Breast feeding and teething

[Beanfrog]

My LO is almost 12 months and is breast fed but now has his back teeth coming through and is in pain
He is asking for milk more frequently to soothe his gums which is kinda ok with me except I'm getting very sore boobs from his voracious sucking. Am I being to soft? Should I refuse and start weaning? Any suggestions?

Give up b/f when you are ready, Beanfrog, you've done pretty well to get to 12 months
But I can assure you that once the teeth are through the technique reverts to normal, so it's a temporary thing. Uncomfortable while it lasts - been there with both my children. But if you would otherwise have wanted to go on for a bit longer, don't let it put you off.
Feeding him while teething is very soothing...for him . Just watch he doesn't alter his latch to the extent that he gives you blocked milk ducts or even mastitis - the only time I ever got it was when dd was cutting her first molar

They have to learn to adjust to their new teeth, if you want to continue then don't feel you have to restrict his feeds, you're not being soft at all, you're being a responsive caring parent.
Meanwhile treat your nipples as you did in the beginning, express a little of your milk onto them after each feed and try and leave them to airdry whenever you can. This will pass in a week or two and you'll be back to normal. My little girl has just got her first four molars through now and has settled back into her normal feeding pattern.
Do you know much about extended breastfeeding? If its something you're interested in finding out about I can find some links for you?

Thanks guys.
Glad to know I'm not the only - if glad is the right word.
DS has started waking up twice a night because of the teething. I think I was a little tired and emotional this morning. I was thinking of weaning around a year but just have'nt felt the need to start just yet and if it helps ease the pain I think I'd prefer him to have a feed than fill him full of painkillers.
Lets just hope those molars come quickly!

Absolutely, I think while he's needing that extra comfort just relax and give it then think about weaning when he's otherwise happy, it will be much easier for him to cope.

My DS is also 1 year and has just cut 3 of his molars. He's nursing for comfort a lot more at night (s0metimes 10 times when the pain is very bad). Although he nurses a lot, he very rarely screams so the booby must be helping!

I also give him Ibuprofen before he goes to bed and again in the night (2am-ish) if I feel he's up a lot.

Work out between you. Your needs are as important as his, and while he clearly enjoys nad gets comfort from sucking, there's not reason you should have to allow it without limits, as you did when he was tiny.

That said I would carry on feeding as long as you both want to as it's such a great resource and a lovely and easy way to comfort him as well as an unbeatable source of nutrition.

Just remember, he doesn't need it on demand any more ... but strike a happy balance and look after your own needs too.