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Infant feeding

Get advice and support with infant feeding from other users here.

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Original poster

11 1/2 month old's teeth are EXCRUCIATING on my boobs - but I'd quite like to continue BFeeding

25 replies

Astrophe · 01/03/2007 23:14

any tips? He's not really biting as such, its the just the position his teeth are in when he feeds - I've tried repositioning him but its not helping. Its getting bad enough that I might have to stop BFing him

Also, hes refusing feeds now and then in the last few days - possibly thats unrelated, but...?

OP posts:

Muminfife · 02/03/2007 10:28

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Original poster

Astrophe · 02/03/2007 12:17

well I am being much more strict than usual about feeds - he is allowed only 3 a day atm, whereas he was having 5 usually, so yes, perhaps he is getting the idea I'm not such a fan. I'll be if this leads to full weaning though.

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Muminfife · 02/03/2007 12:26

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FrannyandZooey · 02/03/2007 12:30

I had this too, the teeth would sort of rest against the nipple and after a few feeds would sort of make a raw patch

Try different positions so the teeth are not on the same spot every time. I would also go back to feeding on demand (or more on demand) if you want to continue indefinitely as they are fussy little beggars at this stage and tend to want it on their own terms or not at all. I would imagine he is thinking "Oh, so you are saying no feed right now, hey? Two can play at that game...".

I found when the teeth were through properly it was not an issue anymore, it's sort of when they first appear. Meanwhile it is horrible, isn't it? You have my sympathy.

FrannyandZooey · 02/03/2007 12:31

How many times can I say "sort of" in one post?

I am sort of ashamed of my sloppy language.

Original poster

Astrophe · 02/03/2007 12:35

I'm sort of lol

How do I access a BF councellor? I thought funds for these things being what they are they wouldn't have the resources to help as DS is almost 1.

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Muminfife · 02/03/2007 13:20

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FrannyandZooey · 02/03/2007 19:05

Oh yes LLL are just so fab. Sort of

They will definitely be able to help you, if anyone can.

Original poster

Astrophe · 02/03/2007 21:19

Thanks gals, I'll press on for now, and will keep taking him off and repositioning to see if we can make it work. The difficulty is that hes not actually biting, his teeth just rub, so hes not doing it on purpose. Perhaps decreased supply is a factor - am also a bit afraid I might be pregnant (unplanned! eek!...but welcome of course ), so if I am that could be a factor too. We'll continue at least until I find out...

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yellowrose · 02/03/2007 21:59

DS started biting when he was around a year old too, late teether, first tooth at 9 months.

I followed kellymom.com advice, said very firm "NO" with finger pointed at him, took him off the breast and said he could feed again only if he stopped biting. He looked a bit upset the first time, but stopped biting.

I have a loud voice though, so must have scared the poor child really badly which is why it worked. Of course all infants/toddlers are different.

There are different methods, can't remember them all, try contacting LLL, hope one of them works for you before your nipples are chewed off

FrannyandZooey · 02/03/2007 22:07

Oh I am glad that worked for you yellowrose, but in general do be careful of loud / cross voices when breastfeeding - it is absolutely classic to get a nursing strike after a biting / shouting / telling off type incident around this age.

FrannyandZooey · 02/03/2007 22:07

I speak from experience btw

yellowrose · 02/03/2007 22:19

Sorry, Franny wasn't suggesting it as a recommended method, just recounting a personal experience, in fact PLEASE don't ever raise your voice at any child whether bf or not, I just have a loud voice, can't help it.

My ds is a happy child though despite the finger wagging re. biting, still bf at 2.8 yo, no biting I am very happy to say

Goodasgold · 02/03/2007 22:33

Don't remove baby from the breast, bring him in closer until he can't breathe.
OMG this sounds awful.
I don't mean suffocate him but he will naturally reposition himself.
I do this when dd2 nips and it works for me I hope it does for you too.

Original poster

Astrophe · 02/03/2007 22:41

but see, hes not biting...so telling him 'no' wouldn't work I don't think.
Anyway, shall press on and report back in a week or so when test results are in - tbh, if I am preggers may stop anyway, as I had horrible morning sickness and exhaustion with both my pragnancies so far, and I don't think I could cope with BFing as well.

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FrayedKnot · 02/03/2007 22:47

Keep going! I had this for about 2-3 weeks when DS was about 12 months - when he got some of his top teeth iirc.

