The first thing I think of with "smacking" or "kissy" sounds is that
baby does not have a good seal on the breast.  Of course, this can
be due to several reasons.
1-Most commonly, baby isn't held close enough to the breast.  If
there is a space between the breast and baby's cheek, baby isn't
close enough.  This leads to shallow latch and or slipping off the
breast.  If mom is supporting the baby at the neck and shoulders
rather than having her hand or even fingers on the back of baby's
head and baby is loking up slightly at the breast, mom can keep baby
pulled in quite close - closer than she may think is OK.  Point out
that (with the possible exception of very large, soft breasts) as
long as she can see even a tiny dark space at the edge of baby's
nose, he can breathe.  Also, no matter how hungry baby is, breathing
will always be a higher priority (remember Maslow), so baby will tip
the head slightly or pull away if she can't breathe.
2-Is baby centered right to left?  We exphasize the asymmetric latch
(bottom jaw further on than upper) so much that we sometimes forget
to look at right to left symmetry.  I find it is hard for mom to see
this well when baby is in cradle or cross cradle position - easier
for her to see in football hold).  I like to point out to dads that
checking for that is a way they can help at least until mom knows
the "feel" of an effective latch.
3-Is mom supporting the weight of the breast?  I see few babies that
don't need this in the early days when they are trying to get the
mechanics of feeding down pat.  Some babies cleam down to try to
keep the breast in, but some will let it slip and may wind up
smacking.
4-Is there an anatomical variation that prevents a good seal?
Clefts that prevent a good seal should be obvious.  Tongue tie that
creates a groove in the tip of the tongue is the nex thingt that
comes to mind.  Is the tongue too short to extend under the
nipple/areola?  Is it unusually thick?  There may be others.

Winnie

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