Very strange.... Eek!!
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Topic: Very strange.... Eek!!
Posted By: KiwiL
Subject: Very strange.... Eek!!
Date Posted: 02 October 2008 at 4:44am
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Ok, I feel like I am losing the plot. I am all stressed out!
Last week I pointed out a small white spot on Jackson's bottom left gum, that looked like it might be an ulcer. Midwife was a bit perplexed and told me to keep an eye on it. Today Jackson has fussed a lot with feeding. He is acting hungry, but then constantly coming off the breast and crying in pain. I had a feel of the gum before, and a look as well, and I swear to god he's got a tooth poking through. It's white, and very hard, and protruding and right where a tooth should be. He seems to get some relief when I gently push on it. I'm almost beside myself with worry, and haven't been able to sleep. What 2-week-old has a tooth?!? Is he freakishly abnormal? I've already bugged my midwife this week about Jackson's vomiting, and I am seeing her on Friday. I'm almost embarrassed to call her about this in the morning. Has anyone heard of something like this happening? Do I have cause for alarm? What will happen with breastfeeding? I am so,so worried about my little boy. I don't want there to be anything wrong with him... 
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Replies:
Posted By: my2girls
Date Posted: 02 October 2008 at 7:28am
| Hey there, its not that uncommon to get teeth this early, some babies are born with teeth!! You shouldnt have a problem with breastfeeding. Which tooth do you think has come through? Im sure your midwife wont mind you calling her to check, thats what they are there for afterall :) |
Posted By: MrsMojo
Date Posted: 02 October 2008 at 7:36am
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As Mareed already said it's considered normal for babies to get first teeth at anytime from before birth - 1 yr old. The ages stated in your plunket book are just an average and it's ok for him to start getting teeth now. Pop to your chemist for some bonjela or teething powder and get a script for paracetamol and soon you'll have a much happier baby. -------------  
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Posted By: gemsmum
Date Posted: 02 October 2008 at 8:03am
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I've seen babies born with teeth - it could quite possibly be one. You are not losing the plot hon. Hehe. These wee monkeys are here to keep us on our toes.
Debs ------------- http://lilypie.com">  
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Posted By: Kazzle
Date Posted: 02 October 2008 at 8:04am
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oh my god, how did i miss this...congrats on your wee one....and wow a tooth already, go little man, if in doubt ring your midwife thats what she is there for ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: cuppatea
Date Posted: 02 October 2008 at 8:16am
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Spencer had a white spot on his tooth at around that age and the midwife checked to see if it was tooth as it is possible, it turned out to just be a harmless milk spot though. The other thing is thrush? normally they get a sore bum and also pass onto your boob so that you get sore and itchy nipple (I think never had it myself). But white spots in the mouth is one of the signs.
Having a tooth won't stop him breastfeeding, babies that are breastfed till 1yrs plus have a whole mouth full of teeth and still feed just fine. And I agree with ringing your midwife as she is there to help you but can only do that if you tell her you need help. ------------- 
 
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Posted By: jaycee
Date Posted: 02 October 2008 at 8:18am
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yep - I have a friend whoes little boy was born with his two bottom teeth. She breastfed him for a year. Call your midwife or plunket line if you want help or info - it is what they are for. -------------   
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Posted By: weegee
Date Posted: 02 October 2008 at 8:47am
We had a bit of a teething scare here too, I called Healthline and they were wonderful. One of the things the nurse said though was not to use Bonjela when they're so young, because they haven't developed enough of a gag reflex and it can numb their throats and cause them to choke 
If it is teething (is he drooling? does he have red cheeks? is he gnawing on his fingers or knuckles?), it's also common for the teeth to come up and down several times before breaking through, so it might just go away by itself for a while. Somewhat OT: at about Jackson's age my JJ was doing the same thing, fussing, coming off when feeding, and being much gassier and spilly. My midwife suspected mild reflux, and recommended trying some different positions to combat it. Turned out in the end - my milk had just properly come in - I had forceful letdown and it was just pouring into his mouth too quickly for the poor wee guy, so he was coming off to try to take a break, gulping down as fast as he could which meant taking in air which caused the gassiness/spillyness. If you think it might be that there's a list of symptoms and solutions http://www.kellymom.com/bf/supply/fast-letdown.html - here . ------------- 
Mum to JJ, 4 July 2008 & Addie, 28 July 2010 |
Posted By: KiwiL
Date Posted: 02 October 2008 at 9:15am
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Thanks for the responses guys.
