Does it hurt babies to breastfeed when teething?

The Impact of Teething on Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is often a source of comfort and nourishment for infants, but when teething begins, many parents wonder if it becomes a painful experience for their little ones. Teething typically starts around six months of age, coinciding with a baby’s natural inclination to breastfeed more frequently. However, this period can also bring discomfort, leading to questions about whether breastfeeding hurts babies during this time.
Understanding Teething Discomfort
Teething can be a challenging phase for both babies and their parents. As teeth begin to emerge through the gums, infants may experience a range of symptoms, including irritability, fussiness, and increased drooling. While some babies may feel minimal pain and continue to breastfeed without issue, others may find the process uncomfortable. The act of sucking can sometimes exacerbate gum pain, making breastfeeding a mixed experience.
Interestingly, many babies instinctively turn to breastfeeding as a source of comfort during teething. The rhythmic sucking can help soothe their sore gums, and they may want to nurse more frequently as a result. However, this increased nursing can lead to discomfort for mothers, particularly if their baby bites down while nursing. Those tiny teeth can indeed cause pain if a baby clamps down, which is a common concern among breastfeeding mothers during this phase.
The Role of Latching
It’s crucial to note that breastfeeding should not inherently be painful. If a mother experiences soreness or discomfort after nursing, it may indicate that the baby is not latching correctly. Proper latching is essential for a comfortable breastfeeding experience, and issues with latching can lead to nipple soreness, which is often mistaken for pain caused by teething.
Strategies for Comfort
For mothers navigating this challenging time, there are several strategies to help ease the experience. Ensuring a good latch is paramount, as it can prevent unnecessary pain. Additionally, offering a teething toy or a cold washcloth for the baby to chew on before breastfeeding may help alleviate some of the discomfort associated with teething.
Moreover, maintaining a calm and soothing environment during feedings can also benefit both mother and baby. If a baby is particularly fussy, taking breaks during nursing sessions can help manage discomfort and allow the baby to settle down.
Conclusion
In summary, while teething can introduce some challenges to breastfeeding, it does not necessarily mean that babies will experience pain during the process. Many infants find comfort in nursing, even as they navigate the discomfort of emerging teeth. For mothers, understanding the importance of proper latching and employing soothing strategies can help make this period more manageable. Ultimately, with patience and support, both mothers and babies can continue to enjoy the benefits of breastfeeding through the teething phase.

Do babies feed less when teething?

2) Loss of appetite: Sore gums can make feeding tough! During teething your little one might seem to be less hungry than usual or reject their feed.

Can teething cause baby to stop nursing?

Common causes of a breastfeeding strike include: Pain or discomfort. Teething, thrush or a cold sore can cause mouth pain during breastfeeding.

Do babies reduce milk when teething?

Many babies may want to breastfeed more often when they’re teething, for comfort to help soothe their pain. In some cases, babies can start rejecting the breast due to the discomfort from their teeth. Continue to breastfeed responsively, so if your baby is wanting more milk, it’s fine to offer the breast more often.

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 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.

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.

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.

Why is my baby suddenly rejecting my breasts?

Sudden refusal or nursing strike
There are several reasons why your baby may suddenly start to refuse your breast: they are unwell (tummy ache, earache, oral thrush etc.) too little milk. too much milk, your baby may be struggling with the flow of milk.

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.

Do teething babies bite while breastfeeding?

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.