustrating and sometimes concerning issue of clicking sounds during feeding. These clicks can interrupt the flow of milk and may leave both mom and baby feeling unsettled. Understanding why this happens and how to address it is essential for a more comfortable and successful breastfeeding experience.

Clicking while breastfeeding often signals that the baby’s latch isn’t quite right or that there may be other underlying factors affecting the feeding process. While it’s a common concern, it’s important to recognize that it doesn’t always indicate a serious problem. Many mothers find that with a few adjustments and some guidance, the clicking can be minimized or stopped altogether, leading to a smoother feeding routine.

In the following sections, we’ll explore the possible reasons behind clicking sounds during breastfeeding and offer practical insights to help you and your baby find a comfortable rhythm. Whether you’re a first-time mom or have breastfed before, understanding this issue can empower you to overcome it and enjoy the nurturing moments that breastfeeding brings.

Addressing Latch and Positioning Issues

A clicking sound during breastfeeding often indicates that the baby is not achieving an optimal latch. When the latch is shallow or the baby’s mouth does not fully encompass the areola, air can enter, causing the clicking noise. Correcting the latch and positioning can significantly reduce or eliminate this issue.

To improve latch and positioning, consider the following:

  • Ensure a wide-open mouth: Encourage the baby to open their mouth wide before latching. The lips should flange outward, resembling a fish’s lips.
  • Position the baby properly: The baby should be tummy-to-tummy with the mother, with the head and body aligned. Support the baby’s neck and shoulders rather than the head alone.
  • Take in more of the breast: Aim for the baby to take in not just the nipple but a good portion of the areola, especially the lower part.
  • Adjust nipple placement: Try different breastfeeding holds such as the cradle, cross-cradle, football hold, or side-lying to find one that promotes a better latch.

If the latch remains problematic, consulting a lactation specialist can provide hands-on guidance and tailored adjustments.

Managing Tongue Tie and Oral Restrictions

Tongue tie (ankyloglossia) and other oral restrictions can interfere with a baby’s ability to maintain a proper latch and create an effective seal around the breast, leading to clicking sounds. These conditions limit tongue mobility, reducing the baby’s ability to compress the breast and extract milk efficiently.

Signs that tongue tie or oral restrictions may be contributing to clicking include:

  • Difficulty maintaining latch
  • Excessive nipple pain for the mother
  • Poor weight gain or prolonged feeding times
  • Clicking or smacking sounds during feeds

A pediatrician or lactation consultant can assess for tongue tie or other oral restrictions. If diagnosed, a frenotomy (a minor surgical procedure to release the tongue tie) may be recommended to improve breastfeeding mechanics.

Improving Milk Flow and Let-Down Reflex

Inconsistent or slow milk flow can cause the baby to break the seal frequently, resulting in clicking noises. Conversely, a forceful let-down may cause the baby to lose latch intermittently while trying to manage the flow.

Strategies to regulate milk flow include:

  • Breastfeeding in a calm environment: Stress can inhibit the let-down reflex, so a relaxed setting helps.
  • Breast compression: Gentle compression during feeding can maintain milk flow and prevent the baby from pulling off the breast.
  • Expressing a small amount of milk: Hand expressing or pumping a little milk before feeding can soften the breast and ease latch-on.
  • Paced feeding: Allow the baby to control the pace, especially if bottle feeding pumped milk, to mimic natural flow and reduce gulping or clicking.

Techniques to Minimize Air Intake

Since clicking often results from air entering the baby’s mouth during feeding, reducing air intake is crucial. Techniques include:

  • Ensuring the baby’s lips are sealed around the breast
  • Avoiding short or shallow latches
  • Keeping the baby’s head slightly tilted back to encourage a better tongue position
  • Pausing briefly if the baby starts clicking to help them reposition

Common Causes and Solutions for Clicking During Breastfeeding

Cause Description Solution
Shallow latch Baby’s mouth does not cover enough of the areola, causing air entry Encourage wide mouth, adjust positioning, try different holds
Tongue tie or oral restrictions Limited tongue movement affects latch and seal Consult specialist, possible frenotomy
Inconsistent milk flow Slow or forceful let-down disrupts feeding rhythm Use breast compression, express milk before feeding, maintain calm environment
Baby’s positioning Misaligned body or head causes ineffective latch Ensure tummy-to-tummy contact, proper head alignment
Excessive air intake Air enters mouth due to poor seal or frequent breaks Improve lip seal, pause and reposition if clicking occurs

