Can breastfeeding hurt when baby is teething?

Understanding the Impact of Teething on Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding can be a beautiful bonding experience between a mother and her baby, but when teething comes into play, it can introduce a range of challenges. Many parents wonder if breastfeeding can hurt when their baby is teething, and the answer is nuanced.
The Teething Experience
Teething typically begins around six months of age, although the timeline can vary significantly from one child to another. As teeth begin to push through the gums, babies often experience discomfort, which can manifest as fussiness, irritability, and a desire to nurse more frequently. For some babies, breastfeeding can provide comfort and relief during this painful period, almost reminiscent of their newborn days when they nursed constantly. However, for others, the act of sucking may exacerbate their gum pain, leading to a more challenging nursing experience.
Potential for Pain During Breastfeeding
While breastfeeding itself should not be painful, teething can complicate the situation. One of the most common issues that arise is biting. As babies teethe, they may inadvertently bite down while nursing, which can cause significant discomfort for the mother. This biting behavior is often a reflexive response to the pressure they feel in their gums, rather than a deliberate action.
Moreover, if a baby is experiencing discomfort while nursing, they might pull away or fuss, which can lead to a frustrating feeding session for both the mother and the child. If a mother experiences soreness or pain after breastfeeding, it may indicate that the baby is not latching correctly, rather than a direct result of teething.
Strategies for Managing Discomfort
To mitigate the discomfort associated with breastfeeding during teething, mothers can employ several strategies. Offering a teething toy or a cold washcloth for the baby to chew on before nursing can help soothe their gums and reduce the likelihood of biting. Additionally, ensuring that the baby is properly latched can alleviate nipple soreness, which is crucial for a comfortable breastfeeding experience.
It’s also important for mothers to remain patient and understanding during this phase. Teething can be a tough time for babies, and their need for comfort may lead them to seek out breastfeeding more frequently.
Conclusion
In summary, while breastfeeding during teething can present challenges, it does not have to be a painful experience. With the right strategies and a focus on proper latching, mothers can continue to enjoy the benefits of breastfeeding while navigating the teething process. As always, if pain persists or if there are concerns about breastfeeding, consulting with a lactation expert or pediatrician can provide additional support and guidance.

Why does my baby hurt me when breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding shouldn’t hurt. If it does, it’s a sign that something’s wrong. Most often it’s because your baby isn’t latching well. Other issues that cause discomfort can pop up, like clogged milk ducts, engorgement, postpartum cramping or sensitive nipples. Soreness while breastfeeding is normal,

What is the 3 month breastfeeding crisis?

The third crisis occurs after three months, at this stage the baby has much greater suction strength and will take faster feedings as he is able to empty the breasts with greater speed, that is to say, take more in less time, this period coincides with the development of their hearing and vision, that makes everything …

Do babies go on nursing strikes when teething?

Common causes of a breastfeeding strike include: Pain or discomfort. Teething, thrush or a cold sore can cause mouth pain during breastfeeding. An ear infection can cause pain during sucking or lying on one side.

Do teething babies cry when feeding?

Your baby may be extra fussy when they’re teething, and eating may be more painful—causing them to reject foods they once enjoyed. While this can be frustrating at times, being prepared can help you overcome the challenges of teething while keeping your little one nourished at the same time.

Why does my baby pull away and cry while breastfeeding?

Sometimes, your milk lets down so fast that your baby can have trouble swallowing the amount of milk that’s being released. Because of this, your baby may act fussy at breast or choke and sputter at the breast, and he or she may be quite gassy.

Does breastfeeding hurt while teething?

Babies sometimes bite when they are teething because those erupting teeth make their gums tender and uncomfortable. Breastfeeding itself is soothing, but babies may also try to relieve the pressure by biting down. Whilst this is upsetting, it is also understandable. If this happens to you, it’s important to stay calm.

Why does my baby scream and cry when I try to breastfeed?

Sometimes babies will refuse or fuss at a breast when the let-down is slower or too forceful, or the supply a bit lower. They in turn will prefer the side which lets down more/less quickly and in which the supply is more bountiful.

Why do I feel so much pain while breastfeeding?

When babies are latched on wrong, it can hurt or feel like a pinch each time your baby sucks. Over time, this can lead to painful, sore, cracked nipples. If you have pain during breastfeeding, talk to your doctor or lactation consultant to make sure your baby is properly latched or that something else isn’t going on.

What helps teething pain while breastfeeding?

While nursing
If you sense your baby is slowing down his or her feeding, fidgeting, shifting the tongue, or tightening the jaw, unlatch your baby and offer him or her a cold washcloth or teething toy to relieve discomfort. After your baby has had a chance to bite or chew, try breastfeeding again.

When is teething pain the worst?

Stage 5: (25-33 months) For some children, this is the most painful stage of teething. During this time, the large molars emerge. These are the biggest teeth, and parents may find their normal soothing techniques are no longer effective.