BF counsellor said it's just the altered sensation (for them) causing it but should resolve once they & you get used to it.

I dolloped on the Lansinoh and gritted my teeth and it passed...and I carried on feeding him for another 7 months afer that, so don;t give up.

Original poster

Astrophe · 02/03/2007 23:02

Thanks FK, that is encouraging. My DD was similar but she got her teeth at 7 months and it wasn't so bad, plus I was determined to keep feeding her at that age.

DS only got his teeth at 11 months (and still only has 3 - all top ones too!), and its much more painful, plus am not so concerned about continueing BF now that hes one, although I would like to.

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Jenkeywoo · 03/03/2007 20:38

Hello, I'm going through exactly the same with my little one who is 11 months at the moment - kellymom.com has some great tips for re-positioning them so teeth don't rub - it said as they get heavier they can almost be hanging from the breast and then their teeth kind of drag and scrape. I noticed my old favourite breastfeeding was really saggy and I was having to support my boob again and also that the teeth hurt less when I was lying down to feed; so I invested in a lovely new and plump cushion and we've both been more comfy today!

I know what you mean about not wanting to stop as well, I really want to carry on BF for as long as possible and I too have been worried this might put an end to it as it is so sore. The worst bit is that you can't really complain too much as well meaning old souls (AKA - in-laws) keep reminding you that it's time to stop BFing anyway isn't it! GRR. why can't you have a good old moan but still want to BF?

On the case of breastfeeding counsellors, I searched for 'breastfeeding helplines' and got a good few numbers - unfortunately they've been engaged every time I've tried to phone today.

Good luck with it and congrats for doing so well for so long.

Jenny

tinkerbellhadpiles · 04/03/2007 21:11

I have a 19 week old with three little razors in her mouth. We have stopped feeding in our normal positions and now I will only feed her when swaddled and lying on her side with me holding her really tight. I think she was pulling away before because it hurt to feed.

I also put some teething gel on her gums before feeds and that seemed to help (but may have just be coincidence obviously).

tinkerbellhadpiles · 04/03/2007 21:13

Oh I also forgot to say....when she started being really bitey, I expressed for a day to give my nipples a rest, coated them in Kamillosan and those gel packs for soreness. It did help but also took two hours per feed because she'll only drink from a cup if she's not having draught!

salsaqueen · 08/03/2007 21:38

I have the same problem with my 10.5 month old. Top teeth appeared a few weeks ago and are now rubbing on my nipple whilst feeding. Its quite painful, and leaves a mark. I was doing 4 feeds per day, and had already switched to 3 plus 1 bottle. This morning decided to change to 2 bottles but do not want to give up completely yet.
I will try altering the position, and using lansinhoh, and see if it improves. I am encouraged by the comment that is does improve once they are used to having the teeth. Lets hope it works !

catASTROPHE · 10/03/2007 23:53

Hope you can keep going salsaqueen. We are doing a little better, DS is having 3 feeds plus a bit of cows milk in a cup if he asks for it during the day, and the teeth are not rubbing so much over the last day or so. I'm finding that if hes quite hungry his position is better - as if he gets a bit lazy when he doesn't want it as much! So I'm finding feeding before a meal is better...this week anyway!

hoxtonchick · 11/03/2007 00:03

i went through agony with dd each time she got a new tooth (i fed her until she was 18 months). basically, i just had to grin & bear it for a few days. not fun though.

Jenkeywoo · 11/03/2007 00:20

I thought it would never end but weirdly in the last few days her teeth no longer seem to be using my nipple like a cheese grater. It took about 3 weeks from when the tooth came in. I hope this gives some hope from those in pain at the mo!

Elasticwoman · 11/03/2007 00:20

Astrophe, could I just say about bf counsellors: they are volunteers. They have done years of training so they are keen to help mums who want to breastfeed. You don't pay them and they don't get paid, except perhaps minimal out of pocket expenses eg towards the phone line in their home. They are at home getting on with their lives, not sitting in an office waiting for calls and they are nothing to do with the NHS. The World Health Organisation recommends bf for 2 years so I don't think you should hesitate to contact a counsellor if you have any kind of problem with bf. I am talking about NCT bf counsellors, but it probably goes for all the organisations.

If you look National Childbirth Trust up in the phonebook you should find a local contact, or google it to find a website.

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