How do you know if your baby is teething while breastfeeding?

Understanding Teething in Breastfed Babies
Teething is a significant milestone in a baby’s development, often accompanied by a range of behaviors and physical signs that can affect breastfeeding. For nursing mothers, recognizing the signs of teething is crucial not only for the comfort of the baby but also for their own breastfeeding experience.
Signs Your Baby is Teething
One of the most noticeable signs that your baby is teething is an increase in fussiness and irritability. As the teeth begin to push through the gums, babies may experience discomfort, leading them to cry more often and seek comfort through nursing. This behavior can sometimes mimic the early days of breastfeeding, where the baby may want to nurse more frequently for soothing.
Physical signs of teething include excessive drooling, which can lead to a mild rash around the mouth and neck. While some parents mistakenly believe that fever or diarrhea are indicators of teething, the American Dental Association clarifies that these symptoms are not typical of the teething process. Instead, a slight increase in temperature may occur, but it should not be significant.
Changes in Nursing Behavior
When a baby is teething, you might notice changes in their nursing habits. Some babies may become more clingy and want to nurse more often, seeking relief from the discomfort in their gums. Conversely, some babies may bite down while nursing, which can be painful for the mother. This biting is often a reflexive response to the pressure they feel in their gums.
To manage these changes, mothers can try different breastfeeding positions to ensure that the baby is well-supported and comfortable while latched on. Additionally, offering a cold washcloth or a teething toy before nursing can help soothe sore gums, making the breastfeeding experience more pleasant for both mother and child.
Coping Strategies for Nursing Mothers
Breastfeeding during teething can be challenging, but it doesn’t have to disrupt the nursing relationship. Many mothers find that breastfeeding can actually help soothe their teething baby, providing comfort during this uncomfortable time. It’s essential for mothers to be aware of their own comfort as well; if biting becomes a frequent issue, gently removing the baby from the breast and calmly addressing the behavior can help set boundaries.
In summary, recognizing the signs of teething in a breastfed baby involves observing changes in behavior, such as increased fussiness and nursing frequency, as well as physical signs like drooling. By employing soothing techniques and adjusting nursing practices, mothers can navigate this challenging phase while maintaining a positive breastfeeding experience.

How do I know if my baby is hungry or teething?

During teething your little one might seem to be less hungry than usual or reject their feed. In some cases, the bottle or nipple may cause discomfort when feeding a teething child. If this appears to be the case, you may want to try a differently shaped teat or feed from an open cup.

Does baby’s latch change when teething?

That’s because babies can experience discomfort when teething and will change their position or latch to avoid hitting their sore gums. Babies may also try to relieve soreness by biting. When either of these things happen, it can cause nipple pain or discomfort.

What position should a teething baby be in while breastfeeding?

Bring your baby’s head and mouth as close as possible so that he isn’t pulling on your areola. Try holding him in a different position (lying down, for example) at each nursing session so the pressure from his jaw and teeth changes locations.

Do babies latch more when teething?

Some moms may find it hard to breastfeed when baby’s teeth are coming in. That’s because babies can experience discomfort when teething and will change their position or latch to avoid hitting their sore gums. Babies may also try to relieve soreness by biting.

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.

Why is my baby grunting and pulling away while breastfeeding?

You Have Overactive Letdown
One possible explanation for your baby’s twisting and pulling while breastfeeding is that your milk comes out like gangbusters. Overactive letdown (known medically as hyperlactation) can make it hard for a baby to keep up with the steady stream of milk.

Why does my baby pull away and cry while breastfeeding?

If you are about to feed and visitors arrive, or your phone is not next to you, or you are anticipating pain or a struggle feeding, you don’t release the hormone oxytocin as quickly so the let-down is slower and the baby can get frustrated and pull away. This often leads to an upset baby and it can upset you too.

How do I know if my breastfed baby is teething?

Signs of teething
Dribbling: your baby is suddenly drooling all the time, and you may find yourself needing to change her bib or top several times a day. Redness and rash: your baby’s cheeks may be flushed bright red, and she may have a red rash around her mouth and chin.

How to be sure baby is teething?

Teething symptoms

1. your baby’s gum is sore and red where the tooth is coming through.
2. one cheek is flushed.
3. your baby is dribbling more than usual.
4. they are gnawing and chewing on things a lot.
5. they are more distressed than usual.

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.