How do you deal with teething while breastfeeding?

Navigating Teething While Breastfeeding: A Guide for Parents
Teething can be a challenging phase for both babies and breastfeeding mothers. As infants begin to sprout their first teeth, the experience can lead to discomfort and changes in their nursing behavior. However, with the right strategies, mothers can continue to breastfeed effectively while managing the teething process.
Understanding Teething and Its Impact on Breastfeeding
Teething typically begins around six months of age, although the timeline can vary significantly from one child to another. Some babies may show no signs of discomfort, while others might experience significant irritation as their teeth push through the gums. This discomfort can manifest in various ways during breastfeeding, such as fidgeting, tightening their jaw, or even biting.
Despite these challenges, the American Academy of Pediatrics emphasizes that breastfeeding should continue for at least a year, alongside the introduction of solid foods after six months. This recommendation underscores the importance of maintaining breastfeeding as a source of nutrition and comfort for the baby, even during teething.
Adjusting Nursing Techniques
One of the most effective ways to manage breastfeeding during teething is to ensure that the baby is latched correctly. A proper latch can minimize the likelihood of biting. When a baby is latched well, their tongue covers their lower teeth, which can help prevent accidental bites. If a mother feels her baby’s jaw tightening or notices signs of discomfort, it may be beneficial to gently unlatch the baby and offer a cold washcloth or a teething toy to soothe their gums.
Additionally, adjusting the breastfeeding position can make a significant difference. Bringing the baby’s head and mouth closer can help reduce the pulling on the areola, which may alleviate some discomfort for both the mother and the baby.
Creating a Comforting Environment
Breastfeeding is not just about nutrition; it’s also a bonding experience. During teething, mothers can enhance this connection by engaging their babies with eye contact, soft singing, or gentle talking. This interaction can distract the baby from their discomfort and make the nursing experience more enjoyable.
Moreover, offering a teething toy or a cold washcloth before or after nursing can provide additional relief for the baby. This proactive approach allows the baby to manage their discomfort while still benefiting from the comfort of breastfeeding.
Recognizing Individual Differences
It’s important to remember that every baby is unique. Some may not be bothered at all by teething, while others might be more sensitive. Mothers should be attentive to their baby’s cues and adjust their approach accordingly. If a baby seems particularly distressed or refuses to nurse, it may be helpful to take a break and try again later.
In conclusion, while teething can introduce new challenges to breastfeeding, it is entirely manageable with the right techniques and a nurturing approach. By focusing on proper latching, adjusting positions, and creating a comforting environment, mothers can continue to provide the essential benefits of breastfeeding during this transitional phase.

What helps teething pain while breastfeeding?

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

Does breastfeeding feel different when teething?

Signs of teething
Changes in the way a baby latches on to the breast: feeding your baby may start to be uncomfortable, or she may change the position of her mouth or head, or her latch may just feel a bit different.

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.

Does teething affect the latch?

Babies who are teething can latch and nurse just as they did before teething began. Yet, other teething-related symptoms can make nursing a little more challenging. Use safe remedies and techniques to reduce your baby’s teething pain and soreness.

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 can I stop my teeth from hurting while breastfeeding?

If you’re breastfeeding, you can take acetaminophen or ibuprofen up to the daily maximum dose. However, if you can take less, that is recommended. You can also take naproxen to the daily maximum dose, but this medicine should only be taken for a short period of time.

What is the 3 month breastfeeding crisis?

The third crisis occurs after three months, at this stage the baby has much greater suction strength and will take faster feedings as he is able to empty the breasts with greater speed, that is to say, take more in less time, this period coincides with the development of their hearing and vision, that makes everything …

Can teething affect the latch?

Babies who are teething can latch and nurse just as they did before teething began. Yet, other teething-related symptoms can make nursing a little more challenging. Use safe remedies and techniques to reduce your baby’s teething pain and soreness.

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 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.