Breastfeeding and Teething: What to Expect
Breastfeeding offers numerous benefits for both mother and baby, but it can become a bit more complex when your little one starts teething. Understanding how teething might impact breastfeeding can help you navigate this phase with more ease. Here’s what you can expect and some tips to manage the changes.
What is Teething?
Teething is the process through which a baby’s first set of teeth, called primary teeth or baby teeth, begin to emerge through the gums. This typically starts around 6 months of age, but it can vary. Some signs that your baby is teething include increased drooling, chewing on objects, fussiness, and a mild fever.
How Teething Affects Breastfeeding
Increased Fussiness: Teething can make your baby more irritable, which might affect their feeding patterns. They might be less interested in breastfeeding or may seem more frustrated during feedings.
Biting: As teeth start to come through, your baby might experiment with biting. This can be uncomfortable for you and may make breastfeeding less enjoyable. However, biting is usually not intended as an act of aggression but rather as a way for babies to relieve teething discomfort.
Changes in Feeding Frequency: Teething might disrupt your baby’s usual feeding routine. They may want to nurse more frequently for comfort or less frequently due to discomfort.
Tips for Managing Breastfeeding During Teething
Teething Toys: Offer safe teething toys for your baby to chew on before or after feedings. This can help alleviate some of their discomfort and reduce the urge to bite during breastfeeding.
Gum Massage: Gently massaging your baby’s gums with a clean finger can provide relief from teething pain. This can make breastfeeding more comfortable for your baby.
Adjust Feeding Positions: Experiment with different breastfeeding positions to find one that is more comfortable for both you and your baby during teething.
Stay Calm: Babies can pick up on their mother’s stress, so try to stay calm and patient during feedings. A relaxed approach can help make breastfeeding more enjoyable for both of you.
Offer Extra Comfort: Sometimes, additional comfort measures such as cuddling or rocking can help soothe your baby and make breastfeeding easier.
Consult a Lactation Consultant: If teething is causing significant issues with breastfeeding, consider speaking with a lactation consultant. They can offer personalized advice and strategies to address specific challenges.
When to Seek Help
If you notice that your baby is consistently refusing to breastfeed, seems to be in significant pain, or if you have concerns about their overall well-being during teething, it’s important to consult with your pediatrician. They can help rule out any underlying issues and offer guidance on managing teething and breastfeeding challenges.
Conclusion
Teething can be a challenging time for both you and your baby, but with some preparation and patience, you can continue to successfully breastfeed through this period. By understanding what to expect and using a few helpful strategies, you can help ensure that breastfeeding remains a positive experience for both of you as your baby’s teeth begin to come in.
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