I have had a look on the web and found out a bit of information, but it is only scaring me more. It talks about removing the teeth, or the teeth being all discoloured if they are left in. And then it links to a whole heap of other syndromes as well. Feeling very sad... |
Posted By: weegee
Date Posted: 02 October 2008 at 9:18am
Honestly, if it is teeth, it's really nothing to worry about  -------------
Mum to JJ, 4 July 2008 & Addie, 28 July 2010 |
Posted By: cuppatea
Date Posted: 02 October 2008 at 9:21am
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Google is not your friend -------------
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Posted By: KiwiL
Date Posted: 02 October 2008 at 9:27am
| I know! I can't help myself though! |
Posted By: Shezamumof3
Date Posted: 02 October 2008 at 9:51am
Hey hun, honestly try not to worry, it is actually quite common for babies to be born with a tooth I read it in my pregnancy book.
Give healthline a call and see what they say, but it sounds like jackson is fussing because his gum is sore, healthline told me that when they teeth the will fuss while feeding because the sucking puts pressure on their gums. Also they said if you press on the sore bit it will give them relief. There will be nothing wrong with him hun ****hugs*** ETA-Get same baby bonjels(healthline told me its ok to use before 4 months if you use just a tiny amount) and also get some pamol for babies and give him a little bit and he will be much happier. ------------- |
Posted By: tropics
Date Posted: 02 October 2008 at 10:16am
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Congrats hun!!!! wow the time flys by! didnt realise you had bubs already awesome!
and I wouldnt worry as people have said its normal for bubs to be born with teeth ------------- http://lilypie.com">    [/url]
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Posted By: KiwiL
Date Posted: 02 October 2008 at 12:22pm
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I have spent most of the morning having a big cry! Not really rational, but it's hard not to worry about your bubba.
My MIL came round and she couldn't believe it, but agrees it definately feels like a tooth. Unfortunately I can now see that it has caused an ulcer on the underside of his tongue, which is probably what is actually causing him the pain when sucking. He is only having tiny feeds today. 
Thank goodness I have that appointment with the paediatrition on Tuesday - although Tuesday seems an eternity away.... Sorry to be so down. I do appreciate your reassurance but I just can't see how this can all be ok. |
Posted By: catisla
Date Posted: 02 October 2008 at 12:34pm
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Hey Laurie - just wanted to say to you and hope Jackson is feeling and feeding better soon - it was great to cuddle him yesterday ------------- |
Posted By: KiwiL
Date Posted: 02 October 2008 at 1:59pm
| Thanks Sue. I could do with some cuddles myself - am a big sack of misery today! Can't wait for DH to get home.... |
Posted By: Shezamumof3
Date Posted: 02 October 2008 at 2:04pm
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Awww Hun, me and caden would come see you if we lived near you and give you cuddles!
Here are some cyber cuddles ------------- |
Posted By: cuppatea
Date Posted: 02 October 2008 at 2:05pm
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Hey, it is totally normal to get stressed about stuff especially when they are so new, but try to remember it is just a tooth. Do you think a visit to your gp would help? that way you could get some proper advice about some teething stuff that he could have, the herbal variety might be ok for his age, and the doc might give you some pamol as well which might help with his feeding.
And seriously getting a tooth this early is totally normal, my midwife had one born with a tooth and she never said anything negative about it in anyway. Hope your DH is home soon to give you a cuddle and here is a cyber one for now -------------
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Posted By: KiwiL
Date Posted: 02 October 2008 at 4:08pm
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Thanks cuppatea - I do feel silly getting so worked up about it. It's not so much the tooth that is upsetting me, just that Jackson is obviously in pain.
He looks at me with a little frown on his face and I feel like I am really letting him down. So, I am hurting along with him just because it's my job to protect him. I haven't heard back from my midwife, but my amazing and lovely GP is fitting me in at 5pm. Hopefully I get some answers, but at the very least something to help soothe the ulcer under his tongue, as I think that is the real source of pain for him at the moment. Thanks guys for the cyber hugs! |
Posted By: popcorn
Date Posted: 02 October 2008 at 6:11pm
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heya
the weleda teething powder is a brilliant natural aid for teething, just rub some on his gums and it numbs it straight away ------------- http://lilypie.com"> 
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Posted By: cuppatea
Date Posted: 02 October 2008 at 6:51pm
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Hope the appointment went well, and yay for your doc being so great and squeezing you in. -------------
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Posted By: KiwiL
Date Posted: 02 October 2008 at 8:59pm
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Thanks once again to everyone for their supportive comments.
