My sweet baby boy has two bottom teeth sprouting. Initially, I was over the moon excited for him ... anticipating a new world of finger foods, toothbrushing and tooth-filled smiles. I've been overly confident that the teeth wouldn't interfere with our nursing because it has never hurt for me, not even in the beginning. I never had to even consider lanolin, nipple creams or soothers.
In the past week, he's occasionally been grazing my nipple with these new budding teeth, but it hasn't been anything I'd classify as 'pain.' I can't believe women end nursing over this, it's not that bad.
Until today. I got bit. Twice. The pain is in the same category as stubbing your toe or being scratched by a cat. It made me want to throw something across the room. Unfortunately for Carter, he was the only thing in my hands. I'm kidding, little bugger (aka piranha) is fine. I wish I could say the same for my nipple. My initial reaction was to scream, pull him off, then find him blinking up at me with a gigantic smile. I had no idea it was possible for human teeth to be so sharp. Or maybe I gave birth to a baby that belongs in Twilight?
So now we have a problem that I should have seen coming, but I've been completely unprepared for. To keep him on breastmilk, I'd have to pump every time he's hungry. Anyone who pumps knows this is a crazy amount of work, especially while you're taking care
of a hungry baby at the same time.
I don't have any milk stored. I could try to teach him not to bite, but I'm pretty sure this is the way he's been latching ever since he was born, and now his teeth are just getting in the way ... is it really possible for him to relearn his latch after all this time? Do we make a switch to formula? Am I going to be able to do this? The thought of suddenly ending nursing makes me really sad and nervous. I envision an entirely new relationship between me and Carter emerging ... how can I not offer him the breast for comfort and nourishment? It's the way we operate. I hope kisses and hugs are enough from here on out, I'm really going to miss my little baby.
I'll keep you updated on how this works itself out.
