{"id":104,"date":"2023-11-28T15:48:26","date_gmt":"2023-11-28T15:48:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.surfsupdental.com\/blog\/?p=104"},"modified":"2023-12-27T15:55:35","modified_gmt":"2023-12-27T15:55:35","slug":"nursing-nightmare-2-myths-about-breastfeeding-and-how-your-dentist-can-help","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.surfsupdental.com\/blog\/nursing-nightmare-2-myths-about-breastfeeding-and-how-your-dentist-can-help\/","title":{"rendered":"Nursing Nightmare: 2 Myths About Breastfeeding and How Your Dentist Can Help"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Though nursing your newborn can be a tender bonding experience, many new mothers struggle with it. Whether their child doesn\u2019t ever seem satisfied, or they feel too achy to try anymore, there are many indicators that something isn\u2019t quite right. In many cases, the baby has a tongue tie<\/a> or other oral problem affecting them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Often when new mothers reach out for help, however, they\u2019re told that soreness while breastfeeding is normal or that they simply need to toughen up and give it time. This response dismisses the possibility that there may be a real dilemma, but fortunately, a dentist may be able to help! Keep reading to learn 2 myths about breastfeeding that could do more harm than good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Myth #1: Breastfeeding is Supposed to Hurt<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The idea that nursing is supposed to hurt has struck fear, guilt, and shame into the hearts of many new mothers struggling to care for their newborns. While there can be some initial tenderness as you and your baby learn the ropes, persistent or ongoing pain can be symptomatic of a larger concern. Your baby might struggle to latch because of a lip or tongue tie, for example.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Myth #2: Dry, Cracked, or Bleeding Nipples are Normal<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

New mothers often hear that it\u2019s normal for their nipples to dry to the point that they crack and bleed, but fortunately, this is also untrue. Along with persistent throbbing, it\u2019s another sign that something is off.  If your little one is straining because they\u2019re unable to latch properly, they may try to compensate for that by sucking harder. The added tension could be causing the issue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Your Dentist Can Help<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If your baby is having a hard time latching, it\u2019s entirely possible that a pediatric dentist can resolve the problem. They\u2019ll examine your newborn to determine whether they show signs of:<\/p>\n\n\n\n