I went to the doctor and here's what he told me: * He's not sure it's a tooth actually coming through. He said it is possible that he had an ulcer on his gum from poor latch and that this has exposed the tooth underneath. It is not protruding much, so he said it may just stay like this and not fully erupt until it is supposed to. * They don't remove teeth unless absolutely necessary, so feels that Jackson will just need to get used to it (harden up Bubba!). They would only remove if the tooth was terribly loose and a choking hazard. * He said Jackson is likely to adjust his latch himself to avoid the pain, and already he does seem to be feeding a little better. He cries when he first goes on and then gets a bit more used to it. I guess time will tell on this one. * Suggested I go to Plunket and see if they can help adjust his latch if it doesn't seem to improve over the next few days. * He has given me some oral medicine that is used to clear up thrush, and says that this should also help clear the ulcer So, the visit has cheered me up a little, but the doctor wants me to come back if the tooth continues to move further up. I am also seeing my midwife tomorrow and the paed on Tuesday, so I am getting good care and should get lots of opinions on how to manage everything. And DH came home and cuddled me and made me feel a lot better (reassured me that Jackson would still love me!!). Feeling a little better - I'll keep you posted on the wee man's progress. |
Posted By: Bobbie
Date Posted: 02 October 2008 at 9:26pm
Your baby is 2 week old - It is so normal to be emotional. I remember crying when Rowan puked up her milk feed because I was sure I had somehow poisoned her with my terrible milk. And big big congrats on your little one. He's such a cute button!  -------------  
 
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kiwilaurie wrote:Posted By: cuppatea
Date Posted: 02 October 2008 at 9:26pm
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Ah glad the appointment went well and of course Jackson will love you, look at all the worry and effort that you have had to make sure he is ok, how could he not.
If the latch doesn't improve and you can afford it I would see a lactation consultant rather than plunket as they are the experts with all that is breastfeeding. In christchurch the cost is about $70, but possible your mw could arrange a free consult through the hospital or something if need be. -------------
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Posted By: KiwiL
Date Posted: 03 October 2008 at 7:14pm
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Hmmm, not a lot better today unfortunately. Jackson is still quite sore and not feeding very well.
He has only had one little poo today (normally he has several) and only a couple of wet nappies. I think he is only getting the foremilk and then giving up. I am still at a bit of a loss! My MW was supposed to come today, but she had a delivery so is not coming until tomorrow. Jackson is looking a little pale and I am worried he is getting dehydrated.
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Posted By: Shezamumof3
Date Posted: 03 October 2008 at 7:46pm
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Try feeding him with the syringe, he wont be feeding well cos its hurts to suck.
You might be able to get more into him if u express aand syringe feed, its also good if you dont want to introduce bottles yet/if at all. ------------- |
Posted By: KiwiL
Date Posted: 03 October 2008 at 8:48pm
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Yeah, I am going to try that. I didn't have a syringe today but DH has brought one home.
He just had a big feed but is overtired now and won't settle. Poor wee boy! And poor mummy too. |
Posted By: KiwiL
Date Posted: 05 October 2008 at 4:47pm
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Gah! The midwife thinks the tooth next door might pop out as well. More to worry about!!
Luckily the feeding seems to have improved. Fingers crossed!! |
Posted By: katie1
Date Posted: 05 October 2008 at 5:54pm
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You are doing so well. It is so hard when they are really little. You will be feeling so tired still. My hormones were all over the show at that stage and it is so normal to be teary and worried. Don't be afraid to keep ringing your midwife - I know that you feel guilty (I always do too) but it is their job to support you.
Hang in there. It will get better. You are doing a great job. |
Posted By: FionaO
Date Posted: 05 October 2008 at 6:49pm
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Laurie - its sounds like you are having a rough old time of it!!!! Please shout if you need anything happy to pop over!!!!
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Posted By: caitlynsmygirl
Date Posted: 05 October 2008 at 6:56pm
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The syringe is a good idea, and that way you can probably avoid the sore tooth/ ulcer area .
My friends daughter had teeth that age, 2, ...she was ok , baby sort of adjusted her latch after a while, remember , they are a lot more resiliant than we sometimes give them credit for . you sound like your getting a bit overwhelmed by it all...which is very common when you have a brand new baby and a mix of different emotions with it, any chance your DH could look after him for even an hour and you get some rest ? sometimes an hour or so sleep does wonders. ------------- 
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Posted By: Maya
Date Posted: 05 October 2008 at 7:49pm
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Big hugs Laurie! Welcome to the rollercoaster of emotions that come with being a mum, and especially a new mum! Gotta love (or hate!) those hormones.
