Does breastfeeding feel different when teething?

Understanding Breastfeeding During Teething
Breastfeeding is a deeply personal experience for both mother and baby, and it can be influenced by various developmental milestones, including teething. As babies begin to cut their first teeth, typically between four to seven months, many mothers notice changes in their breastfeeding routine and the sensations associated with it.
The Impact of Teething on Breastfeeding
Teething can introduce a range of challenges and changes in a baby’s behavior while nursing. For some infants, the discomfort associated with emerging teeth may lead them to alter their latch or position during breastfeeding. This adjustment is often an instinctive response to avoid aggravating sore gums. Mothers may find that their babies are more fussy or irritable during this period, which can affect their willingness to nurse.
Interestingly, while some babies may become less interested in breastfeeding due to the discomfort, others may seek the comfort of nursing more frequently. The act of breastfeeding can provide soothing relief for teething pain, reminiscent of the early days of infancy when nursing was a primary source of comfort. This duality means that each breastfeeding experience during teething can vary significantly from one baby to another.
Sensations and Experiences for Mothers
From a mother’s perspective, breastfeeding a teething baby can feel different as well. Some mothers report experiencing increased nipple soreness or discomfort, particularly if their baby is teething and inadvertently bites down while nursing. This can lead to a heightened awareness of the baby’s movements and a need for vigilance during feedings.
However, many mothers also find that the emotional bond and comfort provided through breastfeeding can outweigh these challenges. The soothing nature of nursing can help both mother and baby navigate the discomfort of teething together. In cases where a baby is particularly fussy or refuses to nurse, mothers are encouraged to express milk and offer it in a bottle or sippy cup, ensuring that their baby continues to receive the benefits of breast milk.
Strategies for Comfort
To ease the transition during this teething phase, mothers can employ various strategies. Offering a cold teething aid, such as a frozen washcloth or silicone teether, before breastfeeding can help soothe the baby’s gums and make nursing more comfortable. Additionally, being mindful of the baby’s latch and positioning can mitigate some of the discomfort associated with teething.
In conclusion, while breastfeeding during teething can present unique challenges, it also offers opportunities for comfort and bonding. Each baby reacts differently, and understanding these nuances can help mothers navigate this developmental stage with greater ease and confidence.

Why does my baby pull and squirm while breastfeeding?

If nursing is not the calm bonding you were expecting, don’t worry. Some squirming is normal, but if your baby is especially active and squirmy during feedings, it could indicate that they are frustrated.

What stage of teething hurts the most?

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.

Why do babies breastfeed more when teething?

Teething babies are fussy, tense and irritable. They can also occasionally run a fever or have a stuffy nose. For some little teethers, breastfeeding will soothe the pain and they’ll want to nurse all day, almost back to the newborn days.

Do babies get more attached when teething?

Irritability and clinginess are common in both cases.

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 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 …

Does breastfeeding feel different when baby is teething?

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.

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.

How to tell the difference between comfort nursing and feeding?

Your baby is only nursing for comfort nursing when you see these signs: Flutter sucking, slowing down, stop sucking, or making little sucks. Still and looking into space while nursing. Holding the nipple in their mouth but not sucking for milk.

Do babies go on nursing strikes when teething?

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.