Do babies drink more breast milk when teething?

Do Babies Drink More Breast Milk When Teething?
Teething is a significant milestone in a baby’s development, often accompanied by discomfort and irritability. As parents navigate this challenging phase, a common question arises: Do babies drink more breast milk when teething? The answer is nuanced, reflecting both the physiological needs of the baby and the emotional comfort that breastfeeding can provide.
Increased Demand for Comfort and Nutrition
For many babies, the teething process can be uncomfortable, leading to fussiness and a desire for comfort. Breastfeeding often serves as a soothing mechanism during this time. According to experts, some babies may revert to nursing more frequently, reminiscent of their newborn days, as they seek relief from the pain associated with emerging teeth. This increased nursing can be both a response to discomfort and a way to obtain the nutrition they need.
The Role of Breast Milk in Soothing
Breast milk remains the optimal source of nutrition for infants, especially during the first six months of life. It not only provides essential nutrients but also offers comfort during distressing times, such as teething. The act of nursing can help alleviate some of the discomfort associated with teething, making it a preferred choice for many babies. This dual role of breastfeeding—nourishment and comfort—can lead to an increase in the frequency and possibly the volume of milk consumed during teething episodes.
Variability Among Babies
However, it’s important to note that not all babies react the same way to teething. While some may want to nurse more, others might experience increased sensitivity in their gums, making breastfeeding uncomfortable. In such cases, babies might refuse to nurse altogether, which can be concerning for parents. If a baby does refuse to breastfeed, experts recommend expressing milk to maintain supply and ensure the baby receives adequate nutrition.
Conclusion
In summary, while many babies may indeed drink more breast milk during teething due to a combination of seeking comfort and nutritional needs, individual responses can vary widely. Parents should remain attentive to their baby’s cues and be prepared to adapt their breastfeeding approach as needed. Ultimately, the bond formed during breastfeeding can provide significant emotional support for both the baby and the mother during this challenging developmental phase.

Why do babies drink more milk when teething?

If your baby is suffering with teething pain, she may ask to feed more often, possibly for quite short periods each time. If you are happy to feed her as often as she wants, then it can really help both of you to get through this tricky time.

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.

Are babies hungrier when teething?

Sore gums can make feeding tough! During teething your little one might seem to be less hungry than usual or reject their feed. In some cases, the bottle or nipple may cause discomfort when feeding a teething child. If this appears to be the case, you may want to try a differently shaped teat or feed from an open cup.

Do babies feed more overnight when teething?

Teething discomfort can make it challenging for your baby to breast or bottle feed, which can lead to additional night wakings due to hunger.

Why do babies drink more when teething?

Don’t be surprised if your baby or toddler only wants milk. Whether nursing, on formula, or regular milk, it’s normal for kiddos to drink more during their teething phases. Milk helps to hydrate them and provide calories until they can eat again.

Do breastfed babies feed more when teething?

Any parent who has breastfed a teething baby can tell you: Those pearly whites popping through their gums may be tiny and cute, but they can hurt a tender nipple if they bite down while nursing. What’s more, an infant or toddler who’s teething can be cranky and want to nurse more often than usual for comfort.

Why my baby never seems full after breastfeeding?

Often, your baby will seem hungry again not long after being fed. This is due to the breast milk being very digestible so they feed more often. It may also be because your baby only fed for a shorter period of time or you did not offer both breasts at the feed.

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 is my baby suddenly feeding more?

It’s when your baby wants to feed even more frequently (sometimes constantly) over a period of time. It’s very normal and nothing to be concerned about. Your baby may want to cluster feed during the day or night (or a bit of both). Your baby may cluster feed for a few days when they are going through a growth spurt.

Why is my baby breastfeeding more than usual?

Frequent nursing may sometimes be a warning sign of inefficient milk transfer or low milk supply, but if baby has good diaper output, is gaining well and is generally happy and healthy, then the frequent nursing is unlikely to be a sign of a problem.