Sounds like your GP has given you some really sensible advice. Someone on here had a baby born with a tooth, I can't for the life of me remember who it was tho! Will think on it and if my hole-filled brain can remember will let you know. -------------  Maya Grace (28/02/03)
 (02/01/06)
The Gremlins:Sienna Marie & Mercedes Kailah (14/10/06)
Lil miss:Chiara Louise Chloe (09/07/08)
Her ladyship:Rosalia Sophie Anais (18/06/12)
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Posted By: KiwiL
Date Posted: 07 October 2008 at 11:18pm
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Thanks everyone - I have been easily overwhelmed but my DH has been fantastically supportive. I tend to let my imagination get away with me aswell and jump three steps ahead when I really need to be taking it one at a time.
Anyway, I have copied this from the September thread, but here is a wee update on where we are at. Comments/experiences/opinions are, as usual, welcomed and appreciated. Ok - apologies in advance for the long post, but I thought I would share how my day went. Hopefully this will be therapeutic! Jackson did not have a good day with feeding today. His time on the breast was down to about four minutes and then he was very sleepy. He was wimpering with pain when he latched on and, I know this sounds dramatic, but he looked very sad and defeated. I was feeling pretty down too. We saw the paediatrician late this afternoon and he was great. He looked at Jackson's mouth and confirmed the first tooth. He also confirmed my suspicions regarding the severe swelling on the gum next door to the tooth - there is another tooth coming through, but it is coming through on a strange angle. This is causing him pain, and also causing him abrasions on his tongue.... which leads to the poor feeding and the poor weight gain. The paed thinks the tooth needs to be removed (at least the second one, hopefully he can keep the first), and is investigating a specialist dentist for us to see (sooner rather than later). It's good to have a plan of attack, and someone who is taking me seriously. Obviously, the process has raised some questions for me... e.g. what happens when Jackson learns to talk if he is missing some teeth, and what anasthetic will be used and if it is safe etc... But I guess that will all be covered by the dentist. On the plus side, Jackson was checked over thoroughly everywhere else and appears to be in good working order. Anyway, I came home still feeling terribly sad and worried, but glad that we have now actually got an action plan. Tonight has been a bit of a nightmare. Jackson wouldn't latch on at all, try as he might, because of the obvious discomfort. I tried to express some milk, but didn't get a drop - probably due to my rising stress levels due to a clearly hungry child. So... I called Plunket Line to ask about formula. I was expecting a lecture to be honest, but I ended up getting one of the most amazing ladies ever! Not only was she the first person I have spoken to in real life who has seen this sort of thing before (she said "oh, and the teeth will be causing him sores on his tongue!") but she also affirmed that it was more important I get some food into him so that I can begin to express effectively. We spoke for about ten minutes, and she was so kind to me and reassured me that this need not spell the end to my breastfeeding either. So, Jackson had his first bottle of formula tonight. I had to make DH do it as I am so disappointed he wasn't on the breast. He took a mere 40mls, which I think is evidence that his stomach has shrunk. I am about to give expressing another go, and hope to have him on expressed milk within 24 hours. Unfortunately, the Plunket Nurse recommended bottle feeding for a while as it is easier on their mouths. This worries me for trying to get BF established again later. I think I will offer him the breast, if only for a few minutes, anyway, so that he doesn't forget the concept. I am still feeling pretty down and disappointed with how things are turning out, but I feel that there might be a light at the end of this tunnel. I really hope we get back on track really soon. Thanks to everyone for their support. |
Posted By: cuppatea
Date Posted: 08 October 2008 at 2:10pm
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Hey, glad the paed has given you lots of advice and support and hopefully the appointment with the dentist will help with your other worries. I had four teeth removed when I was 18months and didn't have any front teeth until my adult ones came through when I was 7ish (I think, don't really remember would have to ask mum), I never had any trouble talking at all so I don't think missing one tooth will make any difference in that respect but obviously the dentist would know for sure.
