How do you use breast milk for teething?

Understanding Teething and Breast Milk
Teething is a natural process that can bring discomfort to infants as their teeth begin to emerge through the gums. This phase typically starts around six months of age, although the timing can vary significantly from one baby to another. During this period, many parents seek effective ways to soothe their little ones, and breast milk can play a crucial role in this process.
The Comfort of Breastfeeding
Breast milk remains the best source of nutrition for babies, even during teething. It not only provides essential nutrients but also offers comfort. Nursing can be particularly soothing for a teething baby, as the act of breastfeeding can help alleviate some of the discomfort associated with sore gums. The warmth and closeness of breastfeeding can calm a fussy infant, making it a valuable tool for parents during this challenging time.
Creative Uses of Breast Milk for Teething Relief
One innovative way to use breast milk for teething relief is by making breast milk popsicles. These frozen treats can provide a cooling sensation that helps numb the gums and reduce inflammation. To create these popsicles, simply express some breast milk and pour it into ice cube trays or silicone molds. Once frozen, these popsicles can be given to your baby to chew on, offering both relief and a tasty treat.
Additionally, if your baby is reluctant to nurse due to teething pain, it’s important to continue providing breast milk. You can pump or hand express milk to ensure your baby still receives the benefits of breast milk, even if they are not nursing as frequently. This approach not only maintains your milk supply but also ensures that your baby gets the necessary nutrients during a time when they may be less inclined to feed directly.
The Role of Breast Milk in Teething
Breast milk contains antibodies and other beneficial compounds that can help support your baby’s immune system, which is particularly important during teething when they may be more susceptible to infections. The soothing properties of breast milk can also help ease the discomfort associated with teething, making it a multifaceted solution for parents.
Conclusion
In summary, breast milk is not just a source of nutrition; it can also be a powerful ally in soothing teething discomfort. Whether through direct breastfeeding or creative uses like breast milk popsicles, parents have effective options to help their babies navigate this challenging developmental stage. Embracing these methods can make the teething process a little easier for both infants and their caregivers.

Can I put breast milk on my baby’s face?

Breast milk contains lauric acid, which possesses antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. These properties can help reduce the inflammation and redness associated with baby acne. By gently applying breast milk to the affected area, many parents observe an improvement in their baby’s skin condition.

Can I give my baby a 5 day old breast milk?

It is best to use refrigerated breast milk within 4 days. To warm breast milk from the refrigerator: Place the bottle in a bowl of warm water or run it under warm water. Microwaving breast milk is not safe due to the risk of scalding your baby with hot milk.

How to make a breast milk teether?

If you don’t have a small popsicle mold you can fill an ice-cube tray half way up with breastmilk or formula and freeze. When the breastmilk is frozen (freeze these slightly softer for younger babies), remove it from the tray and pop it in a mesh teether.

What is the 3-3-3 rule for breast milk?

The ‘Rule of Three’ guideline suggests allowing the baby to nurse for at least three minutes on each breast to ensure they receive a balance of foremilk (initial, thirst-quenching milk) and hindmilk (higher-fat, calorie-rich milk).

Can breast milk help with teething?

For some little teethers, breastfeeding will soothe the pain and they’ll want to nurse all day, almost back to the newborn days. For others, the act of sucking may make the gums hurt more. Sometimes, giving them a teething aid like a frozen washcloth or silicone teether can help calm them enough for a feeding.

How does breast milk help with pain?

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) show that breastfeeding newborn infants during painful procedures reduces pain. Mechanisms are considered to be multifactorial and include sucking, skin‐to‐skin contact, warmth, rocking, sound and smell of the mother, and possibly endogenous opiates present in the breast milk.

How to use breastmilk for teething?

Parens often give their baby a teething toy or cold washcloth to gnaw on to help ease the pain, but breast milk—in frozen form—can also provide relief. “Making breast milk ice cubes [or popsicles] is soothing to a teething baby, as it soothes and numbs the gums,” O’Connor says.

Can I rub breast milk on my baby?

As a bonus, breast milk is also gentle on a baby’s sensitive skin. Simply dab a little breast milk on their skin after feedings to reduce inflammation and gradually treat the acne.

Can I give my 4 month old frozen breast milk for teething?

For a refreshing treat in the summer and when baby is teething, try making a breastmilk popsicle! They are easy to make…it’s just a popsicle made out of breastmilk – nothing else! Some helpful tips: Give to babies over 6 months.

What is the 5 5 5 rule for breast milk?

Something I recommend to moms is the 5-5-5 rule. Try and use milk within five hours at room temperature, five days in the fridge, and by five months in the freezer.