Seven week old isn't latching properly... Teeth?

[ErikaMaye]

Firstly, he's stopped feeding as much, though I figured that might be because he's finished his six week growth spurt.

The past two days, every feed has been a problem. He'll latch for a few seconds and then pull back, often crying like its hurting. His gums are very white. Is this the beginning of teething, or something else?

His nappies are still wet and dirty, and the rest of the time he's a happy, smiley little thing. He uses a dummy occasionally, but not regularly.

Judging by his nappies and the fact he's not lethargic or crying or feeding constantly I'm guessing he's still getting enough food. Should I be concerned?

Erika, if his gums are white, he might have oral thrush, as it hurts them to feed with it. Rub it gently, and if it comes off leaving a little raw red patch then it is thrush.

If it is, then you need to go to the doctor and get both him and you treated for it, because you will reinfect each other.

There might be other possibilities, so go to gp anyway.

Thanks - have just tried, nothing changed, gums stayed white but he did start to cry a little. Though that might have been because I was making him open his mouth!!

It still sounds like thrush, that was just an easy test, if there were just little blobs of it.

DS and I got infected and it was miserable for us both...he had to bottle feed as he just could not bf.

Check you nipples also, to see if they are paler than normal..that is another sign.

But if you can EM, do get him seen asap, as a weekend of of this will drive you insane. Perhaps worth a trip to A&E? at least then you would get a prescription for you both...

Whether it is thrush or not, a previously well feeding baby having trouble feeding needs to be seen by a health professional...

But the upside, if it is thrush, its easy peasy to sort out. But do insist on you both being treated. Baby would get oral liquid (nystatin I think) and mum should have oral tablets to get rid of systemic thrush.

Thanks My nipples look and feel normal, though my left has been slightly painful at times, mainly when not feeding. Will call the emergency doctor if it happens at the next feed, as the one I've just done was total normal.

fingers crossed that the next one is normal too!

You are doing so well!

(felt odd, unMN urge to put xxx's there...eek!)

how's it going EM?

Must be my teenager habits passing via the web

The feeds since have been normal, so am not entirely sure what to do. Feeding fine again, and isn't acting any differently. Do you think just keep an eye on it for now?

ah, keep ya hun ways on your side of t'interweb!

Yes, keep an eye, but if he is feeding normally then that's great. But do take him to baby clinic or see gp if you can sooner rather than later...

Could just have been having a grumpy phase - seven weeks is a bit young for teething, though stranger things have happened.

Just wondered if it was the start of it, as they only seem bright white at the front.

He's fed less this evening, am worrying again. Seems to be sleeping quite happily. Might try and wake him up to feed.

how's it going?

I'm not sure. Saw the doc just now for me 6 week check - although they won't see DS until Wednesday - and he had a quick look. Said it doesn't look like thrush, and my nipples are okay... His gums are even whiter. Seems to be in so much pain

Poor little mite, and you. tell you what, why don't you post this in the bf section? there are loads of real experts there who will be a lot more use than me!

what am I talking about? this is in the right section!

Repost it I would suggest...

I don't think it's teething at 7 weeks and I don't understand why you think it's thrush, to be honest...if the white gums are just the teeth shining through.

My guess (and that's all it is) would be a minor ear infection that's caused pain on feeding and which has now passed