The soft, rhythmic sounds of nursing are comforting, but a distinct “click” often causes concern. This noise is common and nearly always relates to a momentary loss of the oral vacuum seal the baby creates at the breast. Understanding the physical reason for this lost seal and recognizing when it affects milk transfer is the first step toward correcting the issue and ensuring comfortable, effective feeding.
Understanding the Mechanics Behind the Noise
The characteristic clicking sound is the acoustic result of the baby repeatedly breaking and re-establishing the suction seal on the breast. Effective milk transfer depends on the baby creating a negative pressure (vacuum) within their mouth to draw milk out. When the seal is lost, air rushes in to equalize the pressure, creating the audible click, cluck, or chucking sound.
The most frequent mechanical cause for this loss of seal is a shallow latch, where the baby has not taken enough breast tissue into their mouth. This positions the nipple too far forward, preventing the tongue from maintaining the seal against the areola and the roof of the mouth. The baby’s tongue may also slip or retract if it cannot hold the “gutter” shape required for effective sucking, causing the sudden break in suction.
Oversupply or a forceful milk ejection reflex (let-down) can also contribute to the clicking noise. If the milk flow is too rapid, the baby may intentionally break the seal to manage the overwhelming volume, leading to repeated clicks. The noise can also be generated by rapid, disorganized jaw and tongue movements as the baby struggles to coordinate the suck-swallow-breathe pattern under high flow.
Signs That Clicking is Affecting Milk Transfer
While an occasional click is insignificant, persistent clicking signals a problem that compromises milk intake or causes discomfort for the parent. A primary indicator that the clicking is problematic is the presence of nipple pain or damage. A shallow latch, which often causes clicking, results in the nipple being compressed or rubbed, leading to a blanched, creased, or “lipstick-shaped” appearance upon release.
Signs of poor milk transfer include poor or slow weight gain, the most objective measure of feeding effectiveness. The baby may also exhibit symptoms of excessive air swallowing, such as increased fussiness, gassiness, or colic symptoms, because air enters the digestive system with the milk. During the feed, the baby might seem unsatisfied, detach frequently, or nurse for excessively long periods without the rhythm of deep, audible swallowing. If the breast still feels full or hard after a feeding, it suggests the baby was unable to efficiently empty the breast, which can impact milk supply.
Immediate Steps to Correct Latch and Position
Addressing the latch is the most immediate action to stop the clicking noise. Begin by ensuring the baby is positioned closely, tummy-to-tummy, with their head and body in a straight line to prevent neck strain. Encourage a deep latch by aiming the nipple toward the baby’s nose, so they must tilt their head back slightly to attach, ensuring the chin is pressed into the breast first.
Wait for the baby to open their mouth wide, similar to a yawn, before bringing them quickly and firmly to the breast. This technique should result in the baby taking a large, asymmetrical mouthful of breast tissue, with the chin deeply touching the breast and the lips flanged outward like a “fish face.” If the initial latch is shallow and clicking begins, gently insert a clean finger into the corner of the baby’s mouth to break the vacuum seal before trying to relatch.
Changing the feeding position can also help manage the issue. For instance, laid-back nursing (biological nurturing) uses gravity to stabilize the baby’s position and encourage a deeper latch. In cases of forceful let-down, using a reclining position allows the baby to better control the flow of milk, as they are nursing “uphill” against gravity. Gentle breast compression can also shape the nipple and areola into a “sandwich” shape, making it easier for the baby to take in more tissue and maintain the seal.
When to Seek Specialized Help for Anatomical Concerns
If clicking persists despite efforts to improve positioning and latch, the underlying cause may be an anatomical or structural issue requiring professional assessment. The inability to sustain a vacuum seal, even with a perfect latch, is a red flag for restricted oral function. Common anatomical issues include a tongue tie (ankyloglossia) or lip tie, where a restricted frenulum limits the mobility of the tongue or lip needed for a deep latch and effective vacuum creation.
Structural variations, such as a high-arched or bubble palate, can also make it difficult for the tongue to compress the breast tissue and maintain the seal. In these situations, the baby may not be able to sustain the negative pressure needed for efficient milk transfer, regardless of external positioning adjustments.
When clicking is constant, or when other symptoms like persistent nipple pain, poor weight gain, or a struggle to feed are present, consult specialized professionals. An International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) can conduct a comprehensive functional feeding assessment, observing the baby’s sucking mechanics and oral structure. Depending on the findings, a referral may be made to a pediatric dentist or an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist for further evaluation of a potential tongue or lip tie or other structural concerns.