Breastfeeding Through The Teething Phase: A Guide For Moms

Breastfeeding Through The Teething Phase: A Guide For Moms

As a new mom, you may find the teething stage to be full of challenges. Babies can be fussy and uncomfortable during this time, which can make breastfeeding difficult. In this article, we’ll provide you with tips and strategies for successfully breastfeeding through the teething phase so that you can continue to provide your child with nourishing breastmilk.

What is Teething?

Teething is the process in which an infant's first teeth (deciduous teeth) erupt through the gums. It generally starts around 6 months of age, but can begin as early as 3 months or as late as 12 months. The process can last anywhere from a few days to several months.

The first teeth to erupt are usually the two lower front ones (central incisors). These are followed by the upper two front teeth (lateral incisors), then the first molars, and finally the canine teeth. By about 3 years of age, most children have a full set of 20 primary teeth.

Teething can be a painful experience for some infants, while others seem to tolerate it quite well. symptoms may include irritability, fussiness, drooling, chewing on objects, and waking up at night. Some babies may also have a low-grade fever and diarrhea.

If your baby is having difficulty sleeping or eating due to teething pain, there are several things you can do to help relieve their discomfort:

• Rubbing their gums with your finger or a wet washcloth

• Putting pressure on their gums with a cold spoon or teething ring

• Giving them cool drinks or popsicles to suck on

Signs and Symptoms of Teething

The teething phase can be a challenging time for both babies and their parents. Symptoms of teething can include drooling, fussiness, gum sensitivity, and trouble sleeping. While some of these symptoms can be alleviated with over-the-counter medications, others may require more natural remedies.

To help soothe your baby's sore gums, try massaging them with your clean finger or offering a cold, wet cloth to gnaw on. You can also give your baby teething toys or frozen fruit to help relieve pain and discomfort. If your baby is having trouble sleeping, try rocking or nursing them to sleep.

If you're breastfeeding, you may find that your baby wants to nurse more often during the teething phase. This is perfectly normal - breastmilk contains antibodies that can help reduce inflammation and pain. Just make sure that you're drinking plenty of fluids yourself to keep up with your baby's increased demand!

How to Cope with Teething While Breastfeeding

If you're a breastfeeding mom, you may be wondering how to best cope with your baby's teething while continuing to breastfeed. Here are some tips:

1. Keep your nipples clean and dry. This will help to prevent any irritation or pain that can come from wet or dirty nipples.

2. Use a lanolin cream or ointment on your nipples if they become sore or cracked. This can help to soothe the pain and heal the cracks.

3. Try different positions when breastfeeding. This can help to ease any discomfort in your breasts or nipples caused by your baby's teething.

4. Offer a cold, wet washcloth for your baby to chew on before and after nursing sessions. This can help to numb the gums and reduce pain during breastfeeding.

5. Be patient! Teething can be a difficult and trying time for both you and your baby, but it will eventually pass.

Tips for Breastfeeding Through the Teething Phase

The teething phase can be a difficult time for both babies and their mothers. Here are some tips to help you get through this phase while still being able to successfully breastfeed your baby:

1. Understand that teething can be uncomfortable for your baby. They may become fussy and want to nurse more often than usual. This is normal and you should try to be patient with them.

2. Use a chilled, wet cloth or teething ring to help soothe your baby's gums before nursing.

3. Try to nurse in an upright position so that your baby does not have to tilt their head back as far. This will help them avoid ear pain.

4. If your baby is having a lot of trouble nursing, consider pumping milk and giving it to them in a bottle instead. This way they can still get the nutrition they need without all the discomfort.

5. Be sure to stay hydrated yourself during this time, as breastfeeding can be taxing on your body. Drink plenty of fluids and eat healthy foods to keep up your energy levels.

Foods That Help With Teething

There are a few different foods that can help soothe your baby’s gums during the teething phase. Cold foods, such as frozen fruits or vegetables, can help numb the pain. You can also give your baby a cold drink of water or milk to provide relief. Chewing on hard, wet objects can also help, so giving your baby a clean, wet washcloth to chew on may be helpful. If you’re breastfeeding, try expressing a little bit of breastmilk and rub it onto your baby’s gums. The antibodies in breastmilk can help reduce inflammation and pain.

Alternatives to Breastfeeding During the Teething Phase

There are a few different things that you can do to help your baby through the teething phase if you are not able to breastfeed. You can try giving them a teething ring or toy to chew on, which will help to soothe their gums. You can also give them a pacifier, which can help with the pain and also provide them with some comfort. If your baby is having trouble sleeping, you can try giving them a warm bath before bedtime, which can help to relax them.

Conclusion

Breastfeeding during the teething phase can be a challenging experience for new moms. But, with the right information and techniques in your arsenal, you can make it an enjoyable one! We hope this guide has given you some useful tips and strategies for making breastfeeding easier during this important time of development. Through dedication and persistence, you can have a successful breastfeeding journey throughout the teething phase and beyond!