Ying Ying has 3 teeth (2 bottom; 1 top) and 1 (top) more on the way, which just sprouted a few days ago. She started teething only around 8.5mth.
Some mothers wean their babies off the breast once they show signs of teething because they are so scared of being bitten.
I feel sorry for their babies because sometimes they are just not ready to be weaned off the breast (which has become more than a source of food but also comfort and security to them). Also, why let them drink formula when the superior breastmilk is available?
Actually, there are many ways to deal with biting. I would like to assure all nursing mothers and mothers-to-be out there that there is really no need to stop breastfeeding just because your baby is teething.
Some mothers wean their babies off the breast once they show signs of teething because they are so scared of being bitten.
I feel sorry for their babies because sometimes they are just not ready to be weaned off the breast (which has become more than a source of food but also comfort and security to them). Also, why let them drink formula when the superior breastmilk is available?
Actually, there are many ways to deal with biting. I would like to assure all nursing mothers and mothers-to-be out there that there is really no need to stop breastfeeding just because your baby is teething.
Check out these links:
What should I do when my baby bites me? (La Leche League)
Biting and Breastfeeding (Australian Breastfeeding Association)
When baby bites (kellymom.com)
You're still breastfeeding? Doesn't he bite? (UK Association of Breastfeeding Mothers)
For me, after being bitten and scrapped for a few times (ouch!!), I realised that Ying Ying tends to bite (1) towards the end of her feed, (2) when she is not really hungry or (3) when she is distracted. So I will just terminate the feed whenever I sense that she is going to clamp her brand new razor sharp teeth on me.
Still, I must say there are times when it is too late for me to do anything. Then I would scold her and explain to her why she shouldn't do it again. Well, even if she doesn't understand what I am saying, I am sure she knows from my facial expression that I am not particularly happy with what she just did!
Frankly, I never knew there was so much to learn about breastfeeding before I gave birth. So did Lisa Wood Shapiro who wrote about her nursing misadventures in a funny book entitled "How My Breasts Saved the World" (2004). I read it a few weeks ago and I really enjoyed it. In fact, I was so hooked that once I started reading, I couldn't put it down till 5hrs later. This is definitely a must-read for all nursing and expectant mothers! It is truly gratifying for me to see how Ying Ying thrives from breastfeeding. She has not had any fever or other major illness (touch wood) so far, apart from a small bout of running nose a few months ago.
I will definitely continue to breastfeed Ying Ying until she self-weans! :)
I will definitely continue to breastfeed Ying Ying until she self-weans! :)
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