Do babies get fussy breastfeeding when teething?

Understanding the Connection Between Teething and Fussiness During Breastfeeding
Teething is a significant milestone in a baby’s development, typically beginning around six months of age. However, this process can bring about a host of challenges, particularly for breastfeeding mothers. Many parents report that their babies become fussy during breastfeeding when teething, and understanding the reasons behind this behavior can help in managing the situation.
The Impact of Teething on Babies
As babies begin to teeth, they often experience discomfort and irritability. This discomfort can manifest in various ways, including increased fussiness, a desire to nurse more frequently, or, conversely, a reluctance to breastfeed altogether. The discomfort arises from swollen and sore gums as teeth push through, which can make the act of sucking painful for some infants.
Interestingly, while some babies may want to nurse more often for comfort, others might pull away from the breast, crying or fussing due to the pain associated with teething. This duality can create a challenging breastfeeding experience, as mothers may find themselves navigating their baby’s fluctuating needs during this period.
Breastfeeding as a Soothing Mechanism
For many babies, breastfeeding can serve as a soothing mechanism during teething. The act of nursing not only provides nutrition but also comfort, helping to alleviate some of the discomfort associated with teething. Some parents find that their babies revert to more frequent nursing patterns, reminiscent of their newborn days, as they seek the soothing effects of breastfeeding.
However, this increased demand can also lead to discomfort for mothers, as prolonged nursing sessions may cause nipple soreness or fatigue. It’s essential for mothers to be aware of their own comfort levels and to seek adjustments in positioning or latching if they experience pain during these times.
Strategies for Managing Fussiness
To manage the fussiness associated with breastfeeding during teething, mothers can employ several strategies. First, ensuring that the baby is comfortable and relaxed before nursing can help. This might involve gentle gum massages or offering a teething toy prior to breastfeeding to alleviate some discomfort.
Additionally, mothers should be prepared for the possibility of their baby nursing for longer periods or more frequently. While this can be exhausting, it is often a natural response to the discomfort of teething. Staying hydrated and taking breaks when needed can help mothers maintain their own well-being during this demanding phase.
Conclusion
In summary, teething can indeed lead to increased fussiness during breastfeeding. Babies may exhibit a range of behaviors, from wanting to nurse more frequently for comfort to pulling away due to gum pain. Understanding these dynamics can help mothers navigate the challenges of breastfeeding during this developmental stage, ensuring that both they and their babies find comfort and connection amidst the discomfort of teething.

Should I stop my baby from comfort nursing?

As your baby gets older, watch out for the following signs that it’s time to stop nursing them to sleep: Some babies suck without swallowing, which is known as comfort nursing. While this is fine occasionally, (like during times of illness or teething), your baby should not frequently nurse for comfort.

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 is my breastfed baby suddenly fussy?

Reflux and gas can also cause your baby to act fussy. If your baby has reflux, milk will move from the stomach through the esophagus (the tube leading from the throat to the stomach) and out into the mouth, causing your baby to spit up. To help alleviate your baby’s reflux and gas, think about changing your diet.

How do I know if my breastmilk is upsetting my baby’s stomach?

If symptoms occur such as fussiness, irritability, crying, gas, increased spitting up and/or drawing their legs up due to tummy pain, write down everything you ate that day. This lets you carefully look at your diet instead of getting rid of foods that may not be the cause of your baby’s distress.

Do babies comfort nurse when teething?

Breastfeeding your teething baby may seem daunting, but it’s entirely manageable. In fact, breastfeeding can be one of the best tools for comforting your baby through the discomfort of teething. The late-night wakings, the drool (THE DROOL!), pearly white chompers, the fear for your nipples.

Can teething cause fussy breastfeeding?

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.

Can teething make a baby fussy at the breast?

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.

Does teething cause fussiness at the breast?

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 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 reject breast milk while teething?

Nursing strikes can be caused by a number of different things. Most nursing strikes occur as a result of illness (such as an ear infection), teething or the mother’s reaction to biting. However, breast refusal is also common in newborns who are not experiencing any of these issues.