My 5 month old girl started having fits during nursing today. She starts to nurse and then after a couple of minutes of sucking at each breast, when the milk isn't flowing as fast and she has to work a little harder, she starts grunting and her face turns red and her body tenses up and she's just very upset. She's also been gnawing on a lot of her toys and books and of course has the drool, but she's been drooling for several months now. Could it be that she is teething and having to suck harder is too sensitive for her gums?
My son got his first teeth at 5 mos. and my best friend's little girl starting getting hers a just about 3.5mos. So, it is completely possible!
At that point, my son hated orajel of any flavor, so we had to use Hyland's Teething Tablets. Cold washcloths and lots of frozen teething rings and such.
Yes, sounds like teething.
Also, if she is approaching 6 months... this is also a growth spurt time and they get hungrier, and nurse more frequently, and need more in amount.
It also could be a combination of everything.
And yes, some babies get impatient about the let-down when nursing and they get frustrated, and thus, upset. My friend's son was like this, and my son as well. Just make sure, that adequate milk IS coming out... and she is getting enough intake. Nursing does take effort for the baby... the coordination of the mouth/tongue and the baby has to work at getting the milk flowing.
But also, if a baby is teething, is it harder for them to nurse too. It's common. But if it is teething, it will pass. It's just that the gums are uncomfortable and tender.
It should pass... teething will come and go. I've used the Hyland's teething tabs also. And my kids liked cold things...I'd freeze a dampened washcloth for them to chew on.
It's possible. Will she let you feel her gums? You may be able to quickly feel her lower gums for any lumps. If she is getting teeth, the bottom ones usually come in first. My daughter hated me trying to feel her gums, so I only tried it once or twice to see if they are coming in. If it is teething, maybe try giving her the Hyland's Teething Tablets to relieve her gums. My daughter likes to suck on a wet washcloth.
If it's not teething-related, is she straining to poop?
sounds like teething to me. she could also be going through a growth spurt. just try to be as comforting and patient as you can with her. :)
here's a link with some tips.
