Baby Teething and Breastfeeding

As far as I recall, BFing should not make teething worse. Also, it is not at all unusual for a baby not to take a bottle when mom is around - they're smart and as welling as providing nutrition, BFing provides the ultimate in emotional comfort and if he is in pain, BFing should actually help him feel better.

It's possible that the Tylenol is bothering his tummy and lying in the nursing position could make the tummy feel worse. You might try just rubbing Motrin directly on his teeth. That can be much more effective than expecting the tummy to process and then have it get to his teeth - i.e., if you're using the dropper, it might be going straight down his throat When I have severe tooth pain, I actually do that with the children's motrin.

Yes, it's normal for him to be fussy/in pain while nursing during teething. The gums hurt and are swollen, causing them to touch your breast differently than when they aren't swollen. My DD did really well with the teething tablets; I didn't give her Tylenol or Motrin or Orajel for teething, because the tablets worked wonderfully.
Also, you might want to be prepared for your nipples to become sore when he's teething because normally babies change their sucking patterns during teething to try and alleviate some of the pain.
Hope that helps!

Maybe the Tylenol is bothering him? We've had good luck with Hyland's teething tablets for helping our little ones with their chompers.

Rub Orajel on his gums that are swollen. I also breastfed, but it never seemed to bother my son while teething. Teething is one of the worst things b/c there's only so much we can do. Also, maybe try motrin if your doc approves instead of tylenol. Motrin typically lasts longer than tylenol. The orajel was a lifesaver!! Try letting him chew on an icy cold wash cloth or teething ring right before nursing. Maybe it's the sucking motion that just hurts his gums. If he doesn't like the teething rings (my son didn't at first), there's a thing I got at Babies R Us that you can put frozen fruits in for him to chew on. I don't remember the name of it, but it's a small mesh bag on a handle so he can chew or suck on foods that he can't eat yet. Frozen fruits are soothing on his gums, but also taste great! I hope he feels better soon!

I bfed for a year and my baby got her first teeth at 4 months. I put baby oragel on her gums and gave her hyland's teething tablets and motrin. The tablets are great! Put them in right before nursing and he should be fine.

geta cup of cold ice water. with a straw put a little in his mouth. you can also use a washcloth and let him suck on that. Do this about 15 mins before nursing so it will numb the gums and take away the pressure, and swelling. He should feel better very quickly and nurse well. I am a mother of 2 that nursed for a year with both kids. I also have worked with children for 14 yrs.
The Tylenol and teethign tabs work great too, but ice will get to the nervs faster.