Breastfeeding Pain from Baby Teeth: How to Stop the Pain Without Stopping Breastfeeding 

Does your breastfed baby have teeth? And is it suddenly hurting your nipples when they breastfeed, BUT… they’re not biting you? If you’re wincing during feeds and wondering if you can actually keep going with breastfeeding, you’re not alone! This is actually pretty common, but people aren’t talking about it! 🤯 It can be so painful and distressing! The good news? Breastfeeding shouldn’t be painful even when your baby has teeth, and there are things you can do to fix it! In this post, I’ll explain why breastfeeding pain from baby teeth happens and share simple strategies to stop the pain so you can keep breastfeeding your precious little one comfortably for as long as you’d like to.

Why Does Breastfeeding Hurt Even When Baby Isn’t Biting?

When mums think about breastfeeding and baby teeth, biting is usually the first worry. But what if your baby *isn’t* biting and it still hurts? Here’s what’s happening: 

• Baby’s latch has changed. As babies grow, we tend to relax a bit and hold them differently. Sometimes this can make it harder for them to latch properly. If they’re not latched deeply, their teeth might rub against your nipple. 
• Teeth scraping during breastfeeding. Some babies let their top teeth rest against the breast while feeding, which can cause friction and discomfort. 
• Sensitive nipples. If you’ve had a bite injury before, your nipples might be extra sensitive, making any pressure from baby’s teeth more painful. 

Why Finding Relief Matters for Your Breastfeeding Journey

If breastfeeding is hurting, you might start dreading feeds, which can lead to stress, your milk not flowing easily or feeling like you just can’t keep breastfeeding and stop altogether. Finding relief will help both you and your baby continue your breastfeeding journey happily and comfortably. 

How to Stop Breastfeeding Pain from Baby Teeth 

Here are four simple ways to reduce pain and keep breastfeeding comfortable: 

1. Check (and Adjust) Baby’s Latch 

A deep latch is key to pain-free breastfeeding. If baby is only taking the nipple instead of a big mouthful of the breast, their teeth might be pressing against you. Try these adjustments: 

• Be a bit pedantic with the latch and position again for a while (like when they were a newborn).
• Make sure baby’s mouth is open wide before latching. 
• Aim for more breast tissue in their mouth, not just the nipple. 

2. Relieve Teething Discomfort Before Feeds 

If baby’s gums are sore, they might adjust their latch or clamp down without meaning to. Helping them feel better before breastfeeding can make a big difference. Try: 

• Offering a cold teething toy or a chilled washcloth to chew on before feeds. 
• Gently massaging their gums with a clean finger. 
• If teething is really bothering them, offering some pain relief medication (check with your doctor for options). 

3. Protect Your Nipples from Scraping 

If baby’s teeth are resting or scraping against your nipple or areola, try these tips: 

• Check baby’s position. Sometimes a small shift in the way baby is breastfeeding can stop the scraping. 
• Make sure bub’s head is tipped back and chin digging in. This helps move their top teeth away from the breast.

4. Heal and Prevent Bite Injuries 

If your baby *has* bitten before, your nipples might still be healing, making them more sensitive to any contact with baby’s teeth, not to mention making you feel more anxious! To help heal and prevent more pain: 

• Try a different feeding position for a while so the pressure of bub’s suck is on another area of the nipple until you’ve healed.
• Express a few drops of breastmilk after feeds and smear into wound to speed healing. 
• Pay attention to signs that baby is done feeding (bored babies sometimes bite!). 
• For tips on how to stop bub from biting while breastfeeding, check out this blog post.

 You *Can* Breastfeed Comfortably—Even with Baby Teeth 

Breastfeeding pain from baby teeth can be distressing, but it doesn’t mean you have to stop breastfeeding. With small adjustments—like improving latch, relieving teething discomfort, and protecting your nipples—you can keep breastfeeding comfortably for as long as you and your baby want.

Have you dealt with breastfeeding pain from baby teeth? I’d love to hear how it’s going for you! Send me a DM on Instagram and let me know which tip helped you the most—I’m here to help. 😊