How do I stop my baby from using his gums when breastfeeding?

Understanding the Issue
Breastfeeding can be a beautiful bonding experience between mother and baby, but it can also come with its challenges, especially when teething begins. Many parents find themselves grappling with the discomfort of their baby using their gums to bite or gnaw during nursing sessions. This behavior can be alarming and painful, but it’s important to understand that it’s a common phase that many babies go through.
Why Babies Bite
Babies may bite for several reasons, particularly during the teething phase. As new teeth begin to emerge, the pressure and discomfort can lead them to use their gums to relieve some of that discomfort while nursing. Additionally, babies might bite out of curiosity or distraction, especially if they are experiencing other discomforts like a cold or ear infection, which can make swallowing difficult.
Strategies to Mitigate Biting
1. Recognize the Signs: Pay attention to your baby’s cues. If they seem restless or distracted, it might be a sign that they are about to bite. Being aware of these signals can help you prepare for a potential bite.
2. Offer Alternatives: Before nursing, consider giving your baby a teething toy or a cold washcloth to chew on. This can help soothe their gums and may reduce the urge to bite while breastfeeding.
3. Adjust Positioning: Sometimes, changing the breastfeeding position can help. Experiment with different holds to see if a new position makes your baby less likely to bite.
4. Gentle Redirection: If your baby does bite, respond calmly. Gently remove them from the breast and say “no” in a firm but gentle tone. This teaches them that biting leads to the end of nursing, which they may not want.
5. Stay Calm: It’s crucial to remain calm and not react with anger or frustration. Babies can pick up on their mother’s emotions, and a negative reaction might lead to anxiety around feeding times.
6. Consult Resources: If biting continues to be a significant issue, consider reaching out to lactation consultants or breastfeeding support groups. They can provide personalized strategies and support tailored to your situation.
Conclusion
While the experience of a baby using their gums during breastfeeding can be challenging, it’s essential to remember that this phase is often temporary. With patience, understanding, and the right strategies, you can navigate this period while maintaining a positive breastfeeding relationship. Teething is a natural part of development, and with time, your baby will learn to nurse without discomfort for both of you.

What to do if baby is refusing to breastfeed teething?

Common causes of a breastfeeding strike include: Pain or discomfort. Teething, thrush or a cold sore can cause mouth pain during breastfeeding. An ear infection can cause pain during sucking or lying on one side.

How to get baby to latch deeper?

With your baby’s head tilted back and chin up, lift him or her to touch your nipple. The nipple should rest just above the baby’s upper lip. Wait for your baby to open very wide, then “scoop” the breast by placing the lower jaw on first. Now tip your baby’s head forward and place the upper jaw well behind your nipple.

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.

Why does my baby stick his tongue out when I feed him?

The tongue-thrust reflex that babies are born with includes sticking the tongue out. This helps facilitate breast or bottle feeding. While this reflex typically disappears between 4 to 6 months of age, some babies continue to stick their tongues out from habit. They may also simply think it feels funny or interesting.

What is the 3 month breastfeeding crisis?

These increases occur around the same time for all babies, hence the term “3-months breastfeeding crisis”. This crisis is the most well-known because it is the most challenging for mothers. One reason is that this crisis, unlike others you may experience before, can last up to a month.

How long does a 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 does my baby keep putting his hands in his mouth while breastfeeding?

Ultrasounds show babies bringing their hands to their faces before swallowing amniotic fluid. This is actually a process in the feeding pattern, which explains why babies bring their hands to their mouths when they are hungry.

How to encourage a baby to close his mouth?

Tip #2: Encourage Lip Seal from Infancy
Tongue posture and a lip seal go hand in hand when it comes to establishing these crucial habits. With infants, if you notice them sleeping with their mouth open, gently push their chin up so the lips touch, and hold for a moment to allow the lips to seal.

How to get baby to use tongue while breastfeeding?

Encourage tongue mobility
To encourage your baby to move his tongue forward, you can also try: Reclining with your baby on top of you. Try leaning forward and back yourself to understand how gravity affects tongue position. Encouraging him to lick milk from his lips or from your nipple before and after feeds.

How do I get my baby to stop using his teeth while nursing?

Provide safe cold items for chewing between nursings to help the sore gums. Take your baby off as soon as they bite or clamp their jaw and set them down gently on the floor. Firmly, but quietly, say “no biting”. Wait a minute or two (an eternity in the baby’s world).