Does breastfeeding hurt when baby is teething?

Does Breastfeeding Hurt When Baby is Teething?
Breastfeeding during a baby’s teething phase can be a mixed experience for many mothers. As babies begin to cut their first teeth, typically between 4 to 7 months, the process can lead to discomfort for both the infant and the breastfeeding parent.
The Impact of Teething on Breastfeeding
Teething can cause a range of behaviors in babies, from increased fussiness to changes in their nursing patterns. Some babies may become irritable and tense, which can affect their latch and feeding habits. For instance, a teething baby might adjust their position or latch to avoid discomfort from sore gums, potentially leading to a less effective feeding experience.
Interestingly, while some babies may find relief from the pain of teething through breastfeeding, others might experience heightened discomfort. The act of sucking can exacerbate gum pain for some infants, causing them to pull away from the breast or fuss during feeds. This variability means that each breastfeeding journey during teething can be unique.
Pain and Discomfort for Mothers
For mothers, the experience of breastfeeding a teething baby can also come with its own set of challenges. While breastfeeding should not inherently be painful, some mothers report soreness or discomfort, particularly if their baby bites down while nursing. This biting can occur if the baby is in distress or if they are not latching correctly. If a mother experiences nipple soreness after feeding, it may indicate that the baby’s latch needs adjustment rather than being a direct result of teething.
Moreover, teething can lead to increased nursing frequency as babies seek comfort from the breast. This can be both soothing for the baby and potentially uncomfortable for the mother, especially if the baby is nursing for longer periods.
Strategies for Comfort
To navigate the challenges of breastfeeding during teething, mothers can employ several strategies. Ensuring a proper latch is crucial; if a mother notices pain, it may be beneficial to consult a lactation expert. Additionally, offering the breast more frequently can help soothe a teething baby, as the act of nursing can provide comfort during this uncomfortable time.
In summary, while breastfeeding during teething can present challenges, it is generally manageable with the right techniques and support. Many mothers find that with patience and adjustments, they can continue to successfully breastfeed their teething babies without significant pain or discomfort.

How do you breastfeed when a baby has teeth?

Before Nursing

1. Give your baby a cold, wet washcloth or cold teething toy to soothe sore gums.
2. Massage your baby’s gums with a clean finger.

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.

When does breastfeeding hurt the most?

During the first 2–5 days after birth, it’s normal to have engorged (very full) breasts as your milk supply increases. But if your baby nurses (or you pump) every 2–3 hours, your breasts should not feel engorged. Engorgement can lead to sore, painful breasts or a breast infection.

What is the most painful stage of teething?

Stage 5 (25-33 months):
During the fifth and final stage of teething, the large molars at the back of the mouth erupt. Because of their size, this stage can be the most painful teething stage.

Do teething babies bite while breastfeeding?

A teething baby may have tender gums and want to bite and chew on everything including your nipple as they feed – ouch! There are a few things you can do to help: Give your baby something hard and cold to chew on before a feed. This might relieve their discomfort.

Why does my baby pull away and cry while breastfeeding?

Sometimes, your milk lets down so fast that your baby can have trouble swallowing the amount of milk that’s being released. Because of this, your baby may act fussy at breast or choke and sputter at the breast, and he or she may be quite gassy.

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.

How long does teething fussiness last?

Each tooth takes about 1 to 7 days to break through the gum, but the discomfort associated with this process can start a few days before this and then for a few days after. So, for each tooth, the teething process could potentially last for up to a week or two.

Does teething pain stop once tooth cuts?

Yes, the teething pain stops once the tooth cuts through the gums. Babies experience pain while the tooth is trying to break through the gums. Once it cuts, there is no more pain.

Does breastfeeding hurt more when baby is 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.