Teething is a normal developmental milestone that begins when a baby’s first tooth starts pushing through the gum line, often appearing around six months of age. This process causes discomfort, frequently leading parents to notice a distinct change in their baby’s feeding patterns. Infants often seek the breast more often during this time, prompting questions about the relationship between gum pain and nursing behavior. The breast serves a dual purpose for the teething baby, providing both nutrition and comfort.
The Link Between Teething and Increased Nursing Frequency
Infants often increase their nursing frequency when they are actively teething. This change is a direct response to the discomfort caused by swollen and tender gums as the tooth erupts. The baby may ask to nurse much more often, sometimes reverting to a newborn-like schedule of frequent, short feeding sessions. This increased demand is often characterized by non-nutritive sucking, where the baby nurses primarily for comfort rather than a full meal. This shift in feeding pattern is generally temporary, lasting for the few days before and after a new tooth breaks through the gum.
Behavioral and Physiological Reasons for Comfort Nursing
The primary reason for increased nursing is the powerful combination of pain relief and emotional regulation the breast provides. When a baby is in discomfort, the physical closeness and familiar rhythm of nursing release hormones like oxytocin, promoting bonding and a sense of calm. This comforting action helps the distressed baby regulate their emotions and cope with the ache in their mouth.
Physiologically, the act of sucking and swallowing provides a form of counter-pressure against the inflamed gums, which can temporarily relieve the pain of an erupting tooth. When the baby is properly latched, their tongue is positioned over the lower gum line, shielding the gum from the full force of the sucking action while providing a soothing sensation.
Breast milk contains mild anti-inflammatory properties and antibodies, which contribute to a sense of well-being. Furthermore, if the baby refuses solid foods due to sore gums, they rely on breast milk for hydration and essential nutrients. Frequent nursing ensures the baby receives adequate fluids and calories, preventing dehydration. Short, frequent feeds maintain nutritional intake when pain makes a longer feed difficult.
Practical Strategies for Managing Breastfeeding During Teething
Parents can employ several practical strategies to manage the challenges that arise when a baby nurses more often or starts to bite while teething.
Pre-Nursing Comfort
Before offering the breast, giving the baby a chilled, clean object, such as a refrigerated teether or a cold, wet washcloth, can temporarily numb the gums. This pre-nursing relief can make latching more comfortable and reduce the baby’s impulse to chew on the nipple.
Managing Biting
If a baby begins to bite, it is usually an involuntary response to gum pressure or an indication that they are finished actively nursing. Biting often occurs as the baby is pulling away, since the tongue covers the lower teeth during active drinking. Immediately and calmly break the latch by inserting a finger into the corner of the baby’s mouth. Briefly removing them from the breast signals that biting ends the feeding.
Maintaining Supply and Hydration
To maintain milk supply when feeds are short and frequent, parents may use breast compressions during the feeding to encourage swallowing. If the baby is too fussy or sore to nurse effectively, expressing milk ensures continued production and provides an alternative feeding method. If the baby consistently refuses the breast due to intense pain, offering expressed milk in a cup or bottle may be needed to ensure hydration.
When to Seek Medical Advice
Parents must differentiate between typical teething discomfort and illness, as symptoms like fussiness and mild temperature can sometimes overlap. Seek medical advice if the baby develops a fever above 100.4°F, has diarrhea, or displays signs of being unusually ill or lethargic. These symptoms are not definitively caused by teething alone.