Need teething advice - WWYD (a bit long)

bikitybinx

Natalie has been teething for 4 weeks now. No exaggeration - they are coming out one after the next.  The pain is such that she refuses to nurse unless I have given her Advil.   I really don't like to medicate, but if it means she will be comfortable and will eat then I will do it.  The concern I have is that I have had to medicate every day since last week Saturday - some days I just give it to her before bedtime, others I have had to give it over the course of the day.  I didn't give her any Advil prior to last Saturday.

Last night she woke multiple times to nurse (because she won't during the day) and was difficult to console - and this was after she had been given pain meds.  I haven't given her any Advil today because I am concerned about her little kidneys and I hate giving it to her, so I'm going to try to wait until bedtime -although I'd rather not give any to her at all and try to go a day without the Advil to give her kidneys a rest.   At the same time, she's not eating or napping. I've given her orajel, teething tabs...she still refuses to nurse and I'm about to go out of my mind at this point.  Of course, the pedi isn't open and I need some sound advice.  

I'd like to note that she is fine otherwise, is happy and playful - but she won't eat or sleep. This is definitely teething, no fever or ear infection.  The meds would be solely to help her rest and eat.  In addition to my concern about her eating I am also now worried about my supply being affected.  I hate this... 

What would you do?  Would you continue to medicate?  I hate seeing her in pain and hungry but I don't want to keep giving her meds over and over - I don't know what it could possibly be doing to her body.   

Shawnee11507

I hate medicating too but DS was having major teething pain last time we went to the pedi and she told me to alternate Advil and Tylenol throughout the day while he is teething. I told her teething lasts like 2 years, am I supposed to keep him on a steady diet of tylenol and advil that whole time? She said yes!

I only give it on the days he won't eat/sleep without it or is super fussy. If your DD won't eat/sleep, I would continue to give it to her but alternate with tylenol.

bikitybinx

Thanks, Shawnee - it is comforting to know that your pedi told you it is ok to do it long term.  I will try alternating with Tylenol.  To me, it is more important that she gets her nutrition - she needs to eat!! I'm going to call my pedi tomorrow, but knowing that yours is ok with long term meds makes me feel better about giving her something today.

suitern

I just wanted to say I know what you are going through.  DS has been inconsolable the last two days even with medicine.  He is getting over (or still has) a cold and getting his first two bottom teeth at the same time.  I have been giving him Tylenol as well almost daily, but I didn't give him any today because he has been sleeping non stop and I don't want to contribute to his already over tiredness.  We will also be calling the pedi tomorrow to see if this is just teething! I hope she eats and feels better!!