“Cah, Cah”…Evaluating for Transfer of Mother’s Milk

One of the best ways to evaluate an infant’s feeding at the breast is to observe for swallowing. During the first few minutes at breast (after your transitional milk has come in), your baby should exhibit a suck/swallow ratio of about one-to-two sucks per swallow. This means that you should see one or two jaw excursions (sucks) followed by a deep draw (chin drops and mouth pauses in an open position) then the sound of a swallow may be heard (a quick, gentle “cah” sound). Swallowing may also be felt by resting a finger gently on baby’s throat while he is feeding. Remember, a good attachment to the breast is important. There should be a wide gape of baby’s mouth around your breast. His lips should be flanged outward with a good seal between your breast tissue and his lips. No air spaces should be seen and milk should not run out from the corners of his mouth. So listen and count those “cah’s.” They eventually turn into coo’s! Relax and enjoy your baby’s feeding!