Teething and Breastfeeding
Let's get this straight: there is no need to stop breastfeeding when your baby begins to teeth. The World Health Organization, the American Academy of Pediatrics and just about every child-care organization you can think of, recommends that mothers breastfeed for at least one year. So, if you are breastfeeding, then you should carry on nursing your child through teething.
Some mothers stop breastfeeding because their baby decides to chomp on mother's nipples, just the way they will chew on most things at teething. If your baby is biting your nipples, don't stop breastfeeding, instead train your child not to bite. Teach your child that your breasts are for feeding and nothing else. Many breastfeeding babies never bite at all and most will stop the first time it gets the message from mom that biting isn't allowed. If your breastfeeding correctly and without any problems chances are your baby won't ever bite you. The reason is because your baby can't bite you if she is latched on properly and is feeding. A correctly latched on child will have your nipple at the back of her mouth and her lips will be fastened onto your areola (the pigmented skin that surrounds the nipple). A baby sucks on the areola, not the nipple. When your baby is feeding his tongue will come forward and over his bottom gums thus preventing his lower teeth from biting you. Biting usually occurs after your baby is finished feeding.
Here are some tips on how to prevent biting:
- As stated above, make sure baby is latched on properly. If a child is latched on and actively feeding she won't really be capable of biting you.
- Look out for signs that your baby has finished feeding and is just holding your nipple in her mouth. Most biting occurs when baby has decided she's had enough breast milk and looks for something else to do.
- If you child bites your for the first time, try not to pull away but, instead, pull him closer to you. This can be easier said than done. By pulling her in close to you, you're blocking her nose so your child is forced to open her mouth a little more to breath and should stop the biting.
- If your baby decides to go on strike, then express your milk - to keep up the flow - and offer her your milk in a bottle or a cup. Don't try to force your baby to suckle but offer the breast anytime you think she's interested.
- If baby is biting you toward the end of the feed, pay close attention and as soon as your notice that your baby has stopped feeding, slip your finger between her mouth and your nipple to unlatch her.
- If your baby continues to bite stop breastfeeding and take her away from the breast. Then after fifteen minutes try again. Keep repeating until baby gets the message that mom's breasts are for feeding only.
- Don't ignore your child. You'll already have noticed that babies don't like to be ignored but many mom's get distracted when they breastfeed their child. A baby will often bite to get your attention. So, when breastfeeding try to keep eye to eye contact and let your child know they have your complete attention.
- Some babies can begin to be distracted and to look around causing them to pull and bite on mom's breast. Therefore, try to cut down on distractions. Turn off the television, music etc. Again, try to keep eye to eye contact and to talk to your baby to keep their full attention.
- Finally, do be afraid to get support from your doctor, midwife, friends and family.