What helps teething pain while breastfeeding?

Understanding Teething Pain During Breastfeeding
Teething is a significant milestone in an infant’s development, typically beginning around six months of age. While this process is natural, it can lead to discomfort for babies, which may complicate breastfeeding. However, there are effective ways to manage teething pain while continuing to nurse.
The Role of Breastfeeding in Alleviating Teething Pain
Breastfeeding can be a comforting and soothing experience for teething babies. The act of nursing not only provides essential nutrition but also offers emotional support. Many mothers find that their milk can help ease their baby’s discomfort during this challenging time. The warmth and familiarity of breastfeeding can be particularly reassuring, allowing babies to cope better with the pain associated with teething.
Interestingly, breast milk itself has properties that may help alleviate teething pain. The soothing nature of breast milk can provide relief, making it a powerful tool for mothers navigating this phase. Additionally, the close physical contact during breastfeeding can help calm a fussy baby, reinforcing the bond between mother and child.
Challenges Faced While Breastfeeding a Teething Baby
Despite the benefits, some mothers may encounter difficulties while breastfeeding a teething baby. As babies experience gum discomfort, they might change their latch or position to avoid aggravating their sore gums. This can lead to fussy nursing behavior, where a baby may start to nurse but then pull away, crying or fussing. In some cases, babies may even bite during nursing as a way to relieve their discomfort, which can be distressing for mothers.
Tips for Easing Teething Pain While Nursing
To help manage teething pain during breastfeeding, mothers can consider several strategies:
1. Comfort Measures: Offering a teething toy or a cold washcloth for the baby to chew on before nursing can help numb the gums and reduce discomfort. This may make the breastfeeding experience more pleasant for both mother and child.
2. Positioning: Experimenting with different nursing positions can help find one that is comfortable for the baby and minimizes gum irritation.
3. Frequent Nursing: Some babies may want to nurse more often during teething, as it provides comfort. Allowing them to nurse as needed can help soothe their pain.
4. Stay Calm: Maintaining a calm demeanor can help reassure the baby. If a mother is tense or anxious, the baby may pick up on these feelings, making the situation more challenging.
5. Seek Support: If difficulties persist, reaching out to a lactation consultant or a local breastfeeding support group, such as La Leche League, can provide additional strategies and emotional support.
Conclusion
Teething can be a trying time for both mothers and their babies, but breastfeeding remains a viable and beneficial option. With the right strategies, mothers can help ease their baby’s discomfort while maintaining their nursing relationship. The combination of breast milk’s soothing properties and the emotional comfort of nursing can make this challenging phase a little easier for both parties.

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.

What can I do for tooth pain while breastfeeding?

Non-opioid pain mediation is preferred for dealing with pain while breastfeeding. Tylenol and Ibuprofen are the preferred medications to deal with pain. Both of these are found in breast milk, but the levels are low and result in minimal side effects with the infant.

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 …

What pain relief can I take while breastfeeding?

What medications are safe to take while breastfeeding?

• Acetaminophen (Tylenol, others)
• Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others)
• Naproxen sodium (Aleve, Anaprox DS, others) — short-term use only.

What is the best pain relief for teething babies?

If your baby is in pain, you may want to give them a sugar-free painkilling medicine. Paracetamol or ibuprofen can be given to relieve teething symptoms in babies and young children aged 3 months or older. Children under 16 years old should not have aspirin.

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.

How do you deal with teething while breastfeeding?

While nursing
If you sense your baby is slowing down his or her feeding, fidgeting, shifting the tongue, or tightening the jaw, unlatch your baby and offer him or her a cold washcloth or teething toy to relieve discomfort. After your baby has had a chance to bite or chew, try breastfeeding again.

How do you break a milk tooth without it hurting?

Pulling Out A Baby Tooth

1. Wiggle The Tooth. Your child is probably playing with their loose tooth using their tongue.
2. Eat Crunchy Foods. You may assist loosen your child’s teeth even more by giving them crunchy foods like carrots, apples, and celery to gnaw on!
3. Using String Plus Doorknob.
4. Flossing.
5. Twist and Pull.

Can teething affect the latch?

How teething may affect breastfeeding. Latch: Sore or swollen gums, or the presence of new teeth at the front of your baby’s mouth, may affect the way that she latches on to breastfeed. You may find it helpful to experiment with different feeding positions to find one that is comfortable for both of you.

How long does a 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.