The sound of clicking during breastfeeding can be jarring for a new parent, causing concern about milk intake and comfort. This audible sound signals that the seal, or vacuum, created by the baby’s mouth around the breast has been temporarily broken. When the baby loses suction, air rushes into the space, creating the distinct click or “pop” noise. While an occasional click may be harmless, persistent clicking often indicates an issue with milk transfer, which can lead to gassiness for the baby, and sometimes pain or low supply for the parent.
Identifying the Cause of the Sound
The noise results from the baby’s tongue or lips failing to maintain a continuous, negative pressure seal on the breast. A shallow latch is the most frequent culprit, where the baby has not taken enough breast tissue into the mouth. This positioning causes the nipple to rest near the front of the baby’s mouth, allowing the tongue to slip and break the seal repeatedly during the sucking motion. The resulting click is the sound of air being swallowed as the baby struggles to compensate.
The intensity of the sound can offer a clue to the underlying problem. A soft, infrequent click might be the baby momentarily adjusting their mouth during a fast letdown. Conversely, a sharp, loud, and constant clicking throughout the feed suggests a significant challenge in maintaining a functional seal. When the baby’s cheeks dimple inward with each suck, it strongly suggests a loss of suction and inefficient milk removal. This air intake contributes to gassiness and fussiness after a feed.
Immediate Latch and Positioning Adjustments
To address clicking immediately, focus on correcting the baby’s positioning to encourage a deeper, more functional latch. Ensure the baby is brought to the breast with their ear, shoulder, and hip in a straight line, which prevents their neck from twisting. The goal is an asymmetrical latch, where the baby takes in more of the lower areola than the upper.
Position the baby so their nose is aligned with the nipple, which encourages them to tilt their head back slightly. This angling allows the chin to make contact with the breast first, causing the baby to open their mouth wide like a yawn. This wide-open mouth is crucial for taking a large mouthful of tissue, allowing the nipple to reach the soft palate at the back of the mouth. This technique, sometimes called the “flipple” or “nipple flip,” helps the nipple roll deep into the mouth.
Bringing the baby close to the body, often described as “tummy-to-tummy,” helps them root and latch effectively. Avoid pushing on the back of the baby’s head, which can cause them to reflexively push away. Instead, support the baby across the shoulders and upper back, gently guiding them toward the breast once their mouth is wide open. For parents with a heavy flow or oversupply, a laid-back or reclined position can use gravity to slow the flow, helping the baby manage the intake without breaking the seal.
When Clicking Signals a Structural Issue
If positioning changes do not resolve the persistent clicking, the cause may be anatomical, preventing the baby from achieving the necessary seal and tongue motion. Oral restrictions, such as a tongue-tie, occur when a tight or short band of tissue anchors the tongue too closely to the floor of the mouth. This restriction limits the tongue’s ability to lift, cup the breast, and create the wave-like motion needed for effective milk transfer.
A restricted tongue movement causes the tongue to snap back with each suck, creating the clicking sound. Similarly, a lip-tie may restrict the upper lip from flanging out, making it difficult for the baby to form a proper seal around the areola. A high or unusually shaped palate can also contribute to clicking, as the baby’s tongue cannot maintain contact and vacuum pressure against the roof of the mouth. In cases of oversupply or a forceful milk ejection reflex, the baby may break the seal because the flow is too fast to swallow.
Seeking Professional Support
When clicking persists despite efforts with positioning and latch adjustments, or if other signs of inefficient feeding are present, professional intervention is advised. A persistent, loud click paired with signs like nipple pain, cracked nipples, or the baby’s slow weight gain indicates a problem that requires assessment. Nipple damage or discomfort is a strong indicator that the latch is not deep enough and is stressing the tissue.
A healthcare professional, such as an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), can perform a thorough oral assessment to evaluate the baby’s suck, swallow, and functional range of motion. The IBCLC can determine if the clicking is due to a simple positioning issue or a complex anatomical factor like a tongue-tie. They can also perform a weighed feed to accurately measure the amount of milk the baby is transferring, which offers a clear picture of feeding efficiency.