Does breastfeeding relieve teething pain?

The Connection Between Breastfeeding and Teething Pain Relief
Teething is a significant milestone in a baby’s development, often accompanied by discomfort and irritability. As parents navigate this challenging phase, many wonder whether breastfeeding can provide relief for their teething infants. The answer is a resounding yes—breastfeeding not only remains a viable option during teething but can also serve as a soothing remedy.
Breast Milk’s Natural Properties
Breast milk is known for its numerous health benefits, and among these is its potential to alleviate pain. Research indicates that breast milk possesses analgesic and anti-inflammatory qualities, which can help reduce the discomfort associated with teething. This natural pain relief can be particularly comforting for babies who are experiencing the soreness of emerging teeth.
Comfort and Security Through Nursing
During teething, babies often seek comfort in familiar routines. Breastfeeding provides not just nutrition but also emotional reassurance. The act of nursing can help soothe a fussy baby, allowing them to feel secure and calm during a time of discomfort. Many mothers report that their teething infants may want to nurse more frequently, almost reverting to newborn-like feeding patterns. This increased desire to nurse can be a natural response to the pain, as the act of breastfeeding can distract from the discomfort and provide a sense of security.
Challenges for Nursing Mothers
While breastfeeding can be beneficial, it is not without its challenges during teething. Some babies may change their latch or position to avoid hitting sore gums, which can lead to nipple pain for mothers. Additionally, babies might bite while nursing, which can be distressing for both the infant and the mother. However, experts suggest that these challenges should not deter mothers from continuing to breastfeed. Instead, they can explore various strategies to make the experience more comfortable for both parties.
Expert Recommendations
Organizations like the World Health Organization advocate for continued breastfeeding during teething, emphasizing its calming effects on anxious babies. Many breastfeeding support groups, such as La Leche League, also encourage mothers to persist with nursing, as it can significantly ease the teething process for infants.
In conclusion, breastfeeding can indeed relieve teething pain for infants. The soothing properties of breast milk, combined with the emotional comfort of nursing, make it a powerful tool for parents navigating this challenging developmental stage. While there may be some hurdles to overcome, the benefits of breastfeeding during teething are substantial, providing both physical and emotional support to babies in need.

What is the best way to ease teething pain in babies?

What You Can Do to Ease Teething Pain. If a child’s gums are swollen and tender, gently rub or massage the gums with your finger, or give the child a firm (not liquid-filled) teether made of rubber to chew on. Make sure the teething ring is not frozen. If the object is too hard, it can hurt the child’s gums.

Will breastfeeding stop hurting?

Most of the time the discomfort goes away once you start breastfeeding regularly. Here are some ways to help with engorgement: Breastfeed often. As long as your baby is latched on and feeding well, let her feed for as long as she wants.

Do babies nurse more when teething at night?

Teething’s Effect on Breastfeeding
They may want to nurse more for comfort or to stimulate their gums. Other babies are less interested in feeding because their mouths are too sore.

Does breastfeeding help babies pain?

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) show that breastfeeding newborn infants during painful procedures reduces pain.

Does breastfeeding make teething feel better?

For some little teethers, breastfeeding will soothe the pain and they’ll want to nurse all day, almost back to the newborn days. For others, the act of sucking may make the gums hurt more. Sometimes, giving them a teething aid like a frozen washcloth or silicone teether can help calm them enough for a feeding.

What time of day is teething the worst?

Few things are worse than a teething baby in the middle of the night. On this week’s On Call for All Kids, Rachel Dawkins, M.D., a pediatrician from Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, provides some tips for parents to ease the pain of teething.

What not to do during teething?

To keep your baby safe, avoid using:

1. Over-the-counter remedies, including homeopathic teething tablets. The benefits of topical gels and teething tablets haven’t been demonstrated.
2. Teething medications containing benzocaine or lidocaine.
3. Teething necklaces, bracelets or anklets.

How long do babies teeth hurt when teething?

A: How long your baby is experiencing symptoms of teething can vary, but in general you can expect teething to last for about a week—a few days before the tooth erupts from the gums and a few days afterward.

Does breastfeeding provide pain relief for teething?

For some little teethers, breastfeeding will soothe the pain and they’ll want to nurse all day, almost back to the newborn days. For others, the act of sucking may make the gums hurt more. Sometimes, giving them a teething aid like a frozen washcloth or silicone teether can help calm them enough for a feeding.

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.