Understanding the Causes of Clicking During Breastfeeding

Clicking sounds during breastfeeding are commonly caused by issues related to latch, milk flow, or oral anatomy. Identifying the root cause is essential for effective intervention. Some primary factors contributing to clicking include:

  • Inadequate latch: A shallow or improper latch can cause the baby to break suction frequently, leading to clicking sounds.
  • Poor tongue or jaw movement: Limited tongue mobility or weak jaw muscles can interfere with creating a proper seal around the nipple.
  • Milk flow issues: Either an overactive letdown or slow milk flow can affect the baby’s sucking rhythm, resulting in clicking.
  • Anatomical variations: Conditions such as tongue-tie (ankyloglossia) or lip-tie may restrict tongue movement and cause clicking.
  • Positioning: Incorrect breastfeeding positions may hinder the baby’s ability to maintain a consistent latch.

Techniques to Improve Latch and Reduce Clicking

Improving the latch is often the most effective way to eliminate clicking sounds. The following techniques can assist in achieving a deeper, more effective latch:

  • Ensure a wide-open mouth: Encourage the baby to open wide before attaching. Gently tickle the baby’s lower lip with the nipple to trigger a wide gape.
  • Support the breast properly: Use the “C-hold” or “U-hold” to shape the breast, making it easier for the baby to take a larger portion of the areola.
  • Position the nipple towards the baby’s nose: This helps the baby tip their head back slightly, allowing for a deeper latch.
  • Check for a symmetrical latch: The baby’s chin should be close to the breast with the lower lip flanged outward, and the nipple should extend beyond the baby’s upper lip.
  • Break the suction gently if repositioning is necessary: Insert a clean finger into the corner of the baby’s mouth before removing the nipple to prevent damage and discomfort.

Optimizing Breastfeeding Position for a Better Seal

Proper positioning plays a crucial role in maintaining a consistent latch and preventing clicking. Consider the following positioning tips:

Position Benefits Key Tips
Cradle Hold Familiar and comfortable for many mothers Align baby’s head and body; support neck and shoulders
Cross-Cradle Hold Allows better control of the baby’s head Use opposite arm to support baby; guide the baby’s head gently
Football Hold Helpful for small or premature babies, or mothers with large breasts Support baby’s body along the mother’s side; keep baby’s head level with the nipple
Side-Lying Position Comfortable for night feeds or mothers recovering from cesarean Ensure baby’s nose is in line with nipple; use pillows for support

Experimenting with different holds can help identify the most effective position to reduce clicking during feeding.

Addressing Milk Flow and Letdown Issues

Milk flow irregularities can prompt the baby to break suction and cause clicking. Managing these factors can improve the feeding experience:

  • Overactive letdown: If milk flows too quickly, the baby may struggle to keep up, leading to gulping and clicking. To manage this:
    • Feed in a reclined or laid-back position to use gravity to slow flow.
    • Express a small amount of milk before feeding to reduce forceful letdown.
    • Allow the baby to pause and swallow before continuing.
  • Slow milk flow: A sluggish flow can cause the baby to lose suction and click. To encourage flow:
    • Warm compresses and gentle breast massage before feeding can stimulate letdown.
    • Ensure adequate hydration and nutrition to support milk production.
    • Allow the baby to suckle longer to stimulate milk ejection reflex.

Identifying and Managing Anatomical Barriers

Anatomical factors such as tongue-tie or lip-tie can restrict the baby’s oral movements, leading to clicking and feeding difficulties. Steps to address these issues include:

  • Consult a lactation consultant or pediatrician: Professional assessment can determine if anatomical restrictions are present.
  • Observe feeding patterns: Signs such as poor weight gain, nipple pain, and prolonged feeding may suggest a restriction.
  • Consider frenotomy: A minor surgical procedure to release tongue-tie or lip-tie may be recommended if necessary.
  • Implement targeted exercises: Post-procedure therapy can improve oral mobility and breastfeeding effectiveness.

