Hey mamas, I've got a quick question about teething and breast feeding.
My LO has cut in four teeth on top over the past month. Lately it has been getting a little uncomfortable at times, feeling sort of itchy along with a slight pinch. After he's done I've noticed indentations from his new chompers on the areola. Is this normal, as in, will it always be/feel this way, or is it just an improper latch? It seems to be more noticeable when he's drowsy or doing that fluttery suck thing. I try to cut him off at that point, but it can still be pretty uncomfortable up to then; it's not necessarily painful, but it does make me tense up a bit.
Any suggestions on how to alleviate the discomfort? Thanks!
Try to break his latch and try again. My DD always seems to need to remember her latch when teething. You can try a different hold, too.
I don't know about the marks left in the boobies. Never checked. I just put up with the pain. Yeah, it got pretty bad when he was first teething. But it gets better. Now he is over 1 year old and still nursing. I hardly feel any pain now. The teeth seem sharpest when they are new.
I would suggest taking a warm bath or soak and then massage them gently. Also if possible, express your milk. Put it in a bottle and feed him that way sometimes. But don't let him get used to the bottle too much. Good luck and enjoy your LO. Time flies!
If he is properly latched, it should not hurt even when they are teething. I would remove him if he falls asleep to prevent the drowsy half sucking, because they allow the breast to slip slowly out of the mouth until the teeth are touching the nipple. If biting on purpose is an issue, I know they say to put your finger down the side of the mouth and break suction, but that takes to long. I always popped the leg just enough to get their attention and they auto open and let go to holler. Once I have been bit, it put them down and take a nursing break.
Yep, probably a lazy latch. I have to sometimes break a latch and start again. My daughter also tends to push against me like a little kitten when she nurses which sometimes causes her to slide down or stretch the nipple uncomfortably. It helps me to change positions a lot.
Whenever you have discomfort due to your baby's newfound exploration of his teeth remove your nipple, put your finger over his mouth and tell him he's not to chomp on your breast. "Use care with your new teeth there will be more of them. Mommy's nipple is too soft for your teeth." Tell him over and over to take care not to hurt you. And if you have to stop feeding for a minute or two he'll learn.
Every breast feeding mother will tell you she's had the same experience. Be firm, not angry with him. He'll learn in a few days that you mean it.
