I just have to take a moment and say that nursing a baby with teeth HURTS. This is a completely new experience for me, because Aubrey didn't get her first tooth until she was a year old, and we were done with nursing by then. Jude now has two teeth on the bottom, and he is getting two on the top. So not only does he have teeth, but he is teething. Meaning he bites. A lot. I know the poor baby doesn't mean anything by it -- he chews on everything: pacifier, sippy cup, toys, hands, etc. This morning while he was eating, he bit me and nearly DREW BLOOD.
I don't know if we'll make it to a year at the rate we're going. I REALLY REALLY want to. But I just don't know how long I can handle being a chew toy. Also, ever since he started teething, he hasn't been nursing as well, and so I've noticed a big drop in my milk supply. I've been taking Fenugreek and pumping and it seems to be helping, but now we are dealing with the biting. I just don't want nursing to become something that is stressful for both of us. I'm stressed about possibly being chomped down on and my milk supply being low, so my milk doesn't let down. Then Jude gets frustrated that he isn't getting anything, gets mad, and won't try anymore. So, of course that is counterproductive.
I'm not giving up yet, though! I'm really trying to make this work! Jude has never had any formula, and I'd like to be able to just go straight to cow's milk when he is old enough. I just felt the need to whine a little bit about my nursing woes. I'm done now :)
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6 comments:
I'm so sorry to hear about your nursing troubles! I feel your pain (well, not literally) and I really hope things get better for you soon!
I remember the first time Emily bit me while nursing.. I screamed (out of shock) and tried to firmly say "no biting!". Well that made her cry and I immediately felt awful and cried... Luckily though she only bit me the one time.
Whine away! Biting is seriously sucky part of nursing.
I have a few suggestions: first, give him something to chew on right before you nurse - a teething ring, cold wash cloth, etc. That will help relieve the pressure he's feeling, so then he'll use you as a milk source rather than a teether. :) Second, watch his mouth when he's nursing. A baby can't bite when they are in proper nursing position ( lips out, tongue over bottom teeth). So if you see him shift his lips or move his tongue, pop him off immediately. Last, when he does bite, very firmly and loudly say no, unlatch him, and set him down. He'll catch on quickly that biting is not ok!
Hang in there mama. It gets better!
Hey! I've got an idea! Let's go to lunch tomorrow and whine together about how much our boobs hurt!
Another example where AP spoiled me- she got a couple of teeth before her first birthday, but she NEVER bit. Not once. I'm sure I won't be so lucky round two.
ouch! all i can offer is that, "this too shall pass"....
libbi got her teeth really early (We're talking 4-5 months and she had eight teeth by the time she was 8/9 months old!) and when certain ones came in, she did go through a "biting phase" which was pure..... well, you know. :)
BUT....it lasted a few times and then she seemed to grow out of it. I would notice that she was more prone to biting when her teeth were bothering her or when she was not really hungry anymore, but still kind of "nursing". i would just make sure to go ahead and pull her off once i noticed that she was more or less just "playing" and not really eating. i know lots of people (and "Experts") suggest telling them "NO!" in a very stern voice and it's supposed to be even more effective if it upsets them, but no such luck for libbi. i would scream, cry, say "NO!!!" and she would seriously laugh! i cried and cried thinking it was the end of our nursing relationship, but she eventually stopped (and i had no permanent damage - ha!) and we continued on for another 4-5 months. all in all, if you are set on continuing to nurse, just hang in there and it WILL get better. otherwise, be proud that you have nursed jude for this long and go another route if you choose! good luck!!! :)
Carrie -- I thought of you today at my doctor's appointment! My doctor was so shocked by the appearance of my belly (PUPPP and "skin stretched to the max") that she had to call in her med student so he could see it! Haha, YIKES!
*today = yesterday..
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