With the feeding I really strongly suggest seeing a lactation consultant sooner rather than later. If he finds it easier etc to feed off the bottle then you might find that he very quickly refuses the breast and it seems to me that at the moment that on top of everything else might push you over the edge. Also the lactation consultant will sit with you and watch you feed etc so is in a much better position to advise than a plunket nurse over the phone, not saying she gave you bad advice as she sounds like she was great but just that for latching is better to have someone that can see what is happening and help you with different positions and so on. Also 40mls at a feed for a 3 week old sounds about right to me, they honestly have tiny tummies which is why they feed so often. -------------
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Posted By: KiwiL
Date Posted: 08 October 2008 at 2:48pm
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Thanks cuppatea for your comments, particularly about the teeth and talking! This is what I mean by jumping three steps ahead!! ;o)
I saw a lactation consultant the other day, she said my latch was fine and showed me a couple of different positions, but they all seem to hurt him. He is able to nurse for about 5 minutes, so I am breastfeeding first, topping up with the bottle and then giving him another turn on the breast before he goes back to bed. I am hoping that by doing this he will remain used to the breast. I tried to syringe feed last night, but that was an absolute disaster. He cried his eyes out, and was choking and spitting. I am also hoping that we get a dental appointment in the next couple of days so we can turn this around nice and quickly. Part of the bottle feeding and expressing is also to get my supply back up, as I think all these short feeds has taken its toll. Having said all that, once the tooth is sorted, I am planning to see a private lactation consultant again for advice and support getting back into the flow of things. I REALLY appreciate the time people take to make comments - there has been an awful lot of helpful stuff so far. Thanks! |
Posted By: cuppatea
Date Posted: 08 October 2008 at 3:01pm
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Sounds like you have a good plan going. Once your supply is up again and he is a little older and stronger he should be able to feed quicker off the breast and then hopefully reduce the amount needed from the bottle if any. Sounds like a good idea to see an LC again later on as well as he (and you) may need to relearn feeding once that discomfort from the tooth has gone.
I think all us mums jump 3 steps ahead, Spencer was born with an eye condition and I convinced myself he was blind and/or had neurological problems and possibly eye cancer (stupid google) turns out that he can see fine, his eyes just flick about a bit but he'll mostly grow out of it. -------------
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Posted By: Maya
Date Posted: 08 October 2008 at 7:17pm
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Yay for a plan and a good paed!
Random and slightly OT but Kateandahalf is a speech language therapist, maybe you could PM her and ask about whether the missing teeth are likely to affect Jackson's speech later on. ------------- Maya Grace (28/02/03)
(02/01/06)
The Gremlins:Sienna Marie & Mercedes Kailah (14/10/06)
Lil miss:Chiara Louise Chloe (09/07/08)
Her ladyship:Rosalia Sophie Anais (18/06/12)
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Posted By: KiwiL
Date Posted: 08 October 2008 at 8:20pm
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Thanks Emma - might just do that.
Things happened very quickly today. I got a call from the hospital dental team saying "can you come now?" My car windscreen had just been replaced and I couldn't drive it - so I had to take a taxi ($60 later!). Saw the dentist and she felt the teeth. The one causing all the swelling was clearly loose and badly formed. So, a bit of topical anasthetic and she just flicked it out! Gone. The other tooth also seems loose, but she couldn't get it out, so I have to go back next week. Jackson screamed blue murder, but immediately went for a comfort suck on the breast and has shown no signs of distress. Already the swelling is gone, so that is a relief. Now we just have to get him feeding for longer. I am hoping that the other tooth doesn't cause the ulcer to come back (it has healed in a few days). Can't believe how quick and easy it was. The dentist is unsure if the teeth are true baby teeth, or perhaps extras and that new teeth will come later. I guess time will tell! If they are true baby teeth, then he is likely to have crowding in his jaw when his adult teeth come in and need braces. But, both DH and I had terrible teeth and had orthodontic work, so he would probably have needed it anyway. The dentist also doesn't think that there will be any speech problems. So.... onward and upward and let's get the feeding on track now! Midwife is coming tomorrow, so will be interesting to get his weight. I am going to ask her for an extra mid week visit next week for another weigh in so I can see how he is progressing. |
Posted By: cuppatea
Date Posted: 08 October 2008 at 8:34pm
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Oh yay, was probably the best thing, get the visit over and done with quickly.
Hopefully feeding will quickly improve now and good luck for the weigh in tomorrow. -------------
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Posted By: Shezamumof3
Date Posted: 08 October 2008 at 10:51pm
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Thats great news Laurie! Hopefully now wee jackson will be able to feed better as he wont be in any/as much pain!
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