In this article, find out what makes your baby to groan while breastfeeding. Keep reading this article on ‘baby groaning while nursing’ to know more!
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There are times when parents worry about certain things, especially those who are a new comer to ‘parenthood’. There’s nothing to worry as there will always be number of things that no one would tell you but you will get to know only when you experience it on your own. Find out the cause of baby groaning while nursing by going further with this article!
Crying is one of the baby’s languages to communicate to their parents if they encounter any problem or expects something. Other than this, there could be possibly other expressions too that the baby could use to communicate. Notably, it’s not always necessary that he/she is trying to communicate only.
What is Grunting?
Grunting is one of the sound, which babies make while breastfeeding/nursing. It is that sound which is similar to the sound made by pigs. Some parents get scared of it as they don’t expect such sounds other than crying and think that it might be something that is bothering the baby, intensely.
Breastfeeding
It is the most important phase of motherhood where the baby consumes the milk from breasts which has antibodies to fight against several infections and make the immune system strong. The let down of milk begins after 2-3 minutes of baby’s sucking. Initially, for 3-5 days, this let down is often little and doesn’t satisfy the baby’s tummy. While, after some time, this let down gets fastened to satisfy the hunger. Some mothers usually face tingling or warmth during the let down while some don’t.
Baby Groaning while Nursing
When the let down is fast, babies have different swallowing patterns. Usually, when the let down is fast, which is known as overactive milk ejection, baby groans/grunts while swallowing. Therefore, a ‘mouthful-milk’ makes the baby groan with a “suck-swallow-breath” pattern. Moreover, sometimes baby may make a “click” sound too which signifies that he/she has not latched on well. To resolve this problem, you just need to adjust your and the baby’s position or you may consult a doctor.
You may lie down on the bed and put your baby over your breasts for a good flow of milk. Importantly, breastfeeding should not be painful at all. Some mothers perceive it as a good latch but it rather denotes that there is some issue with the position and adjustments needs to be done or consulting a doctor would be an option too.
Apart from this, along with groaning and grunting, a child may exhibit other behaviours too like biting off the nipples or spitting off after nursing which could be really frustrating for the mother as well as for the child. We come to a conclusion that groaning happens due to overactive ejection of milk. Therefore to control that, you can try these measures:
1. NURSING PILLOW
A nursing pillow is designed to support the back of your baby and helps you feed more comfortably. It also keeps your hands free so you can do other stuff. It also makes it easier to take the baby off the breasts if he is choking or coughing.
Moreover, it is helpful for an easy and fast let-down. You can learn more about it and how to use it here.
2. SINGLE BREAST
It’s not a compulsion to make the baby to use both of your breasts. You might use the same breast for 2-3 sessions. If you feel that your breasts are swollen with milk, you may pump off some and store it for later. Although, eventually your baby would start to control the flow of milk and adjust accordingly.
3. LEANING
Best way to square up the overactive ejection is leaning back and putting the baby over you. Also, mothers tend to feel the intensity of the flow, which is quite important to consider for the baby leading to groan and grunt. As soon as you get to know about the fast letdown, take the baby off the breasts. Let it slow down and then continue. In this way, it would result in no groaning and no parent worrying about it.
We hope you found the reason for the baby groaning while nursing. Keep your worries away and enjoy your parenthood! Let the baby laugh, groan or glow and let the oxytocin flow.
