Nursing During Teething: Handy Tips

Written by Alannah McClurg for her Instagram blog, Just A Mum.

Shout out to all the nursing mums who endure teething.

I will put my hands up and admit it is truly one of the most difficult things I have ever had to do! So far, we are almost eleven months in, and it hasn’t come easily, but I’m going to share the things that have helped me continue Harvey and mine’s breastfeeding journey.

1. DON’T TAKE YOUR EYES OFF YOUR LITTLE CROCODILE ON YOUR NIP!!

When a baby is nursing their tongue covers their bottom gums/teeth, so for those pesky bottom incisors to catch you, baby’s latch will have to change and you can see that if you’re watching closely. You will also see a mischievous glint in his eyes, at that instant remove and explain to him that nibbling hurts mummy.

2. IF BABY DOES NIBBLE

Okay, now when baby catches you whether you see it coming or not, it sucks and it sucks hard. But don’t jump or shriek, or keep it to a minimum at best. If baby sees your reaction they learn fast that your flapping around in pain is hilarious, in their eyes anyway. So, what to do is, remove the little demon nugget from the breast, put him down, and even if he cries, walk away and punch your partner for having useless nipples*. Resume feeding once you’ve calmed down and do not take your eyes off him!

3. IF HE BITES AND DOESN’T LET GO

Don’t play tug of war, don’t yelp, don’t cry, there is a couple things you can do. A) you can try slip your fingers in his mouth and free your nip. B) Pinch his nose for not even a second and it guarantees an instant release as it is baby’s reflex. I pray this never happens to anyone, as I can first hand promise you it is awful and you may hate your baby for an hour after their malarkey.

4. POST NIBBLE

If you do happen to have damage to the nipple, always ensure it is clean. Wash after every feed to help minimise any infection, like thrush, occurring. If it is painful to nurse, offer the opposite breast first and after a few minutes switch sides, baby is less likely to be a ferocious sucker once the beast’s initial thirst is quenched.