Can teething interfere with breastfeeding?

Teething and Its Impact on Breastfeeding
Teething is a significant developmental milestone for infants, typically occurring between 4 to 7 months of age. As babies begin to experience the discomfort associated with their teeth breaking through the gums, many parents wonder how this process might affect breastfeeding. The relationship between teething and breastfeeding can be complex, with varying experiences reported by mothers and their babies.
Changes in Feeding Behavior
When a baby is teething, they may exhibit signs of discomfort, which can lead to changes in their breastfeeding behavior. Some infants may become fussy, irritable, or tense, making it challenging for them to latch properly. This discomfort can cause them to alter their position or latch in a way that avoids putting pressure on their sore gums. For some babies, the act of sucking may exacerbate their discomfort, leading them to nurse less frequently or even refuse to breastfeed altogether.
Conversely, other babies may find comfort in breastfeeding during this painful time. The soothing nature of nursing can help alleviate some of the discomfort associated with teething, prompting them to nurse more often, reminiscent of their newborn days. This duality means that while teething can interfere with breastfeeding for some, it can also encourage more frequent nursing in others.
The Role of Maternal Support
Mothers may feel concerned about their ability to continue breastfeeding during this period. However, experts emphasize that teething should not necessitate weaning. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding for at least a year, alongside the introduction of solid foods after six months. It’s important for mothers to remain patient and flexible, adapting to their baby’s changing needs during this time.
Practical Tips for Nursing During Teething
To navigate the challenges of breastfeeding a teething baby, mothers can employ several strategies. Ensuring that the baby is comfortable before nursing can help. This might include offering a teething toy or a cold washcloth for the baby to chew on prior to breastfeeding, which can numb the gums slightly and make nursing more comfortable. Additionally, maintaining a calm and soothing environment can help both mother and baby feel more relaxed during feeding sessions.
Conclusion
In summary, while teething can present challenges to breastfeeding, it does not have to signal the end of this important bonding experience. Each baby is unique, and their response to teething will vary. By understanding the potential impacts and employing supportive strategies, mothers can continue to provide the benefits of breast milk while navigating this developmental phase.

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 can’t you eat chocolate while breastfeeding?

Caffeine. It’s not just tea and coffee that contains caffeine – it’s in chocolate, and various energy drinks and soft drinks. It’s sensible to cut caffeine out while breastfeeding because it’s a stimulant so can make your baby restless.

Could my breast milk be upsetting my baby?

You’ll know if your breast milk is upsetting baby if they are unusually gassy or fussy after eating. As you and your baby get acclimated to breastfeeding, you’ll learn what not to eat while breastfeeding if your baby reacts to a certain food or drink.

Why does my baby keep latching and unlatching repeatedly?

Oversupply and overactive milk ejection reflex are two reasons your baby may pop on and off your breast, while breastfeeding when there is too much milk coming at them too fast or faster than they can handle. Your baby may come off your breast choking and sputtering or need to burp more often.

Does teething cause poor feeding?

According to the American Dental Association, babies begin teething when they’re somewhere between 6 and 12 months of age. One of the most common symptoms of teething is a loss of appetite. Your baby doesn’t want to eat because of the discomfort and pain of teething.

Do teething babies bite while breastfeeding?

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.

Do babies struggle to breastfeed when teething?

Your baby will begin teething sometime between 4-7 months. 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 does my baby pull away and cry while breastfeeding?

If you are about to feed and visitors arrive, or your phone is not next to you, or you are anticipating pain or a struggle feeding, you don’t release the hormone oxytocin as quickly so the let-down is slower and the baby can get frustrated and pull away. This often leads to an upset baby and it can upset you too.

What does teething poop look like?

If any teething poop occurs it might be slightly looser than usual, but it shouldn’t be watery or overly runny, which would indicate diarrhea. The color may vary, but it typically stays within the normal range of yellow, green, or brown.

Can teething make a baby stop nursing?

It may take some repetition but baby will eventually understand that biting will mean a temporary stop in nursing. Teething can also cause breastfeeding refusal from your baby due to the oral discomfort experienced.