Can teething cause problems nursing?

The Impact of Teething on Nursing
Teething is a significant developmental milestone for infants, typically occurring between six months and two years of age. While it is a natural process, teething can introduce a host of challenges, particularly for breastfeeding mothers. Understanding how teething affects nursing can help caregivers navigate this often tumultuous time.
Teething Symptoms and Nursing Behavior
As babies begin to teeth, they may exhibit a range of symptoms, including fussiness, irritability, and even mild fever or nasal congestion. These discomforts can lead to changes in nursing behavior. Some infants may seek the comfort of breastfeeding more frequently, using it as a soothing mechanism against the pain of erupting teeth. In contrast, others may find the act of sucking painful, leading to fussy nursing sessions where they start to latch but then pull away, crying or fussing instead.
The discomfort associated with teething can make breastfeeding a challenging experience. For some babies, the pressure of sucking can exacerbate gum pain, causing them to become frustrated during feeds. This can result in a cycle of wanting to nurse for comfort but then rejecting the breast due to discomfort.
Navigating the Challenges
For mothers, this change in nursing behavior can be disheartening. It may feel as though their baby is rejecting them, but it is essential to recognize that this is often a temporary phase. To ease the discomfort, caregivers can try various strategies. Offering a teething toy before nursing can help soothe sore gums, potentially making the breastfeeding experience more comfortable for the baby.
Additionally, maintaining a calm and comforting environment during nursing can help. Mothers might find that nursing in a quiet, familiar space can reduce anxiety for both themselves and their babies, making the experience more pleasant despite the teething discomfort.
Conclusion
In summary, teething can indeed cause problems for nursing, manifesting as fussiness and discomfort that disrupts feeding routines. While some babies may cling to breastfeeding for comfort, others may resist due to pain. Understanding these dynamics can empower mothers to find solutions that work for both them and their teething infants, ensuring that this challenging phase is navigated with patience and care.

Can teething put a baby off breastfeeding?

Can I Keep Breastfeeding once my Baby Begins Teething? Of course! Teething can present some new challenges but human milk continues to be the best food for your baby. Sometimes when the teeth are moving under the gums and as they pop through the gums, your baby may be uncomfortable and unhappy.

How long does teething nursing strike last?

Nursing strikes can be frightening and upsetting to both you and your baby, but they are almost always temporary. Most nursing strikes are over, with the baby back to breastfeeding, within two to four days. First thing to remember is to feed the baby. The other important thing is to protect your supply.

Do babies struggle to nurse when teething?

Signs of teething
Some of the signs that parents report include: Changes in the way a baby latches on to the breast: feeding your baby may start to be uncomfortable, or she may change the position of her mouth or head, or her latch may just feel a bit different.

Why is my baby red while breastfeeding?

Cows’ milk allergy (CMA) is one of the most common childhood food allergies. While it’s more common when first infant formula milk is introduced or when your baby starts eating solids, it can happen while breastfeeding. Symptoms include: skin reactions, such as a red itchy rash.

What is the last stage of teething?

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. Try different methods to soothe the toddler until something helps.

Why does my baby suddenly want to nurse constantly?

Growth spurts can happen at any time, and every baby is different. Growth spurts usually last a few days. Many babies are fussier during growth spurts and will want to nurse longer and more often, as much as every 30 minutes. It may feel like all you’re doing is feeding your baby!

What is the 3 month breastfeeding crisis?

These increases occur around the same time for all babies, hence the term “3-months breastfeeding crisis”. This crisis is the most well-known because it is the most challenging for mothers. One reason is that this crisis, unlike others you may experience before, can last up to a month.

Why does my baby want to stay latched all night?

Babies derive immense comfort from sucking, as it reminds them of being in the womb. Sucking is one of the five womb sensations, which can trigger a baby’s innate calming reflex. This is why many babies like sucking on dummies or being latched on to their mother’s breast during sleep.

Can teething affect the latch?

Some moms may find it hard to breastfeed when baby’s teeth are coming in. That’s because babies can experience discomfort when teething and will change their position or latch to avoid hitting their sore gums. Babies may also try to relieve soreness by biting.

Why is my baby suddenly latching poorly?

Many things can affect a baby’s ability to suck and remove milk. Factors such as prematurity, jaundice, infection, heart disease, a mother’s medicines and many others can affect a baby’s ability to stay alert or coordinate the suck-swallow-breathe actions.