Can teething put baby off breastfeeding?

The Impact of Teething on Breastfeeding
Teething is a significant milestone in a baby’s development, often accompanied by discomfort and irritability. As parents navigate this challenging phase, a common concern arises: Can teething put a baby off breastfeeding? The answer is nuanced, as teething can affect breastfeeding dynamics, but it does not necessarily lead to a complete cessation of nursing.
Understanding Teething and Its Effects
Teething typically begins around six months of age, although the timing can vary. During this period, babies may experience gum discomfort as their teeth push through the gums. This discomfort can manifest in various ways, including fussiness, irritability, and changes in feeding behavior. Some babies may pull away from the breast, cry, or refuse to nurse altogether due to the pain associated with sucking.
However, it’s important to note that while some infants may show signs of reluctance to breastfeed during teething, many continue to nurse without significant issues. In fact, for some babies, breastfeeding can provide comfort and relief from teething pain. The act of nursing may soothe their discomfort, leading them to seek the breast more frequently, reminiscent of their newborn days.
Strategies for Continued Breastfeeding
For parents concerned about their baby’s teething affecting breastfeeding, there are several strategies to consider. First, ensuring that the baby is comfortable can help. This might include offering teething toys or cold washcloths to chew on before nursing sessions, which can alleviate some of the gum discomfort. Additionally, maintaining a calm and soothing environment during feeding can encourage the baby to nurse despite any teething-related fussiness.
It’s also crucial for mothers to be aware of their own comfort. Teething can sometimes lead to sore nipples, so taking care of breast health is essential. Using lanolin cream or other soothing ointments can help mitigate discomfort for nursing mothers.
Conclusion
In summary, while teething can introduce challenges to breastfeeding, it does not inherently mean that a baby will wean off breast milk. Many mothers around the world successfully breastfeed through the teething phase, and with the right strategies in place, both mother and baby can navigate this period together. Ultimately, patience and understanding are key as parents support their little ones through this natural developmental stage.

Do babies refuse 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.

What to do if your teething baby won’t nurse?

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.

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.

Is it normal for babies to drink less milk when teething?

Don’t Be Alarmed If They Are Not Eating Much
It is completely normal for teething to affect your baby’s eating habits. Their little mouths are hurting and they may not feel like eating. They may lose weight and put it back on once the phase is over. If you are worried, check in with your pediatrician.

Do babies go off feeds when teething?

It’s very, very normal for babies to go off their food when they’re teething – it’s to be expected when their mouths are sore! It can be really tough when you’re just starting out with weaning, as around 6 months is a common time for teeth to begin to appear.

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 is my baby suddenly rejecting my breasts?

Sudden refusal or nursing strike
There are several reasons why your baby may suddenly start to refuse your breast: they are unwell (tummy ache, earache, oral thrush etc.) too little milk. too much milk, your baby may be struggling with the flow of milk.

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 …

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.

What does nursing strike look like?

Babies who are entering a nursing strike typically refuse the breast but seem unhappy, fussy and displeased by not nursing. While your baby probably sometimes becomes distracted at the breast, pulling away or rooting in the middle of a feed is not indicative of a nursing strike, rather they’re just distracted.