Clicking/clucking noise

[Spagbolagain]

My DS 7wks is making an odd noise when he feeds, and it is very loud. It is coming from inside his mouth and I think it is him breaking the seal at the back of his throat. It seems to happen when he swallows not when he sucks, which seems strange when you try to make that noise yourself.

I think it started when I was having a very fast and gushy letdown from about week 3, and he was xhoking a bit. I think my flow has slowed a bit now but he still makes the noise, all the way through the feed not just initially.

Have read what kellymom says on the topic and have tried leaning back etc but doesn't help. Asked a bfc whose view was that as long as I wasn't sore and baby happy and getting enough, we shouldn't interfere. My concern is that he is a bit windy, swallows air, and also that bf just isn't maybe as relaxing for himas it should be. Also impossible for me to do it discreetly!

Does anyone have experience or advice on this one? Thanks

I don't unfortunately Spagbol but hopefully someone will be along shortly who does .

My 3 wk old does this and the lactation consultant says not to worry... So am just going with the flow.

This is one of the symptoms of tongue tie. You might consider getting him checked for this because if you feel that he's suffering somewhat from the air swallowing then having it snipped might well help, and every day counts here so that he can re-learn his latch afterwards before he's too set in his ways. That's if it is the cause.

The suggestion to leave well alone is extremely sensible unless you feel that it's something that needs addressing, which it sounds like you do, in which case it's even more sensible to go hunting for ideas, as you have :) You can get an idea as to whether this is the problem here:

www.ann-dobson.co.uk/tongue-tie_symptoms.html

The tricky thing about tongue tie is getting someone to check for it who is qualified. In theory the first port of call is the GP which is fine if they know what they're doing. Some do, some don't. If they think there is one there might be a local clinic which can deal with it - some trusts do, some don't.

An alternative is to go private and search for a qualified IBCLC who specialises in tongue tie.

One thing to note, you may be told that he has a small tie which isn't a problem and this is not necessarily true. The size of the tie bears little relation to the extent of the problem.

Here's some more info: milkmatters.org.uk/2011/04/15/hidden-cause-of-feeding-problems-however-you-feed-your-baby/

Milk Matters do an email service where you can send photos to be checked out - might be worth a try.

Obviously this is just one potential reason that he might be doing this, but it's hopefully a starting point for your research. Best of luck.

Thanks carrotcake. He did indeed have a tongue tie, which was clipped by an ENT consultant when he was about a week. Do you think he hasnt relearnt to latch properly maybe?

If so do you have any suggestions? I did walking finger down his tongue initially to flatten it out. Not sure if he can latch any deeper than he already does but will try if any ideas!

Ps apologies I should have mentioned that in my OP

Oh, ok :) Well, it might have re-formed - this does happen - or they may not have snipped it deeply enough. Or, it may be that the TT is rectified but he has other oral issues which might be linked, such as a high arch palate and/or lip tie. Lip ties can be snipped although the NHS is less likely to do this. I have heard that cranial osteopathy can help relieve a high arch palate (and in fact it's a good idea after a TT snip anyway as it's believed that TT can cause compression within the facial bones which can make life uncomfortable for a baby).

Perhaps the first port of call would be to get the TT checked again, and if necessary snipped again, and if you're not adverse to such things also consider a cranial osteopathy appointment?

Unfortunately TT snips don't always make a difference, or they might help but not take the problem away completely. For others they make a huge difference.