How does breastfeeding work when a baby has teeth?

Understanding Breastfeeding with a Teething Baby
Breastfeeding is a natural and nurturing process that many mothers continue long after their babies begin to sprout teeth. The arrival of those first pearly whites, typically around six months of age, can raise concerns for parents about the safety and comfort of breastfeeding. However, experts agree that teething does not necessitate an end to this important bonding experience.
The Impact of Teeth on Breastfeeding
When a baby begins teething, it’s common for parents to worry about biting. Fortunately, many babies with teeth do not bite while breastfeeding. In fact, teething should not significantly disrupt the nursing relationship. Most babies instinctively know how to latch properly, which minimizes the risk of biting. A good latch ensures that the baby’s tongue covers their lower teeth, providing a natural barrier that protects the mother’s nipple from any potential bites.
Moreover, the physical structure of breastfeeding helps cushion the nipple. As the baby latches on, their tongue extends beyond their gums, which further reduces the likelihood of biting. This natural mechanism allows mothers to continue breastfeeding comfortably, even as their babies explore the world with their new teeth.
Comfort Measures for Teething Babies
While breastfeeding can continue smoothly, teething can cause discomfort for babies. To alleviate this, parents can offer cold teething toys or a chilled washcloth for the baby to chew on before or after nursing sessions. This can help soothe sore gums and make the breastfeeding experience more pleasant for both mother and child.
Additionally, experimenting with different breastfeeding positions can also enhance comfort. Ensuring that the baby is well-supported during feeding can help them latch more effectively and reduce any discomfort associated with teething.
Breastfeeding and Dental Health
Concerns about breastfeeding leading to dental issues, such as cavities, are often overstated. Research indicates that breastfeeding, even during the teething phase, does not significantly contribute to tooth decay. In fact, studies have shown that exclusively breastfed children tend to have stronger teeth and are less prone to enamel decay. This is a reassuring fact for parents who may worry about the sugar content in breast milk and its potential effects on dental health.
Conclusion
In summary, breastfeeding after a baby has started teething is not only possible but can also be a rewarding experience for both mother and child. With proper techniques and comfort measures in place, mothers can continue to provide essential nutrition and emotional support through breastfeeding, all while navigating the challenges of teething. The bond formed during these moments is invaluable, and with a little patience and understanding, breastfeeding can remain a joyful part of parenting, even as those tiny teeth make their debut.

What does a breastfeeding strike look like?

A nursing strike — or “breastfeeding strike” — is defined as a period of time when a baby who has been nursing well suddenly refuses to breastfeed. They usually don’t start this behavior until they’re least 3 months old and more aware of the world around them.

How do you breastfeed when a baby has teeth?

Before Nursing

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

Should I stop breastfeeding if my baby bites?

You will want to remove your baby from your breast as soon as they bite you so that they know they can’t continue to nurse if they bite. However, you don’t want to “yank” your baby off, as this can cause nipple damage.

How to feed when baby is teething?

Plain yogurt, pureed meat, mashed veggies and fruit are all good options because your baby doesn’t have to chew them. Frozen fruits, veggies or breastmilk in a mesh feeder. Fill it with frozen fruit (like bananas and peaches) or frozen pureed veggies (like broccoli and carrots) to soothe baby’s sensitive gums.

Do babies go on nursing strikes when teething?

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.

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).

Does baby’s latch change when teething?

Signs of teething
Some of the signs that parents report include: 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 babies nurse less when teething?

While breastfeeding can continue well after the baby’s first teeth come in, the experience may change. First, your baby may be more fussy or irritable while nursing. 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.

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 …

Why is my baby rejecting my breasts?

There are several reasons why your baby may suddenly start to refuse your breast: they are unwell (tummy ache, earache, oral thrush etc.) too little milk. too much milk, your baby may be struggling with the flow of milk.