When Infant Feeding is Noisy: Is That Normal?

It’s no secret that babies can be expressive feeders. It may get your oxytocin flowing to hear a soft and rhythmic "kuh... kuh... kuh" sound as baby swallows, while kneading the breast with their little paws. Sometimes the flow is strong enough that they may even gulp loudly with the initial letdown of milk. A little noise at the breast can be completely normal, especially if baby seems to be feeding peacefully.

But sometimes, those little sounds can be disconcerting, and may be your baby’s way of telling you they are working hard and struggling to feed. Tuning into these cues can help you catch little challenges before they become bigger ones.

Noises That Usually Mean “All is Well”

• Occasional gulps during a strong let-down

• Soft hums or happy noises of satisfaction

• Gentle swallows that sound like a soft, breathy "kuh"

These are signs of a baby feeding normally.

Red Flags to Pay Attention To 🚩

If you notice your baby’s feeding is regularly noisy in these ways, it may be worth a closer look:

• Clicking or smacking sounds– Often a sign that your baby is losing suction. Sometimes it’s just positioning, other times it may hint at a tongue tie or oral motor challenge (But remember- a tongue tie release is never the first step. If you worry it may a tie, read about our approach to tethered oral tissues here).

• High-pitched squeaks (stridor)– Could be related to how the airway is opening and closing during feeding, which can interfere with coordination and sometimes be correlated to a baby who is frequently unlatching themselves to catch their breathe.

• Frequent coughing or choking– Your baby might be struggling to coordinate suck, swallow, and breathe.

• Hard gulping- Baby could be swallowing air that leads to fussy feeding or fussy after feed with firm abdomen and excessive gassiness.

• Long pauses between sucks with noisy breathing– Could signal fatigue, low endurance, or other airway challenges.

Other Clues That Feeding Is Harder Than It Should Be

Noise during feeds becomes more concerning if you also see:

• Slow weight gain

• Sweating or tiring easily at the breast

• Blue lips, pale color, or sudden changes in breathing

• Frequent spit-up or discomfort after feeds

• Nasal regurgitation

• Fussy feeding

How to Support Your Baby

If something feels off, trust your instinct. You can speak to your pediatrician, seek out a IBCLC lactation consultant, or infant feeding therapist (i.e., Speech-Language Pathologist or Occupational Therapist specialized in infant feeding). Sometimes a shift in positioning or latch is all that is needed. Other times, your baby may benefit from feeding therapy to improve oral strength and coordination, a swallow study, and/or further medical referrals to investigate root cause, such as ENT.

✨ Bottom line: A contented baby making peaceful little noises during feeding is normal. But persistent or distressing sounds are your baby’s way of saying, “I need help.”  You don’t have to figure it out alone. At Nourish Therapy, we specialize in whole-body feeding therapy and lactation support that addresses the root cause. Support is just a phone call away. Schedule a call if you have questions or concerns.