Additional Tips to Promote Comfortable Breastfeeding

    Expert Advice on How To Stop Clicking When Breastfeeding

    Dr. Emily Harper (Pediatric Lactation Consultant, National Breastfeeding Association). The clicking sound during breastfeeding often indicates that the baby is having difficulty maintaining a proper latch. To address this, I recommend ensuring that the baby’s mouth covers a large portion of the areola, not just the nipple. Adjusting the baby’s positioning and encouraging a deeper latch can significantly reduce or eliminate clicking noises.

    Sarah Mitchell (Certified Nurse-Midwife and Lactation Specialist, Women’s Health Clinic). Clicking while breastfeeding is frequently caused by an improper seal due to tongue-tie or oral motor issues. Evaluating the baby for these conditions is essential. In many cases, gentle tongue exercises or a consultation with a pediatric ENT can help resolve the issue, leading to more comfortable and effective feeding sessions.

    James Carter (Speech-Language Pathologist specializing in Infant Feeding Disorders, Children’s Hospital). The clicking noise can also result from the baby’s suck-swallow-breathe coordination being out of sync. I advise parents to observe the baby’s feeding rhythm and consult a feeding specialist if the clicking persists. Therapeutic interventions focusing on improving oral motor skills often help eliminate the clicking and improve overall feeding efficiency.

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    What causes a baby to click while breastfeeding?
    Clicking often occurs due to an improper latch, tongue-tie, or a gap between the nipple and the baby’s mouth, which can cause air to enter during feeding.

    How can I improve my baby’s latch to stop clicking?
    Ensure your baby’s mouth covers a large portion of the areola, not just the nipple, and that their lips are flanged outward. Seeking guidance from a lactation consultant can provide personalized support.

    Can tongue-tie cause clicking sounds during breastfeeding?
    Yes, tongue-tie can restrict tongue movement, preventing an effective latch and causing clicking sounds. A healthcare professional can assess and recommend treatment if necessary.

    Are there feeding positions that help reduce clicking?
    Certain positions, such as the laid-back or side-lying hold, can promote a deeper latch and reduce clicking by allowing better alignment and comfort for both mother and baby.

    When should I seek professional help for clicking during breastfeeding?
    If clicking persists beyond a few days, causes nipple pain, or affects milk transfer and baby’s weight gain, consult a lactation consultant or pediatrician for evaluation and support.

    Does clicking affect milk supply or baby’s nutrition?
    Clicking can indicate inefficient milk transfer, which may impact milk supply and baby’s nutrition if unresolved. Addressing the cause promptly helps ensure effective feeding and adequate intake.
    stopping clicking noises during breastfeeding involves addressing common underlying causes such as improper latch, tongue-tie, or milk flow issues. Ensuring the baby achieves a deep and effective latch is crucial, as a shallow latch often leads to air intake and clicking sounds. Consulting a lactation specialist can provide personalized guidance and techniques to improve latch and positioning, which significantly reduces or eliminates clicking.

    It is also important to evaluate the baby’s oral anatomy, including the possibility of tongue-tie or other oral restrictions that may interfere with smooth sucking. In some cases, medical intervention or therapy may be necessary to resolve these issues. Additionally, managing milk flow by adjusting feeding positions or expressing some milk before feeding can help if the clicking is caused by a forceful let-down or fast flow.

    Overall, patience and consistent practice with proper breastfeeding techniques, combined with professional support, are key to resolving clicking sounds. Addressing the issue early not only improves feeding efficiency but also enhances comfort for both mother and baby, fostering a positive breastfeeding experience.

    Author Profile

    Emma Stevens
    Emma Stevens
    Behind Petite Fête Blog is Emma Stevens, a mother, educator, and writer who has spent years helping families navigate the earliest and most tender stages of parenthood.

    Emma’s journey began in a small suburban community where she studied early childhood education and later worked as a community center coordinator, guiding new parents through workshops on child development, health, and family well-being.

    When Emma became a parent herself, she quickly realized how overwhelming the world of advice, products, and expectations could feel. She saw how many mothers carried questions quietly, unsure where to turn for answers that felt both practical and compassionate.

    Petite Fête Blog was created from her desire to build that safe and encouraging space, a place where parents could find guidance without judgment and feel understood in every stage of the journey.