Teething and breastfeeding are two natural processes that go hand in hand when it comes to taking care of your baby. However, when babies start teething, it can be a challenging time for both the mother and the baby. Many mothers wonder if teething can cause breastfeeding problems, and the answer is yes. Teething can lead to discomfort in the baby’s mouth, changes in feeding behavior, and low milk supply due to decreased feedings. In this blog post, we will explore the link between teething and breastfeeding, discuss its benefits and challenges, and offer practical tips and solutions to help you overcome these challenges.
Benefits of Breastfeeding During Teething
Before we dive into the challenges that come with teething and breastfeeding, let’s first discuss the benefits of breastfeeding during teething. Breastfeeding provides comfort for a teething baby by offering them a sense of security and warmth. It also helps soothe their gums as they suckle on the breast.
Breast milk contains antibodies that help boost a baby’s immune system, which is especially important during teething when babies are more susceptible to infections due to increased drooling and putting objects in their mouths. Additionally, breast milk provides essential nutrients that aid in their development.
Challenges of Breastfeeding During Teething
While there are many benefits to breastfeeding during teething, it can also be a challenging time for both the mother and baby. The discomfort caused by teething can lead to changes in feeding behavior such as biting or refusing to nurse altogether. This can cause pain for the mother as well as lead to a decrease in milk supply due to fewer feedings.
Teething can also result in nursing strikes where babies suddenly refuse to nurse despite being hungry. This can be frustrating for mothers who may feel like they’re doing something wrong or that their baby is weaning prematurely. However, it’s important to note that nursing strikes during teething are normal and temporary.
Another challenge of breastfeeding during teething is the pain and discomfort that can occur for the mother. Biting, which can result in sore nipples, is a common issue during teething. Additionally, the constant need to nurse due to discomfort can be exhausting for mothers.
Practical Tips and Solutions
Now that we’ve discussed the challenges of breastfeeding during teething, let’s explore some practical tips and solutions to help you overcome these challenges:
1. Offer Teething Toys
Teething toys are a great way to help soothe your baby’s gums while also providing a distraction from discomfort. Make sure to choose toys that are safe for your baby to chew on and easy to clean.
2. Breastfeed During Naps
Breastfeeding during naps when your baby is drowsy or asleep can help reduce biting and increase comfort for both you and your baby.
3. Use Teething Gel
Teething gel can be applied directly onto your baby’s gums to provide relief from discomfort. Make sure to choose a gel that is safe for babies and follow the instructions carefully.
4. Try Different Nursing Positions
Experimenting with different nursing positions can help reduce biting and increase comfort for both you and your baby. The football hold or side-lying position may be more comfortable during teething.
5. Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
Drooling can lead to skin irritation around the mouth area, so it’s important to keep your baby’s face clean and dry. Additionally, wiping your baby’s gums with a clean damp cloth after feedings can help prevent infections.
6. Seek Support
If you’re struggling with breastfeeding during teething, don’t hesitate to seek support from a lactation consultant or breastfeeding support group. They can offer advice and guidance on how to overcome any challenges you may be facing.
Conclusion
Breastfeeding during teething can be a challenging time for both the mother and baby, but it’s important to remember that it’s temporary. Teething can cause discomfort in the baby’s mouth, changes in feeding behavior, and low milk supply due to decreased feedings. However, offering teething toys, breastfeeding during naps, using teething gel, trying different nursing positions, maintaining good oral hygiene, and seeking support can all help alleviate these challenges. Remember that every baby is different, and what works for one may not work for another. With patience and perseverance, you can successfully breastfeed your baby through the teething phase.