Breastfeeding: Toddler's teeth rub nipple
My question has to do with breastfeeding my 12 month old. Recently when she nurses her teeth rub on my nipple. It can be quite painful. Please give me any advice on what to do.
Question:Debbi Donovan
Debbi Donovan is a Board Certified Lactation Consultant, as well as a retired La Leche League Leader. For more than a decade, Debbi... Read more
I'm sorry to hear nursing has become so uncomfortable for you. It's an awful feeling when you begin to dread putting your baby to your breast because it is so painful. Hoping these suggestion will help!
Some toddler's new little teeth are jagged and very sharp. This could be the cause of the pain you are experiencing. The sharp edges of your little one's teeth may be rubbing against your breast. If you check her teeth and suspect that this may be the case, I would recommend setting up an appointment with your dentist. He may be able to file down any rough or jagged edges, so you can once again nurse comfortably.
In the meantime, check your positioning. I know this is not typical advice given to mothers of toddlers, but improper positioning and attachment (even with an older child) can be the cause of nipple soreness. In your letter you said that your daughter's teeth rub your nipple. She probably does not have a good mouthful of your breast in her mouth. If she did, your nipple would be far back into her mouth and well protected from her teeth. Remember, she should be taking in about one inch of your areola. Maybe she is starting out well-attached, but as nursing progresses, and she gets squirmy, she moves down to where she is basically holding onto your nipple. Toddlers often are moving all over the place with your nipple in their mouth. Explain to your daughter that she will need to lie still to nurse because it hurts you when she moves all around. Keep her hugged into your breast, as you did when positioning her as a newborn. You could also try nursing in different positions so the pressure does not hit in the same place at all times. Try lying down to nurse, maybe even rotating her body so her feet are at your head (if she is still cooperative at 10 months of age!)
Though your description in the letter does sound like your nipple pain is being caused by your daughter's teeth, there are several other things you should consider if you have been nursing comfortably and are now bothered by sore nipples:
- When nipple pain arises suddenly you also need to rule out thrush.
- Food particles remaining in a toddler's mouth can be irritating and may even cause an allergic reaction with itching, dryness, flakiness of your nipples. Offer your daughter a few sips of water prior to nursing.
- Pregnancy can be a cause of late-onset nipple soreness.
Hope this helps you return to pain-free nursing!
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