Does breastfeeding hurt more when baby is teething?

Does Breastfeeding Hurt More When Baby is Teething?
Breastfeeding is often a beautiful bonding experience between mother and child, but the arrival of a baby’s teeth can introduce new challenges. Many mothers wonder if breastfeeding becomes more painful when their little ones start teething. The answer is nuanced, as it varies from baby to baby.
The Teething Experience
Teething typically begins between 4 to 7 months of age, and during this time, babies can experience a range of discomforts. As new teeth push through the gums, babies may become fussy, irritable, and even develop mild fevers or stuffy noses. For some infants, the act of breastfeeding can provide comfort and relief from the pain, leading them to nurse more frequently, reminiscent of their newborn days.
However, not all babies respond to teething in the same way. While some may find solace in nursing, others might experience increased discomfort during breastfeeding. This discomfort can manifest as a change in their latch or position, as they instinctively try to avoid putting pressure on their sore gums. In some cases, babies may start to nurse but then pull away, fussing due to the pain associated with sucking.
Painful Nursing: A Common Concern
For mothers, the teething phase can indeed lead to more painful breastfeeding experiences. One of the most significant issues is the potential for biting. As babies teethe, they may inadvertently bite down while nursing, which can be quite painful for mothers. This biting behavior is often a reflexive response to the discomfort they are feeling in their gums, but it can create anxiety for mothers who fear being hurt during feedings.
Moreover, if a mother experiences soreness after nursing, it may not solely be due to teething. Often, nipple soreness is linked to improper latching rather than the teething process itself. Therefore, if breastfeeding becomes painful, it’s essential for mothers to assess their baby’s latch and positioning to ensure comfort for both parties.
Individual Variability
It’s crucial to recognize that every baby is different. While some infants may struggle with teething and breastfeeding, others may navigate this transition with minimal discomfort. As babies grow, their ability to manage teething pain often improves, making breastfeeding easier over time.
In conclusion, while teething can introduce challenges to breastfeeding, it does not universally make the experience painful. Mothers may need to adapt to their baby’s changing needs and behaviors during this time, ensuring that both they and their babies remain comfortable and supported.

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.

When is the hardest week of breastfeeding?

moms and babies have to learn together.” The first week is always the hardest, but by the second week, most moms have rebounded from their engorgement phase and things fall into place, she says. Engorgement typically happens when milk production ramps up within the first few days of giving birth.

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 …

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.

When is baby teething most painful?

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.

When is the most painful part of breastfeeding?

Breast engorgement is when your breasts get too full of milk. They may feel hard, tight and painful. Engorgement can happen in the early days when you and your baby are still getting used to breastfeeding. It can take a few days for your milk supply to match your baby’s needs.

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.

Does teething make nursing painful?

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. When either of these things happen, it can cause nipple pain or discomfort.

Can breastfeeding hurt even with a good latch?

It may look like your baby is well latched from the outside but your nipple may still be getting pinched. If you have tried to improve the positioning and latch but you still feel intense pain, seek help. Some discomfort when latching in the early days is common as you and your baby are learning.

Why would breastfeeding be painful?

Summary. Incorrect attachment of the baby on the breast is the most common cause of nipple pain from breastfeeding. Breastfeeding is possible if you have inverted nipples, mastitis, breast/nipple thrush, eczema or nipple vasospasm. Avoid soaps and shampoos during showering to help prevent nipple dryness.