How Should Mothers Breastfeed A Teething Baby?

Breastfeeding is important for children and should not be stopped before at least six months of age. But unfortunately, many babies start teething early, in fact as early as three months and bite the breasts. This can be painful but mothers need not stop breastfeeding because of teething. Most babies start teething between the age of four to seven months. For babies biting brings significant relief rom the pain of teething though not all babies feel the pain. Check out these tips breastfeeding teething baby which can make the nursing times more bearable for mother.

Try Soothers

Soothers can be a great help in relieving the baby form the teething pain. A freezed rubber ring or a piece of cloth which has been moistened with cool water can be ease the pain. This should be done a few minutes before nursing so that the baby does not bite. Alternatively, you can also rub a clean finger over the gums to offer some relief. You can also try some frozen sauces or a banana if the baby is more than six months of age and has started on solid food.

Improper Latching

Babies tend to bite if the latching has not been done properly. Ensure that the mouth is open wide and the nipple has been inserted deep into the mouth. If the baby is sleepy and the nipple is slipping from the mouth then he may bite it as a reflex action.

Is he full?

Babies also tend to bite if his tummy is full and is no longer interested in feeding. In case the baby has fallen asleep then also he can bite, so remove the breast when you notice that he is no longer feeding.

Keep as eye on the baby

Infants love to the centre of your attention. So, if you are inattentive towards him, watching the television, or on the phone then chances are that you will get bitten. Instead pay attention to the baby while he is feeding. You can gently speak to him or try playing music or soothing him in any other way. Try dimming the lights, or moving to a quite room and eliminating all kinds of distractions while you are breastfeeding him. This may prevent the teething baby biting during breastfeeding.

Expressed Milk

Sometimes teething babies refuse to be nursed. Instead of forcing the baby to feed it makes more sense to be patient with the infant and continue to offer him the breast. You can try switching to expressed milk during this time.

Administer a pain killer

Pain killers is another option but you will have to consult a doctor before administering any of it. The dosage of the medication will have to be according to the weight of the infant. Try using the spoon or cup that comes with the medicine for the purpose. Think about medication only when all other methods have failed.

Breastfeeding need not be stopped because your baby now has little while pearlies. Try these above mentioned ways and continue to give him the healthiest food in the world.