How do you breastfeed when your baby has teeth?

Navigating Breastfeeding with a Teething Baby
Breastfeeding is a natural and beneficial practice for both mother and child, but the arrival of teeth can introduce new challenges. As babies typically begin to sprout their first teeth around six months, many parents wonder how to continue breastfeeding without discomfort or fear of biting. Fortunately, with some understanding and techniques, breastfeeding can remain a positive experience even as your baby’s dental development progresses.
Understanding the Teething Process
Teething can be a confusing time for both babies and parents. While some infants may experience discomfort and exhibit biting behavior, many do not. In fact, many babies with teeth continue to breastfeed without any issues. The key lies in understanding how breastfeeding works in conjunction with teething. When nursing, a baby’s tongue plays a crucial role; it extends over the gums and helps cushion the nipple from the sharp edges of emerging teeth. This natural mechanism often prevents biting during breastfeeding sessions.
Techniques to Minimize Discomfort
If you are concerned about biting, there are several strategies you can employ to make breastfeeding more comfortable:
1. Assess Readiness: Before offering your breast, you can check if your baby is ready to nurse by offering your finger. If they suck, they are likely ready; if they bite, it may be a sign they need a teething toy instead.
2. Experiment with Positions: Trying different breastfeeding positions can help ensure that your baby is well-supported and latched correctly. A good latch can minimize the chances of biting.
3. Provide Teething Relief: To soothe sore gums, consider giving your baby a cold, wet washcloth or a teething toy before breastfeeding. This can help alleviate discomfort and reduce the likelihood of biting.
4. Stay Calm and Redirect: If your baby does bite, it’s important to remain calm. Gently remove them from the breast and offer a teething toy instead. This teaches them that biting is not acceptable while still providing them with relief for their gums.
The Importance of Continued Breastfeeding
Despite the challenges that teeth may bring, it is essential to remember that breastfeeding can continue without interruption. Many mothers successfully breastfeed their children well into toddlerhood, even after teeth have emerged. For instance, some mothers report that their babies never attempted to bite while nursing, even after developing multiple teeth.
Moreover, breastfeeding during this stage can provide comfort and security to your baby, helping them navigate the discomfort associated with teething. It also offers continued nutritional benefits, which are crucial as they begin to explore solid foods.
Conclusion
Breastfeeding when your baby has teeth may seem daunting, but with the right techniques and understanding, it can be a smooth experience. By being attentive to your baby’s needs and employing strategies to manage teething discomfort, you can continue to enjoy the bonding experience that breastfeeding provides. Remember, every baby is different, and what works for one may not work for another, so be patient and flexible as you navigate this new phase of motherhood.

How to unlatch a baby with teeth?

If your baby has sprouted a tooth and you are concerned that they may nip you as a feeding ends: Keep your finger ready to break the suction and remove your breast as soon as her rhythmic suckling stops (and before she starts to drift off or feel playful).

Do babies with teeth bite when breastfeeding?

Babies can’t bite when they are actively nursing. Your baby’s bottom teeth are covered by the tongue. The top teeth do rest on the breast and may, at times, leave small indentations in the breast.

How to help nipples when baby is teething?

Some mothers say that their baby’s saliva changes during teething and this irritates their nipples. If you feel this kind of soreness, try rinsing your nipple area after feeds with a little bicarbonate of soda dissolved in water (approximately 1 teaspoon to 1 cup). You could also bathe your breast in salty water.

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.

How to nurse when baby has teeth?

Break suction immediately and offer him or her a cold washcloth or teething toy. Calmly tell your baby, “No biting!” If your baby wants to nurse again, offer the breast—but if he or she bites or clamps down again, discontinue and find another way to comfort him or her.

Does baby nurse more while teething?

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.

How do I breastfeed my baby when it bites?

Tips to help stop baby from biting you while breastfeeding

1. Let baby know that biting is not wanted.
2. Soothe sore gums.
3. Watch carefully for the end of the feed.
4. Get your milk flowing.
5. Focus on a good latch.
6. Minimize distractions (for you and baby!)
7. Pull baby towards you, not away.
8. Give positive reinforcement.

Do babies reduce feeding 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.

How do I deal with my teeth while breastfeeding?

Other dental agents

1. Mouthwashes – can be used by a breastfeeding mother as they will not be absorbed into the bloodstream e.g. Corsodyl®, Chlorhexidine mouthwash, Difflam®, Benzydamine mouthwash.
2. Gels and liquids for mouth ulcers e.g. Anbesol®, Bonjela®, Medijel®, Rinstead®, Iglu®, Orajel® can all be used.

How to unlatch when baby has teeth?

If your baby has sprouted a tooth and you are concerned that they may nip you as a feeding ends: Keep your finger ready to break the suction and remove your breast as soon as her rhythmic suckling stops (and before she starts to drift off or feel playful).