does teething affect feeding

[Colesmom]

Hi everyone,

my DS has been fussy the last couple of days and is bobbing on and off the breast.  I have removed all distractions and he still isn't feeding well.  I think he is teething.  Does this affect feeding?  I think I remember a friend telling me it hurts to suck.  When he comes off he chews on his fingers a lot.  I've given him lots of things to suck/chew on in hopes of relieving any discomfort.  Should I give him tylenol in hopes he'll feed better?

Thanks

[stasztk]

My sweetie does this too. Are you sure you are only feeding your baby when he is hungry?

[Colesmom]

yep.  I was sure to wait the full 4 hours just now and he did the same thing.  After not feeding well this morning he seemed hungry...but on and off again.  I did want to test him on the bottle (haven't tried in a couple of months) and he took the 2.5oz that were in there so at least I know he likely had a decent feed since he fed off both breasts after (at least a little bit)

I should mention that due to short naps he often feeds at 3.5-3.75 hours (more often than 4) so 4 is a long time for him to wait.

maybe he's just becoming a more efficient eater and can drain a breast faster now???

[annamum]

Teething definitely affects breastfeeding. Some babies will refuse/go on a nursing strike or will do what your lo is doing now while some want to stay on breast for hours.

How long does he nurse for? Is it less than 10 minutes and then he is bobbing on and off? I would say that short feeds are typical for this age.

Bobbing on and off would also be possibe because of too fast or too slow milk flow. When the milk flow is too fast they try to escape the jet that goes directly into their throat. When it is too slow, they get impatient.

Well, you know him better, I would probably vote for teething. As for Tylenol, I am sorry, I have never used it for my dd, so no experience with dosages and age requirements here, I suggest offering teethers that are filled with some gel and can be put in a freezer. Chewing on a cold teether can relieve some of the pain, too.

Good luck!

[Colesmom]

annamum,

thanks for the reply.  He took a really good feed before bedtime so I am relieved.  I have been offering the frozen teething rings, frozen washcloths etc.  He had a short second nap so maybe he was just tired on top of everything else.  He'll normally feed for 8 minutes or so before bobbing on and off.  For a while I was thinking I was rushing him...so now I make sure I give him at least 12 minutes each side, including the bobbing on and off.

Fortunately he's always handled too fast of flow really well.  I remember back in the day when I would get so engorged and he'd just take it in stride!

Anyway, thanks again.  At least I know that could be the reason for his behaviour.  I'm hoping for a good nights sleep. he slept through for the first time Friday night since sleep training started 6 weeks ago, but then was up last night for an hour from 3:30-4:30.  crossing my fingers

Traci