Why does my babys teeth hurt while breastfeeding?

Understanding Why Your Baby’s Teeth Hurt While Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is a natural and nurturing experience, but it can become challenging when your baby starts teething. As your little one’s first teeth emerge, typically around six months of age, you may notice signs of discomfort that can affect their feeding habits. Understanding the reasons behind this discomfort can help you navigate this phase more smoothly.
Teething Discomfort
Teething is a significant milestone in a baby’s development, often accompanied by discomfort and pain as the teeth push through the gums. This process can begin as early as four months and may last until the child is about three years old. During this time, babies may experience swollen or sore gums, which can lead to changes in their breastfeeding behavior. They might adjust their latch or position to avoid putting pressure on their tender gums, making breastfeeding less comfortable for both the baby and the mother.
Impact on Latch and Feeding Position
When a baby is teething, the discomfort can lead to a less effective latch. A proper latch is crucial for comfortable breastfeeding; it involves the baby taking in more than just the nipple, which helps prevent biting. However, if the baby is in pain, they may inadvertently bite or clamp down while nursing, which can be painful for the mother. Experimenting with different feeding positions can help find one that alleviates discomfort for both you and your baby during this teething phase.
Biting and Reflexes
It’s important to remember that babies do not intentionally bite to hurt their mothers. Sometimes, their jaws may tighten involuntarily as they fall asleep or due to discomfort from teething. This reflex can lead to unexpected bites during breastfeeding, which can be startling and painful. Understanding that this behavior is often unintentional can help ease some of the frustration that may arise during these moments.
Maintaining the Nursing Relationship
Despite the challenges posed by teething, many babies continue to breastfeed successfully. Teething should not significantly disrupt your nursing relationship, as most babies adapt and find ways to nurse comfortably even while experiencing discomfort. If biting becomes a frequent issue, gently removing the baby from the breast and calmly addressing the behavior can help reinforce that biting is not acceptable.
Conclusion
While teething can introduce some discomfort for both you and your baby during breastfeeding, it is a temporary phase. By understanding the reasons behind your baby’s discomfort and adjusting your approach, you can continue to provide the nurturing experience that breastfeeding offers. Remember, patience and flexibility are key as you both navigate this developmental milestone together.

Can breastfeeding affect mother’s teeth?

It increases the risk of tooth decay.
Many breastfeeding mothers develop tooth decay and cavities, even from pregnancy. The cause of this can be one of multiple things. Some breastfeeding mothers vomit a lot due to numerous factors. Vomit washes the teeth with stomach acid, which erodes the enamel.

Can I give my baby frozen breast milk for teething?

Breastmilk Popsicles for Teething Babies
Since the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends waiting to start solid food until your baby is 6 months old to lower the possibility of food allergies, Momsicles are perfect for babies who start teething earlier.

How can I stop my teeth from hurting while breastfeeding?

You can get relief by wearing a custom nightguard to protect your teeth, muscles, and jaws from the heavy forces of clenching and grinding. Risk for Dry Mouth – It is important for nursing mothers to drink plenty of water.

What helps teething pain 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.

When to stop breastfeeding?

Breastmilk or infant formula should be your baby’s main source of nutrition for around the first year of life. Health professionals recommend exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months, with a gradual introduction of appropriate foods in the second 6 months and ongoing breastfeeding for 2 years or beyond.

Why does my baby teething hurt while breastfeeding?

If your nipple is sore because of a bite or scratch, try using a different feeding position next time so that your baby’s teeth don’t touch the sore spot, and treat between feeds with pure lanolin or a hydrogel pad if necessary.

How do I stop my teething baby from biting while nursing?

If baby bites at the beginning of a nursing session, try giving him/her something cold/hard to chew on beforehand. If it’s at the end, pay close attention and break their latch as soon as they finish eating but before they are tempted to play with the new sensation of using their teeth.

Does teething hurt while breastfeeding?

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.

Can postpartum cause teeth issues?

In addition to salivary pH, other caries risk factors (including potentially modifiable factors such as diet and access to dental care) might contribute to postpartum increases in decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT).

Does breastfeeding affect mother’s health?

Breastfeeding has health benefits for the mother too! Breastfeeding can reduce the mother’s risk of breast and ovarian cancer, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure. Exclusive breastfeeding for about the first six months is recommended.