8mth old teething and subsequently does not want to breastfeed because of pain. What should i do to help relieve the pain.
i myself is also in alot of pain due to breast overly engorged with milk. Expressing don't seem to help. what else could i do?
J.,
If you haven't received this already - go to the doc.
Usually breastfeeding soothes teething. My son still looks for comfort when he's teething. I'm thinking possible earache or something else in addition to teething - but, I am not a doctor.
I'd say there might be something else up.
We use Tylenol/Motrin per pediatrician recommendation for teething pain, but arnica montana works also.
Good luck,
M.
Definetly do not stop breastfeeding! I find that when my son is not feeling well the nursing soothes him emensely. Try Hylands teething tablets and if he is really suffering, then give him the motrin/tylenol. I also agree with the other mom who suggested that there may be something else going on besides the teething since that really should not effect the feedings. Try the suggestions and if that doesnt' work, see a dr. Good luck!
Generally teething does not interfere with feedings so your baby might have something else going on like an ear infection. I would deffinately contact your pediatrician. I reccommend Huricane Gel for teething pain.
Hi,
Do you have a "lactation specialist/nurse" you can contact? When I had my last child we were visited by one at the hospital she even came to my house to help me and gave me some great help and advice. I am sure if you locate your pediatrician or hospital they can recommend someone for you. It is nice to get the help in your own home where you are more relaxed and comfortable. I know this can be very hard but hang in there, I am sure once your baby feels better with the teething the baby will nurse better. See if you can find a nurse to help you. If I remembered the name of the one I used I would pass it on to you.
Give the baby infant tylenol or infant Motrin. I know that some people do not like giving that to there kids, but from my experience with my 9 month yr old daughter thats the only thing that helps if she is in pain while eating.
Keep offering the breast! Maybe try a few different positions or holds. I also used to get a small cloth wet & let it freeze a little & let the kids suck/chew on that for a while. (I used a reusable cloth nursing pad because it seemed to be the right size) Best of luck! Teething is only temporary!
Continue to offer the breast, but be aware that many children don't want to eat when they are teething due to the pain. Have you tried giving your child some Tylenol or camomile tea (cooled in a bottle)? Both are soothing. My son also like it when we rubbed our fingers across his gums with some light pressure. Keep a bottle of expressed milk handy and see if you can get her to take a few sips at a time.
As for the engorgement, you need to pump for at least 30 minutes on each side every 2 hours to relieve the pressure or you could develop mastitis- this happened to me and it is excrutiating. You should also place hot compresses on your breast while pumping to loosen the fluids.
Give him ibuprofen for infants. And breastfeed --it is a big comfort. Give him a cold washcloth to suck on. And hyland's teething pills (its homeopathic).
I also have a, 8 month old teething who I breastfeed. He drinks more milk than needed for nutrition bc skin contact helps.
please don't listen to that person who said stop breastfeeding!! it's the best nutrition for your baby, and the american pediatric assoc. recommends bf for AT LEAST one year, and the world health org. recommends for AT LEAST 2! my daughter happily nurses still at 15 months old.
that aside, i would try the hyland's teething tablets and/or tylenol.
for you, i keep trying to express/pump your milk, or offer your baby the breast as often as possible for when he/she chooses to nurse. that's how i was able to cure my blocked duct. you can also contact la leche league or lactation consultant and they can help.
J.,
You are at home and have been nursing without issue until this time. Don't stop now! I agree that the infant tylenol (or generic) is a good idea. Also, you can squeeze your breast while your child has his/her mouth open. It will help to relieve your engorgement, relieving your pain and helping to soften you up for nursing. Also, a warm wash cloth on the breast just before nursing will cause you to flow without much encouragement at all if your breasts are full.
Oh, and keep expressing if you can. Freeze your milk for those rare times when you leave the house without baby and someone else has to feed him/her. :-)
Stop breast feeding.
Nanc
