Breastfeeding a teether

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My 5 1/2 month old DS has 2 new teeth on the bottom, which have just come in in the past 2 weeks. He is EBF and I have had no issues with supply or pain until now. The feedings that I have been giving him at night and on the weekends have become increasingly painful (he gets EBM at the nanny-share during the week). I want to continue for as long as I can breastfeeding him but I am afraid that once he gets top teeth it will get worse. Any tips or advice that worked for you?

[Anonymous]

Have your natural strong reaction if he hurts you -- for me that's yelping and unlatching the baby. My older one bit me exactly once (current baby has no teeth yet)! Also, sometimes he would accidentally get me if he was falling asleep, so as nice as it was to have him doze off nursing, I would break him off if he got too groggy.

[Anonymous]

That worked for me, too. I know the popular advice is to remain calm and not scare the baby for fear of inducing a "strike", but I couldn't help yelping when my LO bit me. She was scared and got the big eyes and fat lip... and hasn't bitten me since. Heck, I was the one comtemplating the strike after that incident. Owie!!! So glad she got the message, however unintentionally delivered.

[Anonymous]

OP here. It is not that he is biting me - it is more that during nursing, his teeth are rubbing against me in a very uncomfortable manner. Thanks for the advice about biting though!

[Anonymous]

Oh. Hm. Though mine doesn't have top teeth yet, I can see where that would be uncomfortable. I wonder if it's the same as the pain of the first weeks-- the skin just toughens up. Sorry I don't have anything to contribute on your actual question.

[Anonymous]

The pain does go away after a while. I had to resort to using the creams and putting breastmilk on the nipples for few weeks and eventually the breasts get adjusted to this "new" nursing environment. Hope you find comfort soon!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. It is not that he is biting me - it is more that during nursing, his teeth are rubbing against me in a very uncomfortable manner. Thanks for the advice about biting though!

His bottom teeth should be covered by his tongue. Perhaps he is using you as a teething soother?

[Anonymous]

Ample amounts of lansinoh help a lot. Also, orajel can help a little.

[Anonymous]

Agree with 20:16 that if he is nursing properly his tongue should cover his bottom teeth and you shouldn't feel anything (being bitten is a different story!). you may want to check with a lactation consultant.