New mothers often ask this questions that why do babies hum while breastfeeding? Learn what does that mean and if you need to worry about it.
Breastfeeding your baby can be a wonderful bonding experience. For first time moms, it can also bring a lot of stress and anxiety because there is so much to understand about breastfeeding. It isn’t as easy as offering your breast and having the baby latch on. Sometimes both you and your baby need to learn how to do it together. There might be a few tears (from both of you) but don’t worry, it will be worth it when you have it all figured out.
Many mothers find that breastfeeding is a lot harder than they imagined it would be. Perhaps you have a low milk supply or maybe your baby isn’t latching on to the nipple properly. Chances are, there are signs that your baby is giving you to indicate what the problem is. The key to knowing if you are doing it properly is to watch for these signs. And always remember, it’s OK to ask for help!
Why Do Babies Hum While Breastfeeding?
By looking (or rather listening) to the sounds they are making while nursing, you can tell if you have a proper latch and you will know your baby is actually getting milk while they suck. You might notice your baby has started humming while they breastfeed. Why do babies hum while breastfeeding and what do the other noises mean?
Humming
If your baby is humming while he is breastfeeding, it doesn’t mean something is wrong! Well, not really. It could be a sign that he might be starting to cut some teeth. Many moms start to notice their baby hums while breastfeeding and then shortly after, notice a new tooth has poked through.
Humming can be a sign of self soothing as well. That’s a good thing! If he has a tooth trying to come through, the humming might be his way of trying to relax. Even if a baby isn’t teething, humming isn’t an indication that there is something wrong with the latch or flow. No, your baby is probably just trying to calm himself.
Gulping
Does it sound like your baby is gulping while on the breast? If you were worried that your milk supply wasn’t enough, worry no more! Gulping is a good sign that there is a good flow of milk going into your baby’s mouth. Maybe a bit too much! The flow might be a bit fast for you baby but don’t worry, your baby and your body will adjust quickly for an slower flow.
Clicking
While gulping is a sign of a good flow and good latch, clicking isn’t. If you hear a clicking sound when you baby is breastfeeding, they are working too hard to suck the milk because they don’t have a proper latch. If you notice this sound, adjust your latch so that your baby can get a better flow of milk.
The sounds your baby makes while nursing often times can tell you if you are doing it correctly. The gulping and clicking sounds are a give away to indicate a good latch and a good flow.
Most new mothers go into breastfeeding not knowing what to expect. It isn’t exactly something you can practice until you have your own child to nurse. You can read all the tips and tricks you want but until you actually do it, you won’t realize how difficult it can be. That’s not to say you shouldn’t keep trying!
Breastfeeding takes a lot of little adjustments here and there to make sure both mom and baby are happy and healthy. If you listen to your baby’s sounds while they are breastfeeding, you will know if you have a proper latch and flow. Breastfeeding shouldn’t hurt. If it does, try to adjust your latch. If the problem still persists, don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Folding it up
If you have wondered why do babies hum while breastfeeding and thought it had to do with how much milk they are getting, it actually doesn’t. Even though it is a form of self soothing, it doesn’t exactly mean something is wrong with them! Maybe they are teething or maybe the are just really relaxed. Either way, as long as they don’t seem to be in distress, humming is perfectly fine and normal for a baby to do while breastfeeding.