how do teeth affect nursing?

squishywife

obviously there could be some biting...but how do you handle it?  will she bite a lot?  how bad is it going to hurt?  my nips are already cracked, bleeding, and super dry (god bless lanolin)...

thoughts?

luckiestwife

It depends on the kid.  #1 got her first tooth at 6 months, but was never a biter.  I was all prepared for it to be horrible, but she only bit me ever a couple of times accidentally.  When she did, I took her off and told her "NO BITE" very firmly, which startled her, and then she went back to eating (yes, this is pretty much the same technique we used with the dog, LOL).  I nursed until she was 1 year with no real biting issues.

I'm hoping it goes just as well with #2, since I'm expecting her first tooth to pop out any day now.

Also, it surprises me you are still cracked and bleeding after 8 months of BFing - are you sure her latch is correct?  Have you seen a LC?  Because for me, and my friends who have nursed, that shouldn't happen anymore after 4-8 weeks.  Sorry, I know you didn't ask for advice on that, I just hate to see anyone suffering through BFing (which is challenging enough anyway!) more than is necessary!

AZ_Erica

DS went through phases.  He didn't start really biting until he was about 8 months or so though.  Good luck.

AZ_Erica

Sorry didn't finish that.  When he really started biting hard, I would do the same as PP.  Take him off and tell him no biting.  If he did it again I would usually give him to DH and leave the room.  No more food for baby.  He really only bit hard a few times though, it wasn't a big deal for us.

baby*love

DD#1 got her first teeth at 5.5months and had 12 by 1yr and it was never an issue w/ BFing.  She never bit or changed her latch etc. and I BFed her til 2 wks shy of her 1st bday.

I agree w/ the pp about dry, cracked nipples shouldn't be a problem at this stage for you.  I'd consult your LC to rule out a latching problem or thrush. GL! Congrats on your cutiepies first tooth

Zenya

DS went through a biting phase.  I tried a couple of different things (including yelling - not my finest parenting moment) but what worked was just saying "oh - I guess you don't feel like nursing right now" and just stopping.  Real calm and upbeat.

squishywife

the cracked/bleeding nipple issue started about 3 weeks ago.  during the night (i leave it out for her) she latched on incorrectly and immediately woke me up..it hurt.  i thought, okay no big deal...but the next day i had a blister like thing on my boob.  that killed when i pumped.  now i don't have any pain, but i can see the cracks...when i called my ob-gyn she said it could be too much showering causing dry skin - make sure i dont get soap on it, lots of lanolin, etc.

she has also been pulling away with my nipple in her mouth.  that kills.

AZ_Erica

Try some bag balm on it.  You do have to wash it off before baby nurses though. I had a similiar issue when ds was 4 months old.  After ruling out thrush and any of "real" problem my OB suggested it. It worked better than the lanolin. 

Simonealisa

Teeth made absolutley no difference really. And DS nursed till 22 months. The only time it was slightly uncomfortable was after his very first two teeth came in cause they were quite sharp, but he never tried to bite.